Aloe bellatula Reynolds
Charming miniature aloe
Aloe bellatula is one of the smallest species in the genus Aloe, forming miniature rosettes barely 8–12 cm in diameter. Its dark leaves with irregular white spots and white cilia on the margins make it unmistakable. Endemic to the humid granite massifs of the Madagascar highlands, it is highly prized by miniature aloe collectors worldwide.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Miniature stemless rosette, cespitose |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable (habitat loss in Madagascar) |
| pH Target | 5.5–6.5 |
| Type | Sandy granitic substrate with some organic matter, slightly acidic pH |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate leaves 5–10 cm long, very dark green with abundant white spots and white marginal cilia.
ecoCompletely absent; the miniature rosette emerges directly from granite with roots in the crevices.
ecoTubular flowers 2–2.5 cm long, pinkish-red to coral, in simple racemes on slender 20–30 cm peduncles.
ecoFine roots that insert into granite rock crevices, tolerating desiccation periods between rains.
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy granitic substrate with some organic matter, slightly acidic pH
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
- 1 Carefully extract the complete cushion from the pot.
- 2 Separate each rosette with a clean knife, preserving the roots.
- 3 Dry for 1 day and plant individually in granitic substrate.
- 4 Keep in a humid environment at partial shade for 3–4 weeks.
- 1 Sow in very fine substrate at 20–23 °C with high humidity.
- 2 Cover with film and place under artificial fluorescent light.
- 3 Remove film after germination (4–6 weeks).
- 4 Transplant tiny seedlings with great care.
Grow in a small terracotta pot (8–10 cm) to control moisture.
Watering with hard water that accumulates visible salts on the leaves.
Every 2–3 years or when rosettes overflow the pot
Very diluted succulent fertilizer (¼ dose), twice a year: spring and summer
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Toxic if ingested.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"The epithet "bellatula" means "little beauty" in Latin; G.W. Reynolds described it in 1955 as the miniature gem of the genus, and it remains one of the most difficult aloes to obtain legally outside Madagascar."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟡 MediumVote to help validate this record
Sources
Loading…
Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.