I have finally embraced the fact that Southern California is dry/semi-arid. This has opened the door to interesting landscape possibilities and plant discoveries. My favorites are succulents and sub-tropical natives. These are my ramblings as I explore my new obsessions!
Same plant, two years earlier, same time of year. Colors are strikingly different. Possibly due to smaller pot and leaner soil. Hard to see, but inflorescence is forming in this photo
too.
How long have you had the aloe in the photo (red)? Some of them do turn red while they establish roots again. These do have multitude of colours through the seasons - love them.
I bought this aloe about two years ago and transplanted it right away into a 12" pot (2nd photo) Transplanted again a year ago and into an 18" to 20" pot (top photo). It has never turned back to the dark red. I wish it would!!
Mine is planted in the garden, and only gets rain, so in dry spells over summer it tends to turn more red (stress) and when the colder periods begin it could lime green. So if you stress it a little it will redden up, but stressed can also be more susceptible to disease.
"Lean" soil contains little organic matter. Mostly sand in my case. I am assuming aloes turn red in response to stress, although I'm not sure about that. Sometimes I think it's just a response to heat, sun, seasonal changes, etc.. I've noticed my aloes tend to turn the brightest colors when they have been exposed to sun, heat, and drought, for long periods of time....Stress!
Same plant, two years earlier, same time of year. Colors are strikingly different. Possibly due to smaller pot and leaner soil. Hard to see, but inflorescence is forming in this photo
How long have you had the aloe in the photo (red)? Some of them do turn red while they establish roots again. These do have multitude of colours through the seasons - love them.
ReplyDeleteI bought this aloe about two years ago and transplanted it right away into a 12" pot (2nd photo) Transplanted again a year ago and into an 18" to 20" pot (top photo). It has never turned back to the dark red. I wish it would!!
DeleteMine is planted in the garden, and only gets rain, so in dry spells over summer it tends to turn more red (stress) and when the colder periods begin it could lime green. So if you stress it a little it will redden up, but stressed can also be more susceptible to disease.
DeleteI think I'll stress it a little! ;-)
DeleteThe red colour does look beautiful. What is leaner soil, and how do you stress a plant?
ReplyDelete"Lean" soil contains little organic matter. Mostly sand in my case. I am assuming aloes turn red in response to stress, although I'm not sure about that. Sometimes I think it's just a response to heat, sun, seasonal changes, etc.. I've noticed my aloes tend to turn the brightest colors when they have been exposed to sun, heat, and drought, for long periods of time....Stress!
DeleteAha! Thanks AG for explaining that. It's very helpful. :)
Delete