Aloe dorotheae A.Berger
Dorothea's aloe
Aloe dorotheae is a compact aloe endemic to the Korogwe district of Tanzania, widely cultivated in ornamental horticulture for its extraordinary ability to turn brilliant red-orange under drought or intense sun stress conditions, transforming gardens and terraces into a blaze of colour. Under abundant watering and shade conditions, the leaves remain deep green, allowing the grower to "control" the chromatic spectacle.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Compact rosette, solitary or in small clusters |
| Conservation Status | Endangered |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.0 |
| Type | Sandy granite lithosol, poor in organic matter |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate leaves 25–40 cm long, bright green (shaded) or intense orange-red (full sun/stress); orange-reddish marginal teeth 2–4 mm.
ecoPractically stemless; compact basal rosette 30–50 cm in diameter.
ecoTubular flowers 3–4 cm long, orange-red, in dense racemes on 60–90 cm peduncles. Flowering in winter–spring.
ecoCompact fibrous roots adapted to thin soils over granite in Tanzanian bushveld.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy granite lithosol, poor in organic matter
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Separate rooted offsets in spring using a clean disinfected knife.
- 2 Allow cuts to callus for 2–3 days in open air in a shaded location.
- 3 Plant in sandy mix and water moderately after the first week.
- 4 Offsets root in 3–5 weeks under warm conditions.
- 1 Sow in fine granitic sand at 22–28 °C with high diffuse light.
- 2 Keep slightly moist; germination in 2–3 weeks.
- 3 Thin seedlings to 3 cm spacing when they have 2 true leaves.
- 4 Transplant individually at 6 months.
For maximum red colour: intense full sun and very reduced watering for 6–8 weeks.
Thinking the red colour is a disease symptom and increasing watering, losing the effect.
Every 2–3 years in spring
NPK 5-10-15, very diluted, once in spring; avoid high nitrogen which promotes green
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Toxic if ingested; spines may cause irritation. Keep out of reach of children and animals.
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"The colour change in A. dorotheae under stress is a photoprotection mechanism mediated by anthocyanin accumulation; recent studies in Tanzania note that wild populations in chronic-stress areas show permanently higher anthocyanin concentrations than those from more shaded habitats, suggesting phenotypic plasticity with a partially heritable genetic basis."
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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.