Tiger Aloe, Tigeraloë, Partridge Breast Aloe (Aloe variegata)

Apparently a larger form than Lophophora's but not as nice a picture.

Cmmon It is a very nice picture.
Now that's some collection you got there. I hope you still know where what is not like me who is completely lost LOL.

Wow Kelli -

That's a nice specimen! The leaves are so much more upright than mine.

And hey - I'd trade in my Nikon for an instamatic anyday if I could have your succulent collection!!

;)

Thanks for the complements!

A lot of people will tell you that they hate Los Angeles, but it is plant paradise. In fact, someone once said something like, "Southern California: instant paradise, just add water." :-)

The picture looks like it was lost when the server failed; maybe you could upload it again and ask the administrators to remove the "broken" one.

:) B

I've grown this plant for nearly 30 years, maintaining it through the numerous offsets. I have never gotten it to bloom. What's the trick? Mine have gotten quite large over time, but never flowers. In a south window where winter temps drop to 55 F, which is what I thought it needed to stimulate flowering. Any hints to getting this one to bloom would be much appreciated.

Stronger sun that what it would get in Newfoundland or maybe it should spend summer outdoors???

Perhaps....my original plant came from my grandmother and her's flowered every year! Alas, she passed away many years ago before I had sense enough to ask her her secret. Many years ago, mine produced a bud, but they never made it to flowering before they shivelled. Too bad, I really like the colour of the blooms.

The plant was at the edge of the porch when this picture was taken. I have since moved it further back (I don't recall why) and it hasn't bloomed since then. (Note to self: Move aloe back to the front of the porch.)

Todd - mine are outside all year, which means they get 32C summers with 99% humidity and daily watering (a grit based cactus soil with perfect drainage), and 0~2C winter lows with very little water (almost nothing but what a few sparce rains provide) for another 4 months. I don't water until the flower spikes show in early spring. Half-day full sunlight in the summer months, maybe 2 hours in winter - but always bright. Perhaps you're pampering yours too much??

Good luck!!

Come to think of it, I don't think my grandmother watered hers much in winter...maybe that's my problem. Probably too late now, but next Novemeber I'll stop watering and see if I can initiate a bud. I seem to recall they are winter bloomers.

Todd,

For Mediterranians, SAfricans, Chileans, and SoCalifornians, the dry dormancy period (either Summer or Winter, depending) is essential for flowering. Give it a try!