Interested in growing your own Aloe dorotheae but unsure what steps to take to keep the plant healthy?
Follow this guide to learn how to grow and care for an aloe plant to enjoy its beauty year-round.
in this article:
About Aloe dorotheae
Aloe dorotheae, or Sunset Aloe, is a succulent plant native to Tanzania. It grows in rosettes that can reach up to two feet in diameter, and its leaves are green with white spots but blush bright red in full sun. The flowers are greenish-yellow tubular flowers that appear above the foliage in winter.
The Sunset Aloe is commonly used as an ornamental plant because it has such beautiful foliage and flowers. It’s an excellent option for those who want to grow an aloe plant but don’t have much space—this Aloe shrinks quite a bit when grown indoors (as compared to outdoors), making it perfect for small spaces!
Related Article: Different types of Aloe succulents and common varieties
| Botanical Name | Aloe dorotheae |
| Common Name | Sunset Aloe |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Plant Type | Succulent |
| Origin | Tanzania |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Height | 0-1 feet |
| Width | 1-2 feet |
| Light | Full sun, Partial sun |
| Bloom season | Winter |
| Bloom color | Greenish-Yellow |
| Water needs | Low |
| Soil | Well-Drained, Loamy, Sandy |
| Tolerant | Deer, Drought |
| Toxicity | non-toxic |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 10-11 |
Aloe dorotheae Care
The Sunset Aloe is generally easy to care for, but there are a few things you should know.
Light
Aloe dorotheae thrives in full sun but can also be grown in partial shade. It is not picky about the intensity as long as it gets to grow in a relatively sunny area.
Soil
The Sunset Aloe is not picky about the type of soil it grows in, but it needs well-drained soil that doesn’t hold moisture to grow properly.
Water
Aloe dorotheae is not a succulent that needs to be watered very often. It can survive long droughts, but the leaves will slowly shrivel up if it doesn’t get enough water. So if you want a healthy plant, water it at least once every week or two.
However, avoid overwatering to be safe from root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
The Sunset Aloe is a succulent that can tolerate some cold, but it doesn’t like to be kept below 50ºF (10ºC). Instead, it prefers temperatures between 55ºF and 85ºF with moderate humidity.
Bring your Aloe inside during the winter months in climates where the temperature drops below freezing.
Fertilizer
Aloe dorotheae doesn’t need much fertilizer and should only be fertilized once every couple of months during the growing season. Use a water-soluble balanced fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or similar.
Pruning
You can prune the Sunset Aloe at any time of year. The best time to do this is in late spring or early summer when new leaves are forming. Use sharp, clean scissors, and be sure not to leave any stubs because these will rot quickly and could spread disease.
Potting and Repotting Aloe dorotheae
Aloe dorotheae does not like to be repotted very often. It is best to wait until after a few years of growth before potting up your plant. Use a well-draining soil mix and a large pot.
Pick sometime in spring to undertake this process.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Remove the plant from its current pot. Use your trowel to remove any soil from around the roots.
- Fill in the new pot with the right potting mix.
- Place the Aloe in its new container and fill the empty space with more potting mix.
- Water lightly after a week to give the plant time to settle in.
Propagating Aloe dorotheae by Offsets (Step-by-Step)
Aloe dorotheae can be propagated by seeds and offsets. Seeds take longer and have a lesser chance of success. Therefore it is recommended to propagate by offsets.
- Wait until the plant has produced an offset, usually after the first year.
- Remove the offset from its mother plant by carefully cutting it away with a sharp knife.
- Allow the cut end of the offset some time to heal and callus over (one or two weeks).
- Place the offset in a new pot filled with fresh well-draining soil and water well.
Blooms
Winter blooming, the Aloe dorotheae features bright yellow and green tubular flowers borne on a flowering stalk. These mid-sized stalks rise above the foliage around mid-October in preparation for the blooms ahead.
Toxicity
Aloe dorotheae is non-toxic. It will not harm children or pets.
NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.
Common Pests
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are the nemesis of many aloe plants. They are small, white, oval-shaped, cottony insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of plants. These pests are easily killed by spraying with an insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, brown, or black, immobile bugs that cluster on the undersides of leaves. They suck sap from the plants and can severely weaken them if left untreated. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution to kill off these pests.
Aphids
These small green or red bugs are common on aloe plants. They secrete honeydew that can attract ants and sooty mold fungus growths. If your plant is getting eaten by ants and covered in sooty mold, aphids are the most likely culprits.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy