Van Balen’s Aloe (aloe vanbalenii) – Magnificent colors no matter where it is planted. Partial shade will keep leaves yellow-green with a rusty copper colored border while planted in full sun will turn this aloe brilliant maroon-pink with light green at leaf bases. Two foot long leaves curl and twist with cinnamon toothed margins. Smaller flower stalks display delicate flower spikes in green to light yellow. The growth rate of Van Balen’s Aloe will vary greatly depending on soil type, sunlight, temperature and other factors. A few leaves are often trimmed prior to shipping to reduce transpiration and travel stress.
To help establish your new Van Balen’s Aloe, fertilize sparingly a few inches away from the base, tri-annually with a slow time released product. Unfertilized they will tend to grow at a slower pace. Note: The heavy salts in cheaper fertilizers will damage the roots and possibly kill the plant. Its best to use a brand you know and trust.
Van Balen’s Aloe enjoy a well drained, organic cactus mix easily found at your local box store. Remember try to stay away from wet or mucky soils.
In the northern end of their grow zone Van Balen’s Aloe should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months. The patio zone is 4b-11 which means the potted plant will flourish over the summer months in colder zones but must be brought inside before winter.
All Aloe varieties grow very well in containers, indoors or on the patio. For larger varieties allow enough room for growth generally a 8″ to a 16″ diameter, 10″ deep container will suffice to get started. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your Aloe will be. When the plant becomes root bound its growth will slow, at that point it is time for a larger pot.
