Aloidendron ‘Hercules’

Tree-aloe background

‘Hercules’ combines two southern African tree aloes: Aloidendron barberae from warmer southeastern regions and Aloidendron dichotomum from the dry Namibia–Northern Cape region.

These parents were formerly known as Aloe bainesii and Aloe dichotoma.

Helping ‘Hercules’ grow steadily and stay stable indoors

• Light: Place ‘Hercules’ in the sunniest indoor position available. As the crown gets heavier, strong light helps keep the growth sturdy.
• Water: Water deeply once the mix is dry all the way through. The middle of a large pot may stay damp after the surface dries, so check deeper before watering again.
• Temperature: Keep the plant above about 10°C. In a cooler room, wait longer before watering again.
• Humidity: Household humidity usually works well. Give the trunk and crowns enough space for good airflow so splashed water dries quickly.
• Potting mix: Use a deep, fast-draining succulent mix containing plenty of grit, pumice or lava rock. Choose a heavy pot with drainage holes as the plant grows taller.
• Feeding: A little dilute succulent fertiliser when new growth appears is enough.
• Repotting and support: Repot when roots crowd the pot or the plant starts to tip. Increase container size gradually. If a healthy plant becomes unstable, switch to a wider, heavier pot before adding support.

When ‘Hercules’ loses balance or shows damage

• Upper growth narrows and bends towards the light: The plant needs more sun. Move it gradually into stronger light and rotate the container as fresh growth develops.
• The plant tips or rocks in its pot and the trunk remains firm: The plant has become top-heavy. Choose a broader, heavier container with fresh fast-draining mix. Keep the trunk upright as new roots secure the plant.
• The base of the trunk turns dark and soft: The base has stayed wet for too long and rot has developed. Unpot the plant immediately. With a disinfected pruning tool, remove soft roots and any soft trunk sections, cutting back to healthy tissue. Throw away the damaged pieces, let the cut areas dry, then plant in fresh gritty mix.
• Brown shells or white waxy insects settle around leaf bases: Scale or mealybugs are feeding on the plant. Isolate ‘Hercules’ and clear away any pests you can reach. Use a scale or mealybug treatment, and repeat it as directed on the product label.
• New growth develops hard, cauliflower-like distortion: Aloe mite is possible. Keep ‘Hercules’ separate from other aloes. Using a disinfected blade, remove all abnormal growth and stop once the fresh growth looks healthy. Throw away all affected material.

Aloidendron ‘Hercules’ 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.

When was Aloidendron first published, and what does it mean?

Aloidendron combines Aloe with Greek dendron, meaning tree.

Ronell Renett Klopper and Gideon F. Smith established the genus Aloidendron in 2013 in Phytotaxa, volume 76, page 9.