Contents
Description
Aloe Blue Elf, also known as Aloe ‘Blue Elf,’ is a succulent plant belonging to the Asphodelaceae family. It is a hybrid plant that was created by crossing Aloe ‘Doran Black’ and Aloe ‘Blue Candles.’ This plant is native to South Africa and is known for its attractive blue-green foliage and bright orange flowers. It is a small plant that usually grows up to 12 inches tall and 8-10 inches wide, making it an excellent choice for indoor gardening and small garden landscapes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
Appearance
Aloe Blue Elf has thick, fleshy, and pointed leaves that grow in a rosette formation. The leaves are blue-green in color and have white spots on them. The plant produces tall spikes of bright orange flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are tubular and grow about 1-2 feet tall. The plant is small, compact, and grows up to 12 inches tall and 8-10 inches wide.
Care Guide
Aloe Blue Elf is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here is a guide on how to take care of Aloe Blue Elf:
Water
Aloe Blue Elf prefers well-draining soil and does not like to sit in water. Water your plant only when the soil is dry to the touch. During the summer, water once a week, but reduce watering in winter to once every two weeks.
Fertilization
Fertilize your Aloe Blue Elf every two to three months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Soil
Aloe Blue Elf prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. Use a cactus or succulent soil mix, or make your own by mixing sand, perlite, and peat moss in equal parts.
Sunlight
Aloe Blue Elf prefers bright, indirect sunlight, but it can tolerate some direct sunlight. Place your plant near a window that receives bright, indirect sunlight for at least six hours a day.
Hardiness Zones
Aloe Blue Elf is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11. It does not tolerate frost and prefers temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Common Pests and Diseases
Aloe Blue Elf is susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, scales, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with a neem oil solution or wiping the leaves with a damp cloth. The plant is also susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
Habitat
Aloe Blue Elf is native to South Africa and thrives in dry and arid climates. It grows in rocky and sandy soils in full sun or partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Aloe Blue Elf?
A: Water your Aloe Blue Elf only when the soil is dry to the touch. During the summer, water once a week, but reduce watering in winter to once every two weeks.
Q: Can I grow Aloe Blue Elf indoors?
A: Yes, Aloe Blue Elf is an excellent choice for indoor gardening as it is small and compact.
Q: What is the best soil mix for Aloe Blue Elf?
A: Aloe Blue Elf prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0. Use a cactus or succulent soil mix, or make your own by mixing sand, perlite, and peat moss in equal parts.
Q: How tall does Aloe Blue Elf grow?
A: Aloe Blue Elf grows up to 12 inches tall and 8-10 inches wide.
Related Plants
- Aloe Vera
- Aloe Aristata
- Aloe Vera
- Aloe Vera
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/aloe-vera/aloe-blue-elf-info.htm
- https://worldofsucculents.com/aloe-blue-elf/
- https://www.plantopedia.com/aloe-blue-elf/
