Aloinopsis luckhoffii (L.Bolus) L.Bolus
Luckhoff's aloinopsis
Geophytic succulent described and classified by Louisa Bolus, endemic to the surroundings of Luckhoff in the Karoo region (Free State and Northern Cape province). It is one of the most widely cultivated and studied Aloinopsis in the genus, appreciated for its relative ease of cultivation and abundant flowering of yellow flowers with central reddish lines. Forms dense rosettes of short, grey, densely tuberculate leaves. Prominent taproot. Strictly winter growing cycle.
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© Dornenwolf / Wikimedia Commons
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Genus | Aloinopsis |
| Growth Habit | Dense, compact rosette, winter geophyte, one of the most cultivated in the genus |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern within its range; endemic to the Karoo but not currently threatened |
| pH Target | 6.5–7.5 |
| Type | Coarse sand, perlite and Karoo calcareous clay, fast drainage |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Short and densely tuberculate, 1.5–3 cm long; grey-green to grey-blue; prominent white tubercles on the upper surface and margins.
ecoBright yellow with reddish or wine-coloured lines in the centre of each petal; 2–4 cm diameter; very numerous in adult plants; diurnal.
ecoVery well-developed, fleshy taproot, 5–15 cm long in adult plants; cream to pale brown surface.
eco4–10 cm diameter; densely clumped; in mature plants may present several meristems forming colonies.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Coarse sand, perlite and Karoo calcareous clay, fast drainage
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Sow in autumn in a mix of coarse sand and perlite (70/30).
- 2 Germination temperature: 15–20 °C.
- 3 Water lightly by capillary action until germination.
- 4 Progressively reduce watering after the first month.
- 5 Transplant to individual pot when rosette reaches 1.5 cm.
- 1 Separate lateral meristems in autumn with a clean cut.
- 2 Allow the cut to dry for 24–48 hours before planting.
- 3 Plant in dry mineral substrate.
- 4 Do not water until signs of growth appear (3–4 weeks).
O
W
Every 2–3 years at the start of autumn
Diluted mineral fertiliser at ¼ strength (low nitrogen) once at the start of winter. Excellent response to potassium fertilisers.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Not toxic to humans or domestic animals.
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Plant Health
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"A. luckhoffii is possibly the Aloinopsis species with the greatest number of growers worldwide, which has generated extensive cultivation documentation. The mass flowering of an adult plant with a developed taproot is one of the most striking spectacles among Karoo winter 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.