PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerate bright indirect light indoors, avoid prolonged intense midday summer sun to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, especially in cool winter months
Temperature
Thrives in warm, dry conditions; protect from temperatures below 10°C to avoid frost damage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Thick, fleshy triangular leaves with sharp terminal spines; blue-green to grey-green with faint white transverse markings
- Flower: Tubular orange-red blooms clustered on tall, branched upright inflorescences
- Stem: Short, compact central stem obscured by overlapping leaf bases
Care Guide
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 5–7 cm of soil is fully dry
Fertilization
Apply diluted succulent fertilizer once monthly. Use a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer to support healthy foliage and flowering
Eggshell powder top dressing：Grind dried, sterilized eggshells into a fine powder; sprinkle lightly on the soil surface to boost calcium levels without introducing excess nitrogenPruning
- Trim dried, brown leaf tips with clean scissors to maintain a neat appearance
- Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to redirect energy to leaf growth and offset production
- Gently separate offset pups in spring for propagation, taking care not to damage the parent plant’s root system
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite
Humans: Contains aloin and saponins; ingestion may cause nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain; skin irritation in sensitive individuals
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental succulent for rock gardens, container displays, and indoor windowsill collections
