Aloe blue sky plants are one of the most popular succulents in the world, but they do require certain care tips to ensure their long life and blooming beauty. They are easy to care for and grow in many different types of light.
The blue sky aloe grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9b through 11 and requires full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil, according to the Aloe Societies of America organization.
These plants do not tolerate frost and do best in temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, though they can tolerate colder temperatures if protected with mulch or a blanket of snow during the winter months.
Origin and distribution
Aloe Blue Sky is a hybrid of Aloe suprafoliata and Aloe sinkatana. It is a type of aloe plant that is native to South Africa. It is also found in other parts of Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
The plant grows in arid or semi-arid climates and prefers well-drained soil. Aloe blue sky plants are drought tolerant and can grow in full sun or partial shade. They are easy to care for with minimal water and fertilizer needs. However, they do not like cold weather and will not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.
If you live in an area where the temperature falls below 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months, you should bring your Aloe blue sky indoors for the winter months.
Aloe blue sky propagation
Aloe blue sky plants are easy to propagate from cuttings. To take a cutting, snip off a 2-3 inch piece of stem from a healthy plant. Allow the cutting to callous over for a few days, then plant in well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Water sparingly, only when the soil is dry to the touch.
The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks. They can also be propagated by division. Divide clumps into individual plants during their growing season and replant them with their roots balled together in the moist cactus mix.
Keep them covered with a plastic bag until they have reestablished themselves. Fertilize every two months during the summer with a weak liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Afternoon shade will help protect aloe blue sky plants from scorching sun exposure. Pinching back new shoots on your aloe blue sky plant (the same way you would trim your fingernails) will encourage more branching and make it look fuller.
If you notice any aphids on your plant’s leaves, spray with an insecticidal soap solution (like Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap). The soap’s fatty acids break down the protective wax on aphids’ bodies and destroy their ability to reproduce.
Aloe blue sky care information
Aloe blue sky plants are easy to take care of and require very little maintenance. They thrive in sunny, well-drained areas and should be watered about once a week. These plants are also relatively resistant to pests and diseases, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners. With just a little bit of care, your aloe blue sky plant will thrive for years to come!
Light requirement
Aloe blue sky plants need full sun to partial shade. They will do best in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live in a hot climate, it’s best to plant your aloe blue sky in a spot that gets some afternoon shade.
Soil/potting mix
Aloe blue sky plants need a well-draining potting mix. A cactus or succulent potting mix works well, or you can make your own by mixing one part perlite or coarse sand with two parts potting soil.
Be sure to add a layer of gravel to the bottom of the pot to help with drainage. If using perlite as a component in your mix, ensure that there is enough room between the top of the pot and the top of the perlite for watering without spilling over.
Watering
Aloe blue sky plants are succulents, so they don’t need a lot of water. In fact, too much water can be harmful. Water your plant about once a week, or when the soil is dry to the touch. Be sure to drain any excess water from the saucer beneath the pot. Overwatering can cause root rot and lead to death. As you’re watering, check for spider mites.
Fertilizer
Aloe plants are succulents and, as such, don’t require a lot of fertilizer. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually harm your plant. If you want to fertilize your aloe, do so sparingly, about once a month during the growing season. A weak solution of all-purpose fertilizer will do the trick.
Remember that the frequency of fertilizing is determined by how often your plant is in bloom. For instance, if you’re watering your aloe twice a week for two weeks out of every three weeks and it’s not in bloom for those two weeks, then there’s no need to add any fertilizer.
Temperature
Aloe plants are succulents, so they don’t mind if the temperature gets a little hot. They’ll do just fine in temperatures up to about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if the temperature gets any higher than that, your plant will start to suffer.
If it gets too hot, the leaves will start to turn brown and wilt. So if you live in a hot climate, make sure to keep your aloe plant in a spot that doesn’t get too much direct sunlight.
Humidity
Aloe blue sky plants thrive in humid environments. If you live in a dry climate, you can create a more humid environment for your plant by placing it on a pebble tray or grouping it with other plants. misting your plant regularly, using a humidifier, or keeping it in the bathroom are all great ways to increase the humidity around your aloe blue sky plant.
The ideal humidity range is 60-80%. To measure the relative humidity of your home, purchase a hygrometer. Place it near the plant and record what it reads. Adjust accordingly if necessary.
Pruning
Aloe blue sky plants are known for their easy care and drought tolerance, but they still benefit from a little pruning now and then. You can prune your plant to encourage new growth, remove any damaged or diseased leaves, or simply tidy up the plant.
To prune, first, sterilize your shears by wiping them down with rubbing alcohol. Then make clean cuts at an angle just above a leaf node. Avoid cutting into the main stem of the plant, as this can damage the plant.
If you do accidentally cut too deeply, place a piece of gauze over the wound and use tape to hold it in place until it heals. Remember that when you’re deciding what to cut off your aloe blue sky plant, take note of how many leaves there are on each branch.
Cut off any branches that have fewer than five leaves before making another cut so that all branches have approximately the same number of leaves.
When to repot
Aloe plants need to be repotted every two to three years. The best time to do this is in the spring before the plant starts putting out new growth. To repot an aloe plant, gently remove it from its current pot and shake off any excess soil. Choose a new pot that is only one or two inches larger than the old one and has drainage holes.
Place fresh, well-draining potting mix in the bottom of the pot and set the plant back in. Add more potting mix until the top of the root ball is level with the top of the pot and pack down firmly.
Make sure there are no air pockets around the root ball; these can cause roots to rot. Water thoroughly after planting, making sure not to leave water sitting on top of the soil surface.
Dormancy/Winter rest
Aloes are a type of succulent, and like most succulents, they require a dormant or winter rest period. This is a time when the plant slows down its growth and enters a state of semi-hibernation.
During dormancy, aloes need less water and fertilizer than they do during the growing season. If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, you’ll need to bring your aloe indoors for the winter.
Indoor plants can be overwatered easily, so keep this in mind. You may also want to place your pot on a tray of pebbles so that any excess water will be able to drain out and not cause root rot.
To help protect against spider mites and other pests that overwinter on plants, spray the leaves with insecticidal soap once per month during winter.
Flowers & fragrance
The flowers of the aloe blue sky plant are very fragrant and beautiful. They bloom in the summer and attract bees and other pollinators. The leaves of the plant are also very fragrant and have a blue-green tint to them.
The plant does best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is drought tolerant and does not need much water once established.
Growth rate
Aloe plants are fast-growing succulents that can reach up to two feet in height. They have a rosette shape and their leaves are thick and fleshy. Aloe plants produce flowers that range in color from yellow to red.
Blue sky aloes are a type of aloe plant that is known for its blue-green leaves. These plants need full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Toxicity
Aloe blue sky plants are not poisonous to humans or animals. However, the sap from some varieties of aloe can cause skin irritation. If you have pets or small children, be sure to choose a variety that is non-toxic.
USDA hardiness zones
Aloe blue sky will thrive in USDA hardiness zones of 9b-11.
Pests and diseases
Aloe blue sky plants are relatively pest and disease-free. However, they can be susceptible to mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. These pests can cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow or brown and can eventually kill the plant. To prevent pests and diseases, water your aloe blue sky plant regularly and keep an eye out for early signs of infestation.
Keep your plant in a well-ventilated area where it is protected from direct sunlight. Also, make sure to rotate your planters every week so that they do not become overwatered in one spot.
