Aloe humilis growing on a 45º
slab-covered south-facing slope. Such a position ensures maximum natural
heat and light all year. A. humilis is,
however, quite robust and will grow in less favoured positions. While
this aloe has particularly striking flowers its main drawback is that
slugs find its flowers hard to resist. Most of the available aloes
are from South Africa and, although they are less resistant to very low
temperatures than the agaves, those that originate from around the Fynbos
and south-west coastal strip (Mediterranean) area are suited to the climate
of the South-West UK better because they tolerate winter wet much more
readily. All aloes possess less vicious spines than the agaves. A well-drained
soil is important, especially in the immediate vicinity of the plants,
if aloes are to thrive. |