Description
- Common names:
- Solar Flare Aloe, Aloe Solar Flare, Spider Aloe hybrid, Áloe Solar Flare, Sábila Solar Flare
- Botanical name:
- Aloe 'Solar Flare', Aloe humilis hybrid
- Description:
- A compact, sun-loving aloe hybrid that stays under 12 inches, featuring striking orange tubular flowers on tall spikes. Ideal for bright indoor spaces and adding bold color to your collection.
Features
- Rarity:
- Uncommon Find
- Pet & Babies safety:
- Mildly Toxic if Ingested (use caution)
- Air Purifier:
- Moderate Air Purifier (6/10)
- Form factor:
- Rosette, Compact Bush, Flowering, Architectural
- Origin:
- South Africa
- Aesthetic advantages:
- Living Room, Office Desk, Sunny Windowsill, Modern Interior, Minimalist, Southwestern Style, Desert Garden Display, Bookshelf Accent
Care Guide
Care level:
Beginner Friendly+
This hardy succulent is incredibly forgiving and tolerates occasional neglect, making it perfect for new plant parents. It requires minimal watering and thrives with basic care in bright light.
Light:
Bright / Indirect Light+
Place in a south or west-facing window where it receives several hours of bright, indirect to direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light will prevent blooming and cause stretching, while leaves may turn bronze-orange in strong direct sun.
Water:
Drought Tolerant+
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, typically every 2-3 weeks in summer and monthly in winter. Allow excess water to drain completely to prevent root rot, as this succulent stores water in its fleshy leaves.
Humidity:
Low / Average Humidity+
Thrives in typical household humidity levels of 30-50% and does not require any special humidity considerations. Avoid misting, as excess moisture on leaves can lead to fungal issues.
Temperature:
Standard Room Temp+
Thrives in 18-27°C / 65-80°F with good tolerance for warmer conditions. Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 10°C / 50°F, which can damage the succulent leaves.
Hardiness zones:
Zones 9-11+
Hardy outdoors year-round in USDA Zones 9-11 where temperatures stay above freezing. In cooler zones, it can be moved outdoors to a sunny patio in summer and brought inside before the first frost.
Fertilizing:
Light Feeder+
Feed with a diluted succulent or cactus fertilizer once every 2-3 months during spring and summer only. Over-fertilizing can cause excessive growth and reduce the plant's compact form.
Repotting:
Repot Every 2-3 Years+
Repot only when roots emerge from drainage holes or the plant becomes top-heavy, typically every 2-3 years. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix and a pot with excellent drainage.
Cleaning:
Dust Occasionally+
Gently brush away dust from the rosette with a soft, dry brush or blow it off to keep leaves clean. Avoid wiping with water, as moisture can collect in the crown and cause rot.
Propagation:
Easy to Propagate+
Easily propagated by removing and replanting offsets (pups) that form around the base of the mother plant. Allow offsets to callus for 1-2 days before planting in well-draining soil.