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    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Aloe Vanbalenii (Van Balen’s Aloe): Growing And Care Guide

    Aloe Vanbalenii (Van Balen’s Aloe): Growing And Care Guide

    By Milo MasonOctober 23, 2022
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    Aloe vanbalenii, or Van Balen’s Aloe, is a spectacular houseplant with a forgiving nature. But if growing it indoors is new to you, it can be hard to know where to start.

    Aloe Vanbalenii
    Aloe vanbalenii (“Aloe Vanbalenii” by Drew Avery is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    This guide breaks down the steps for caring for Van Balen’s Aloe and explains what’s included in this guide.

    in this article:

    • care
    • pruning
    • repotting
    • propagation
    • blooms
    • pests
    • common-problems

    About Aloe vanbalenii

    Aloe vanbalenii, also known as the Van Balen’s Aloe and Octopus Aloe, is a succulent plant native to South Africa.

    This aloe variety generally grows in a rosette form that sends out leaves from emerging from the center of the rosette-like the tentacles of an octopus. The leaves are evergreen and have pointed tips making this variety unique among other aloes.

    Related Article: Different types of Aloe succulents

    The unique leaves can grow up to twelve inches long, with an average of about eight inches.

    The leaves bend, forming a channel or burrow water can pass through. They are mid-green to light green in color and are bordered with small, red spines.

    Botanical NameAloe vanbalenii
    Common NameVan Balen’s Aloe, Octopus Aloe
    FamilyAsphodelaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginSouth Africa
    MaintenanceLow
    Height2-3 feet
    Width3-4 feet
    LightFull sun, Partial Shade
    Bloom seasonWinter, Spring
    Bloom colorYellow, Orange
    Water needsLow
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
    TolerantDeer, Drought
    Toxicitynon-toxic
    Hardiness (USDA)9-11

    Aloe vanbalenii Care

    Caring for an Octopus Aloe is easy as long as you know how to care for aloe plants. The plant is most at risk early on in its lifespan. The closer it reaches maturity, the more established it becomes, requiring less and less care.

    Light

    Aloe vanbalenii does best in bright light but not direct sun. It can also tolerate low light conditions, although it will grow slower, and its leaves may be more yellowish than green.

    Direct sunlight is not harmful unless very strong.

    Soil

    The best soil for Aloe vanbalenii is rich, sandy loam that drains well. If you don’t have this type of potting soil, it can be amended with perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.

    Water

    Aloe vanbalenii should be watered when the soil is dry about an inch below the surface. A good way to tell if your plant needs watering is by sticking your finger into the dirt; if it feels moist, then there’s no need for water at this time.

    If you decide to water your aloe plant, ensure that the water drains out of its container quickly so that it doesn’t sit there, rotting the roots away.

    Temperature and Humidity

    Aloe vanbalenii is a tropical plant, so it prefers warm temperatures year-round. The ideal temperature range for this species is between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 27 degrees Celsius).

    Average room humidity conditions are acceptable for this Aloe, as it does not care either way.

    Fertilizer

    The Octopus Aloe does not require fertilizer, but if you want to boost it, apply 1/2 teaspoon of balanced fertilizer once every couple of months during the growing season.

    Aloe Vanbalenii Cheat Sheet
    Aloe vanbalenii cheat sheet (“File:Aloe vanbalenii 1.jpg” by Stan Shebs is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.)

    Pruning

    To keep the Octopus Aloe in shape, prune it when the plant is dormant. You can do this by removing any dead leaves or branches and any spent flowers that have wilted after their season has passed.

    Potting and Repotting Van Balen’s Aloe

    The Van Balen’s Aloe requires repotting every two to three years. After that, it should be moved into a larger pot with fresh soil and placed in a sunny area of your home. You can also set it outside during the summer months.

    Don’t repot unless needed, as these plants don’t appreciate being moved around often.

    Prepare

    • Prepare the pot. Choose a clay or terracotta container. Make sure it has drainage holes drilled in the bottom. The size should be slightly larger than the current pot.
    • Prepare the soil. Van Balen’s Aloes prefer soil that is well-drained and slightly acidic. You can use either a cactus mix or a commercial potting mix amended with inorganic materials.
    • Choose the spot. Place the plant in an area that receives bright, indirect light. A sunny windowsill will do.
    • Gather the tools. You will need a trowel or small shovel, a sharp knife, and some potting mix.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Remove the plant from its current pot. You can turn it upside down and gently tap on the bottom. Use a trowel as necessary to loosen up the soil.
    2. Fill the new container with fresh soil and pack it down firmly.
    3. Set the Aloe in its new potting mix, positioning it so that the top of the Aloe’s roots is even with the soil’s surface.
    4. Add more soil if needed to cover up any exposed roots or fill any holes in the container.
    5. Water thoroughly to help settle the soil around the root ball.

    Propagating Aloe vanbalenii by Offsets (Step-by-Step)

    The Van Balen’s Aloe produces occasional offsets that emerge from the base of the parent plant. These are miniature versions of the parent plant and have virtually no difference. You can easily continue the culture and replant these offsets in a new pot. Here’s how:

    1. Remove the offset from its parent plant by gently pulling it away from the mother plant’s base.
    2. Carefully clean off any dirt or debris from the roots by washing them under a gentle stream of water.
    3. Allow the cut end to callus over and heal over the next few days.
    4. After the callus has formed, dig a hole in the same soil mix used by your parent plant and place the offset in it.
    5. Fill in around the offset with more soil mix until it is completely covered.
    6. Water thoroughly so that all of the loose soil is dampened and settled down over the surface of the container.

    Related: A Guide to Aloe Vera: The Medicinal Marvel!

    Blooms

    Flowering is usually limited to winter and spring. New flowers emerge during mid to late winter and wilt by the time spring is in full swing.

    Red and orange tubular flowers are borne on an inflorescence that rises above the foliage. Nectar-seeking pollinators are often attracted to the display.

    Aloe Vanbalenii Close Up
    Aloe vanbalenii Close up (“File:Aloe vanbalenii pm.jpg” by Peter A. Mansfeld is licensed under CC BY 3.0.)

    Toxicity

    Aloe vanbalenii is non-toxic. It is not known to be harmful to humans or animals, but it is best if you take some basic precautions around this plant.

    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 can be a problem with Aloe vanbalenii. These are sap-sucking tiny insects that can get out of hand if not handled early. If you notice them, wash the plant with soapy water and use an insecticide to get rid of them.

    Scale Insects

    Scale insects are another common problem in Aloe vanbalenii. These are tiny, immobile insects that look like a raised growth on the surface of the leaf. They can be easily removed by giving the plant a good washing with soapy water.

    Aphids

    Aphids are pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant. You may see them on your Van Balen’s Aloe in large numbers, especially if they are growing in a warm environment without adequate air circulation. If you notice this happening, treat the affected areas with rubbing alcohol.

    AVOID

    • Overwatering
    • Placing under harsh sunlight
    • Using poorly drained potting mediums
    • Fertilizing during dormancy

    Common Problems

    • Overwatering: This is the most common problem in growing Aloe vanbalenii. The plant needs very little water, and if you over-water it, its leaves will start to turn mushy and droop. In severe cases, it may even develop root rot which is very hard to recover from.
    • Sunburn: If you live in a hot, dry climate, your Aloe vanbalenii may suffer from sunburn. To prevent this from happening, place some shade over it or move it indoors during the hottest parts of the day.
    • Overfertilization: Aloe vanbalenii does not need a lot of fertilizer. Too much can lead to problems like root rot and fungal infections. To prevent this from happening, only use half the recommended dose on your plant label or less.

    FAQ

    Give your Aloe vanbalenii plenty of light and sunshine. Do not over-water or fertilize it. Also, make sure that the soil drains well so that your plant doesn’t get root rot.

    You can keep your Aloe vanbalenii in an indoor or outdoor environment. If you live in a cooler climate, it’s best to keep it indoors as the temperatures outside may be too cold for it. However, in warm climates where temperatures don’t drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night (15 degrees Celsius), then you comfortably plant it outdoors.

    Aloe vanbalenii can grow anywhere from 2 to 3 feet tall, depending on the conditions it’s grown in. Its natural shape is like that of an octopus, so it gets slightly wider than its height.

    1. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA
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    Milo Mason

    Milo Mason is a self-proclaimed plant whisperer. With a passion for gardening, houseplants, and all things outdoors, Milo has been cultivating indoor plants for the past five years with an interest in perennials and succulents. He enjoys sharing his insights and research on plant species when it comes to care tips.

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