Aloe arborescens

Aloe arborescens

(When I posted this to the Planet Aloe page on Facebook, I was corrected by some members about the identification of this plant. I never would have questioned a botanical garden, but may have to do that in the future. So, I have changed the post to correct the mistake.)
I visited the conservatory at Matthaei Botanical gardens a couple of weeks ago. When I entered the desert room, I was immediately drawn to this flowering Aloe plant. Not only do I love succulents, but I really love orange flowers. This Aloe is from SE Africa. The name aloe is from the Greek alsos and refers to the bitter juice from the leaves of these plants. The  Latin word arborescens means tree-forming or tree-like, even though this plant certainly isn't tree like.  The common name krantz aloe refers to where it grows in its natural habitat, a krantz being a rocky ridge or cliff. The plants become large clumps in their natural habitat, and even in the conservatory it takes up a large area. The whole plant is impressive, but the flowers close-up are beautiful. 
Once again, I'm going to encourage you to visit your nearest conservatory. You never know what you will encounter. Hopefully,  gorgeous flowers such as these. Take the time to really "look" at the flowers up close and personal. 

Aloe arborescens-Close-up of the flower

A Kid in a Candy Store

Blooming succulent

On Sunday, I went on a field trip with the cactus and succulent society to a greenhouse that grows mainly succulents. When I first walked in, it was so nice and warm and spring like. After a couple of hours, it was SUMMER! I forgot what is what like to be that hot.....except during hot flashes! 

I'm going to share some pictures of the plants. If there isn't a caption under the picture, I'm sorry, I don't know the correct identification. This is the second time I've been to this greenhouse and am amazed by the vast variety of succulents. Quite a few were in bloom. Maybe the reason I like them so much,is that a lot of them have orange flowers. The owner loves these plants and is so knowledgeable! I enjoy talking to him and I try to pick up as many tips and tricks as I can. A person who grows these for a living day in and day out knows his plants and there is always something new to learn. Enjoy!

 Euphorbia tirucalli 'Sticks on Fire'

Euphorbia stenoclada

A plethora of succulents!

Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty'

The plant above was HUGE! Below is a close up.

Aeonium 'Blushing Beauty'

Love these HOT pink flowers on Trichodiadema densum !

Crassula perforata 'Variegata'

Echeveria hybrid

Echeveria parva

Graptopetalum?

Echeveria in bloom

Crassula pellucida subsp. marginalis 'Variegata'

Aloe hybrid

Aloe hybrid

Crassula tecta

Graptopetalum superbum

Haworthia truncata Lime Green

Extra large hybrid watch chain or Crassula

Bulbine frutescens

Pagoda plant-Crassula

Variegated fairy washboard or Haworthia limifolia variegata

Beautiful container with Kalanchoes, graptopetalum, portulacaria, jade and more.

It Can Get Worse

Well, I thought I had seen it all. Yet, when I went to the IGC (Independent Garden Center) show a couple weeks ago, the plant torture was alive and well, and had actually gotten worse.

Painted succulents

These succulents above are painted on the outside, but these new cactus below are worse than painted. They are injected with color and then given growth regulators to slow down the the growth so they have a "longer shelf life". They will eventually grow out but the "in" color will probably have changed by then, so in the trash it can go.  Can you believe it?! The paint flaked off the others, so now they are injecting the poor plants with color. "Its really for the decorators," they told me. Decorators, get some fake plants and paint them. It will last longer and then "no plants will have been hurt in the making of this decorated room."

Color injected cacti

Painted Hoya kerrii

And then there are these beauties. Hoya kerrii leaves painted with flowers. Look! There are even poinsettias for the holidays. How lovely.

Let's not support these crimes against plants by buying these.  Please!

Crimes Against Succulents

Red and green living wall for Christmas.

  I have labeled this post "Crimes Against Succulents" because that is exactly how I feel. These "new", "all the rage" plants are a disgrace to the horticultural world. It is the same as using plant shine, as far as I am concerned. Using unnatural materials on your plants clogs their stomata and hinders their food making process  (photosynthesis).

Silver and gold living wall.

The first few pictures were taken at a trade show. Obviously, they were the paint sellers, not the plant sellers. "It doesn't hurt the plant." they said. I beg to differ! It grows out and then you have a bi-colored, unsightly plant. Succulents are definitely the "hot" plant right now, but doing this to them is really a crime. I think they are beautiful just the way they are and if you want to match a plant to your wedding or home decor, do the plants a favor- buy some flowers.

A fall arrangement

These last three pictures were taken at a local big box store. In the first picture you can see the natural plant as well as the painted version. What are they thinking?!  

How attractive! Looks like the wicked witch after melting!

  This second plant looks like it melted like the wicked witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz! 

Didn't get enough paint or it has grown out.

The plant in this  picture has either grown out and needs more paint or it didn't get enough paint to begin with. Either way, it is atrocious! The plants that end up at the big box stores already have an uphill, losing battle to fight, but add paint and they might as well commit suicide before they even get there. You definitely won't find this houseplant lover buying into this horrendous plant torture!

Aloe vera - Key to Immortality?

Aloe vera blossoms

I went to the Anna Scripps Whitcomb conservatory  a couple of weeks ago and was surprised to see the Aloe vera (barbadensis) blooming. I had never seen it bloom, but had seen other aloes bloom, so I'm not sure why I was surprised. It is a beautiful yellow flower.
The aloe vera, was known by the Egyptians as the "plant of immortality"  due to its many uses. As a plant lover who is not a very good cook and a hot glue gun addict, I always have one around for the occasional burn I receive. It is amazing how much better it makes a burn feel.
Aloe vera is native to North Africa, Sudan, and the Canary, Cape Verde, and Madeira Islands. It is most often used for burns, cosmetics, moisturizers, and in some food products. Over 10 countries grow Aloe vera in large scale agricultural production for the cosmetics industry. Imagine a whole field of these blooming!

It is a beautiful succulent plant, regardless of how it makes my blisters feel. I hope mine blooms like this someday.

Aloe vera at the Belle Isle Conservatory

Aloe vera like we usually see it.