Red Cape Aloe Care

Aloe microstigma is a medium size and very attractive aloe that usually occur singularly or in small groups, up to 50 cm in diameter and 60-70 cm tall. The leaves of this aloe are protected from the intense summer sun by anthocyanin pigments that give them a dull red glow. Young plants are stemless, while the older ones develop a short decumbent stem up to 50 cm tall and 10 cm wide, which is usually covered with remains of old leaves .Leaves: Up to 40 cm long and 7.5 cm wide, lanceolated to deltoid arranged in spiralled rosettes (, but in juvenile plants they are ranked in vertical rows). Conspicuously scattered with white spots on the upper and lower surface, which contrast well with the reddish-brown teeth along the margins. Teeth non pungent 2-4 mm long, 5-10 mm apart. The leaves start out horizontal along the ground and suddenly turn up to the sky so that the tip is vertical. Mature leaves are a solid brownish green, the young growing leaves are tender light green and have many fine white dots, but in full sun, may get yellowy and sunburned. In shade has a more turquoise colouration. In winter, leaves can become incredibly colourful showing pinks, purples, yellows and greens and in general turn reddish brown if suffering from environmental stress.