Aloe dorotheae ‘Crimson’

The Tanzanian species background of Aloe dorotheae ‘Crimson’

Aloe dorotheae ‘Crimson’ is a cultivated form of a species restricted to rocky outcrops in north-eastern Tanzania. Summer rain alternates with a pronounced dry period, and wild roots occupy shallow pockets between exposed stones.

Seasonal care for a dry-growing plant

Root care, watering and propagation

Aloe dorotheae ‘Crimson’ needs fresh mix once its spreading rosettes crowd the edge, roots block drainage or water follows fixed channels. The roots tolerate careful division during warm growth, but each separated rosette should carry its own sound roots.

Watering

Water Aloe dorotheae ‘Crimson’ only after the substrate has dried well down the pot, then wet the complete root system and remove runoff. The succulent leaves tolerate a clear dry phase, although an actively spreading clump should not be left desiccated for many weeks.

Light

Give Aloe dorotheae ‘Crimson’ a bright south, west or east window and introduce direct sun gradually. Useful sun keeps the spreading rosettes low and brings out their natural crimson tones.

Temperature

Keep Aloe dorotheae ‘Crimson’ in warm growing conditions and frost-free. Wet rosette bases combined with cold can decline quickly.

Fertilising

Apply a balanced cactus feed to Aloe dorotheae ‘Crimson’ at a low dose during active spreading growth. Continue lightly at any time of year when strong light and warmth keep new leaves moving; pause when the clump is cool and dry.

Leaf care and propagation

Aloe dorotheae ‘Crimson’ spreads by basal shoots and can lean as the clump broadens. Prune a damaged rosette at its base or divide a rooted outer shoot.

Troubleshooting Aloe dorotheae ‘Crimson’: normal changes and damage

• The whole rosette turns red-orange in bright light: Strong crimson pigmentation is the feature this red trade form is grown for. It is normal while leaves remain plump and firm; the same plant may look greener in lower light or after a change in season.
• Pale beige patches appear within the red surface: This is sun scorch, especially if the plant was moved abruptly. Pull it back from the strongest exposure and reacclimatise slowly; damaged areas will not recolour, so watch the new centre leaves.
• Leaves redden, thin and curl inward: Colour alone is harmless, but loss of firmness means the plant is using stored water. If the mix is dry, soak and drain it; if it is damp, inspect the roots because decay can produce the same dehydrated look.
• The centre turns glassy or detaches: Water or cold has damaged the crown. Remove soft tissue with a sterile blade, keep the remaining plant dry and warm, and save firm offsets separately if the central stem continues to decay.
• Fine white fluff gathers beside the marginal teeth: Mealybugs can resemble bright debris against red foliage. Isolate the plant, remove the insects and use the follow-up schedule in our mealybug guide

Aloe dorotheae ‘Crimson’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs, and handle the leaf tips carefully.
• The leaf latex contains anthraquinone glycosides that can irritate skin and the digestive tract. Rigid tips and toothed margins can also scratch or puncture.
• Swallowing the latex may cause an upset stomach, while skin contact can cause irritation. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop.

What does the name Aloe dorotheae mean?

Aloe comes through Greek aloe, an old name for the bitter plant juice, itself borrowed from a Semitic language. The species epithet dorotheae honours Miss Dorothy Westhead of London.

Carl Linnaeus established the genus Aloe in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 319.

Alwin Berger first described Aloe dorotheae in 1908 in Das Pflanzenreich, IV, 38, page 263.