Aloe cameronii Hemsl.
Cameron's red aloe
Aloe cameronii is famous among succulent collectors for its ability to turn brilliant blood-red under intense sun exposure and water-stress conditions, a phenomenon caused by the accumulation of anthocyanin pigments. In shade or with abundant water, the leaves turn grey-green. It is a compact to medium species from Zimbabwe and Malawi, highly valued in ornamental horticulture.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Compact to medium rosette, short clustered stems |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.0 |
| Type | Sandy-loam to sandy, poor, well-drained |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate leaves 30–45 cm long, grey-green under normal conditions and brilliant red under stress; brown marginal teeth 2–3 mm.
ecoShort stems 10–20 cm that form small cespitose colonies over time.
ecoTubular flowers 3–3.5 cm long, vivid orange-red, in simple cylindrical racemes on 50–70 cm peduncles. Flowering June–August.
ecoFibrous roots colonising crevices in granite and gneiss on exposed hillsides.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy-loam to sandy, poor, well-drained
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Separate basal offsets in spring with a clean knife.
- 2 Allow the cut to dry for 2–3 days.
- 3 Plant in sandy substrate and water lightly after one week.
- 4 Expose to full sun once rooted to develop red colour.
- 1 Sow fresh seeds on sandy substrate at 22–26 °C.
- 2 Keep moist with mister; cover with clear film.
- 3 Germination in 2–4 weeks.
- 4 Transplant to full sun when 5 cm tall.
To maximise red colour, reduce watering in summer and expose to full sun.
Overwatering, which eliminates the characteristic red colouration.
Every 3 years in spring
Low-nitrogen fertilizer (NPK 5-10-15), once in spring
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Moderately toxic to pets if leaves are ingested.
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"The red colouration of A. cameronii is due to anthocyanins produced as a photoprotective stress response; leaf spectroscopy studies correlate red intensity with the rate of photoinhibition, making it a plant model for studying photoprotection in succulents."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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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.