[ad_1]
They’re easy to care for, really they are. In fact, you should avoid the mistake of giving them too much versus too little. They don’t want too much water, and they don’t require too much room to grow.
They might become more seriously rootbound eventually and need repotting, but you can expect this to happen only once every two or three years.
You’ll be able to tell they’ve reached that point when the rosettes completely hide the soil surface and the leaves are cascading over the edges of the pot.
When you notice those signs, move your mature aloe into a new pot that’s just a size bigger – maybe two inches wider in diameter – and it will be good to go for a couple more years.
Where to Buy
You can buy seedlings and young plants, though they’re not as widely available as many other types of succulents.
These seedlings in four-inch pots are available via Amazon.
In my experience, the seedlings arrive in great shape, surviving the shipping quite well, carefully wrapped in bubble wrap.
It’s also possible to start this unusual succulent from seed.
Propagation
If you have a buddy with this variety of aloe, you are in luck! The simplest way to acquire your own red and green succulent is to propagate one of the small offsets the mature plants produce.
These offsets, or “pups,” sprout in the soil near the base of the plant.
Just tug one gently out of the dirt, roots and all, let it dry for a day or two, then plant in a two-inch container full of pre-moistened cactus or succulent mix.
See more directions for propagating ‘Christmas Carol’ and other aloe varieties in our propagation guide.
It’s possible to start this unusual succulent from seed, but ‘Christmas Carol’ is a hybrid, so there’s a good chance seeds won’t grow true to the variety you’re expecting.
If you still want to give it a go, increase the odds of germination by creating a shallow container of cactus or succulent potting mix that’s at least half sand or perlite and that has been moistened.
A container that can later rest on a sunny windowsill is the best option.
Plant the seeds about an inch apart and top them with a thin layer of the light soil, about an eighth of an inch thick.
Place the container where it won’t be disturbed in an area that maintains a consistent temperature of 70°F or a few degrees warmer.
Bottom heat and a plastic wrap cover on top of the container will hasten germination, which can take anywhere from two to four weeks.
Make sure to keep the soil damp while the seeds germinate – this is crucial. A spray bottle of plain water or a plant mister will work best. Replace the plastic top after spritzing each time.
[ad_2]
Rose Kennedy
Source link