Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 05:02 am
Caring for an aloe blue elf succulent can be as easy as following a few basic guidelines to keep it healthy and happy. However, if you’re not careful, this low-maintenance succulent can quickly die from neglect.
Fortunately, there are some quick fixes you can try if your aloe blue elf succulent starts to wilt or turn brown and flaky before giving up entirely. With the right treatment, your aloe blue elf should make a full recovery in no time at all!
Succulents are one of the easiest houseplants to maintain, but that doesn’t mean they require no attention at all. Because succulents are so resilient, you may feel comfortable letting them go without water or light for an extended period of time, which could be deadly in some cases.
Aloe Blue Elf succulents are known for their beautiful blue leaves and ease of care, but even these need attention from time to time to avoid any damage to the plant and ensure its longevity.
This guide will help you care for your aloe blue elf succulent so it can live up to its full potential.
Origin and distribution
Aloe blue elf is native to South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and other African countries. The succulent can be found in arid coastal regions of East Africa where it grows along stream beds and on rocky hillsides.
Aloe blue elf is easy to cultivate but requires a warm environment, full sun, and plenty of water during its growing season. The plant will tolerate some shade but prefers sunny areas with good air circulation. In colder climates, aloe blue elf should be grown indoors as a houseplant or container garden specimen.
It thrives when planted in well-drained soil amended with organic matter such as compost or rotted leaves. A layer of mulch around the base of plants helps retain moisture while keeping weeds at bay.
Aloe Blue Elf succulent propagation
Aloe Blue Elf succulent propagation occurs through vegetative and asexual reproduction. A popular method of propagating aloes from cuttings is to remove a leaf from an aloe plant and wait for it to form roots before planting it in soil.
You can also root an aloe cutting by burying it under sand or pebbles for several weeks before removing it and exposing it to sunlight. After rooting, you should transplant your new succulent into soil that drains well but retains moisture.
It’s important to note that not all aloe varieties are easy to propagate, so research your specific variety prior to attempting any propagation techniques. Most aloe varieties are slow-growing plants that require little maintenance.
Water them only when they begin to shrivel, then allow them to dry out between watering sessions. When grown indoors, they thrive with bright indirect light, while outdoors they prefer full sun exposure.
Although aloes grow slowly and aren’t particularly high-maintenance plants, it’s still a good idea to inspect them regularly for pests like spider mites or mealybugs.
Aloe Blue Elf succulent care information
Aloe blue elf succulents need bright light (but no direct sunlight) and slightly less water than most other succulents. Mist lightly and don’t let them sit in water. Because they come from hot, dry climates, aloe blue elves are also salt-tolerant.
Light requirement
Aloe blue elves (Furcraea andicola) grow best in medium to high indirect light. They don’t do well in direct sunlight, so place them near a window that gets little to no sun, such as on an east-facing windowsill or under fluorescent lights. You can also keep your aloe blue elf succulents outside if you live in a mild climate year-round and choose a south-facing windowsill.
Soil/potting mix
Aloe Blue Elf succulents do best when planted in soil that drains quickly. You can purchase a specialty cactus/succulent soil mix or make your own. Mix equal parts of sand, peat moss, and perlite to create a rich potting mix.
Add charcoal if you live in an area with acidic well water. If you’re planting multiple plants, leave at least six inches between them to ensure adequate airflow.
Watering
The Aloe blue elf succulent is a drought-tolerant plant and it doesn’t need a lot of water to thrive. In fact, too much water can kill it. As such, make sure to only water your plant when its soil is completely dry or there are no signs of wetness in its planter or saucer.
Water your aloe blue elf succulents only when they need it; too much water will cause root rot. When watering, be sure to thoroughly soak both soil and roots.
The plant should feel heavy for its size after watering. Be careful not to overwater succulents as they are susceptible to root rot (and rotting). Mist leaves occasionally during hot summer months but avoids getting any water on their roots, this will cause them to rot!
Whatever method you choose, make sure to avoid letting your aloe’s soil dry out completely; unlike most other succulents, aloes do not recover well from drought conditions.
Fertilizer
It’s a good idea to fertilize your plant every two weeks in order to help it grow and remain healthy. If you have a small plant, 1 teaspoon of fertilizer is sufficient. However, if you have a large plant or several plants growing in one pot, you may need to increase your dose.
The best thing to do is experiment with different dosages and see what works best for your particular succulent. As a general rule, too much fertilizer will harm your plant more than not enough. Most importantly, don’t forget to water after applying fertilizer.
Watering immediately after adding fertilizer will ensure that all nutrients are absorbed by your plant instead of running off into your soil or evaporating from its leaves.
Temperature
Aloe Blue Elf succulent requires daytime temperatures above 75°F (24°C) and nighttime temperatures that are at least 10-15 degrees lower. This can be achieved in several ways: with a greenhouse, with a conservatory, or by growing aloes under lights indoors.
Humidity
This succulent thrives in higher humidity levels. It will do best if you put it in a room with a humidifier or by your window during winter. (During warmer months, keep it outside or somewhere else where it can get direct sunlight.) Mist plants every few days to keep them hydrated and healthy! The Aloe blue elf will thank you for your care!
The ideal humidity range is between 40 and 60 percent. You can check your home’s humidity level with a hygrometer (or, if you don’t have one, use a damp sponge to see how much water it absorbs over 24 hours). If your house is too dry, try running a humidifier or placing plants on trays of wet pebbles. If it’s too humid, open windows for ventilation or place plants on trays of gravel.
Pruning
It’s important to prune your Aloe Blue Elf succulents regularly. This will make it easier for sunlight to reach all of its leaves, which helps your plant grow and thrive. The tops of branches that are becoming crowded or growing in a way you don’t like should be trimmed away.
You can also trim away extra leaves if they look unhealthy, as long as you don’t cut into its overall size too much. In addition to making your plant more attractive, regular pruning is essential for preventing rot and pest infestations.
When to repot
Repotting is best done during Spring or Summer when conditions are warm and dry. It’s important to note that even if your aloe blue elf succulent is pot-bound, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should repot it, if it’s happy in its current planter, simply water more frequently so its roots have room to grow.
If you do decide to move your plant into a larger container, however, be sure to use a soil mix designed for cacti and succulents; regular potting soil can lead to root rot. The general rule of thumb is that if your plant has outgrown its planter by at least 50%, it’s time for a new home.
Dormancy/Winter rest
Many people think that Aloe Blue Elf succulents will be OK during dormancy if they are kept on a sunny windowsill. This is not always true; many tropical species need to enter dormancy in order to survive and will die if they are overwintered like an indoor plant.
Keep them warm but shaded and dry at all times. Only water when you see new growth (this may be up to once every couple of months) and make sure you use rainwater or distilled water. Don’t allow any leaves to remain touching soil as these can rot and kill your plant.
If you have more than one Aloe Vera, try to keep them separate so they don’t hybridize, which can weaken your plants. Once spring arrives, move your plants back outside where it will start growing again.
Aloe Blue Elf succulent flower & fragrance
If you’re searching for an easy-care plant, Aloe Blue Elf is your best bet. It has beautiful flowers that resemble yellow and orange bells, as well as a strong lemon scent. Try not to move them around too much though—they don’t like being moved from room to room.
Growth rate
This succulent can grow at a rate of 10 to 14 inches per year, depending on how you care for it. In general, smaller varieties require less attention than larger ones. If you need a lower-maintenance plant, look for Aloe blue elf in 2-inch pots.
Toxicity
Aloe blue elf succulents are toxic. Generally speaking, houseplants, in general, should not be ingested, not even by pets or children, and should always be kept out of reach.
Symptoms of succulent ingestion may include diarrhea and vomiting. If you suspect your plant has been ingested, contact a veterinarian immediately and call poison control if necessary.
USDA hardiness zones
Aloe blue elf succulents thrive best in USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10. However, you can grow them as houseplants in other zones if you provide them with plenty of sunlight and keep their soil moist.
If you live outside of these two regions, it’s possible to grow aloe blue elves outdoors during the summer months; just make sure they receive plenty of direct sunlight and are protected from frost.
Pests and diseases
When growing Aloe Blue Elf succulents, it is important to understand their susceptibility to pests and diseases. If you notice that your plants are infested with ants or aphids, treat them immediately to avoid a full-on infestation.
Similarly, if you see signs of fungal infection on your plant, like an off-color (or brown) growth on its leaves, act quickly by cutting away any infected areas and washing them with soap and water.
Conclusion
Properly caring for an aloe blue elf can be difficult, especially if you’re just starting out. Aloes thrive in bright but indirect sunlight. The soil in which they are planted should be kept a bit on the dry side; check your potting soil frequently, and water only when it seems to need it. Many people choose to add a layer of gravel or pebbles to their pots before planting to ensure drainage.
