Aloe juvenna

This attractive aloe is native to Africa and grows up to 2-5 feet high, with a spread of a couple of feet. Its leaves, arranged in a rosette, are short, succulent, bright green and edged with brownish-red spines.

It's easy to care for Aloe juvenna and prefers full sun but accepts light shade, though too much shade will reduce the number of blooms. During the growing season, it likes moderate amounts of water and good drainage. In the winter months, it has the capacity to survive dry conditions, but for the health of the plant, water should be given at least once a month. This plant is hardy to USDA Zone 9-11, but in colder regions, it's best grown in a pot and stored in a cool, dry place, and kept over the winter months in a bright, sunny location, but not in direct sunlight.

In terms of maintenance and care, Aloe juvenna is quite easy to care for. Feed the plant once in spring and again in the early fall with a slow-release granular fertilizer or liquid fertilizer. When repotting or pruning, use gloves to protect your hands due to the sharp leaf spines. To maximize flowering, remove dead flowers as soon as they appear, and snipping off the seed pods will halt self-seeding. In the cold winter months, the pot should be put in a cool and dry place, away from the risk of frost.

Similar plants:

• Aloe africana (African Aloe)
• Aloe arborescens (Tree Aloe, Krantz Aloe, Torch Aloe)
• Aloe aristata (Torch Plant, Lace Aloe)
• Aloe erinacea, Aloe melanacantha var. erinacea (Goree)
• Aloe haworthioides (Haworthia-leaved Aloe)
• Aloe marlothii (Mountain Aloe, Flat-flowered Aloe )
• Aloe plicatilis (Fan Aloe)
• Aloe sp. (Aloe)
• Aloe speciosa (Tilt-head Aloe)
• Aloe striata (Coral Aloe)