Aloe cameronii Hemsl.
Cameron's Aloe / Red Aloe
Red Aloe is a medium-sized species native to Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique, remarkable for the copper-red hue its leaves develop under full sun or water stress. This exceptional colouration makes it one of the most sought-after Aloe species among collectors and Mediterranean–subtropical garden designers.
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© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Acaulescent to subcaulescent; clusters through offsets; rarely solitary. |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable (IUCN VU). Threatened by habitat loss, illegal collection and fire. CITES Appendix II. |
| pH Target | 5.5 – 7.0 |
| Type | Sandy to rocky, slightly acid pH; excellent drainage mandatory. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate leaves 30–50 cm, ranging from dull green (shade) to deep copper-red (full sun); small brown marginal spines. The red pigmentation is caused by anthocyanin accumulation under high UV radiation.
ecoStem very short in young specimens; in older plants a decumbent trunk 20–40 cm may develop before ascending. Basal offset production is prolific.
ecoSimple inflorescence 60–100 cm; relatively dense raceme of coral-red to orange tubular flowers; blooms in winter (June–August Southern Hemisphere).
ecoFibrous root system of moderate depth, with basal rhizomes facilitating colony formation.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy to rocky, slightly acid pH; excellent drainage mandatory.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Wait until A. cameronii offsets reach 8–10 cm and show their own roots
- 2 Separate with a well-sharpened, disinfected knife; cut cleanly as close to the mother rhizome as possible
- 3 Leave the offset in a shaded, dry spot for 2–3 days for the cut to seal
- 4 Plant in a well-drained mix; water for the first time after 10–14 days
- 1 Sow seeds on fine mineral substrate without covering; moisten with a mister
- 2 Place at 22–26 °C with high indirect brightness under a transparent cover
- 3 Germinate in 2–4 weeks; ventilate daily from the second week
- 4 Transplant when seedlings are 3–4 cm; gradually expose to sun so they develop the red-orange tone
The intense red-orange color is a result of controlled water and light stress; more direct sun = more color
Insufficient light that turns the leaves completely green, losing the characteristic color
Every 2–3 years in spring or when offsets crowd the pot.
Succulent fertilizer at 50% dose once in spring; avoid excess nitrogen which dilutes the red color.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Limited data; assumed mild genus-level toxicity (latex, aloin). CITES Appendix II. Vulnerable status demands particular attention to specimen provenance.
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"A. cameronii's red colouration is reversible and phenotypically plastic: moving a red plant to shade returns it to green in a few weeks. The anthocyanin system functions as a photosynthetic sunscreen under high irradiance — a phenomenon studied in the context of succulent "sunscreening" research."
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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.