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Houseplant of the week

Aristaloe aristata (lace aloe)

George Hudson is Head of Plants and Education at Walworth Garden. Follow on Instagram @walworthgarden

Despite its delicate name, the lace aloe, or Aristaloe aristata, is a tough houseplant that will withstand neglect and even a London winter. Its fleshy leaves grow in swirling rosettes, and each leaf is covered in pale green bumps and tapers to a soft spine. In mid spring a spike of peachy orange flowers emerges from the middle of the plant.

PROPAGATION

Aristaloe are best propagated from ‘plantlets’, or offsets. These are small clones of the parent plant that form around the base of the main rosette. They normally grow around older plants; if you look carefully, most hand-sized plants have at least one plantlet. Terracotta pots work well for planting as excess moisture evaporates from the sides. Use two parts peat-free compost mixed with one part horticultural sand and grit. Ease the parent plant out of its pot and gently peel away the offset until the white stem comes away. Bury about one quarter of the plant, water well and allow to dry out before watering. Spring or summer will provide the most success.

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2021-06-16T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-06-16T07:00:00.0000000Z

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