Hemming's Aloe (Aloe hemmingii)

Hemming's Aloe

Aloe hemmingii

Fleshy upright rosettes hold desert resilience in tight symmetry. Drought-tolerant succulent perennial; common name: Hemming's Aloe.

Full sun
1/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerate direct sunlight but benefit from filtered light during intense midday summer heat to prevent leaf scorch
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Watering Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, especially in cool, low-light conditions
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Temperature Thrives in warm, arid temperatures; protect from frost and temperatures below 10°C to avoid leaf damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Thick, fleshy triangular leaves with white marginal teeth; grey-green to deep green foliage
  • Flower: Tubular orange-red blooms on branched, upright inflorescences up to 1 m tall
  • Stem: Short, compact basal stem mostly obscured by leaf rosettes
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Care Guide

Watering

Water thoroughly when the top 5–7 cm of soil is completely dry; reduce frequency in high-humidity periods

Fertilization

Diluted succulent fertilizer applied once every 4 weeks. Discontinue fertilization in autumn and winter when growth slows

Eggshell powder top dressing:Crush clean, dried eggshells into fine powder and sprinkle a thin layer on top of the soil; avoid overapplication to prevent pH imbalance
Pruning
  • Trim dried, brown leaf tips with clean scissors to maintain a neat appearance
  • Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to redirect energy to rosette growth
  • Thin overcrowded offsets in spring to improve airflow and reduce competition for resources
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, and tremors

Humans: Contains anthraquinones and saponins; ingestion causes mild oral irritation, nausea, or diarrhea; sap may trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental succulent for rock gardens, container displays, and xeriscape landscapes; sap may have mild topical soothing properties (not formally verified for this species)