Aloe humilis (L.) Mill.
Spider Aloe / Hedgehog Aloe
Spider Aloe is a dwarf species native to the Western and Eastern Cape of South Africa, named for its narrow, recurved, densely tuberculate leaves that recall spider legs. It is among the smallest Aloe species in widespread horticultural use and thrives in pots across temperate climates worldwide.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
© Raasgat
Public domain
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloe |
| Growth Habit | Acaulescent; forms dense rosette colonies through prolific basal offsets. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (IUCN). Abundant in fynbos and Succulent Karoo communities. CITES Appendix II. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.5 |
| Type | Sandy, very porous, low in organic matter; ideal succulent-specific mix. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Narrow lanceolate leaves 8–15 cm, strongly recurved at the tip, dark green with white tubercles on both surfaces. Margins have minute white spines, and the surface bears rows of tubercles resembling tiny warts.
ecoStem virtually absent; the rosette grows directly from the root crown. Dense colonies can cover areas up to 50 cm across.
ecoSimple inflorescence 20–35 cm; lax raceme of scarlet to orange-red tubular flowers c. 3 cm with barely exserted stamens. Blooms spring–summer (Southern Hemisphere: September–December).
ecoFibrous shallow root system with numerous thin lateral roots, ideal for shallow containers.
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy, very porous, low in organic matter; ideal succulent-specific mix.
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
- 1 A. humilis (10–15 cm) is one of the most prolific aloes; it produces numerous offsets that can be separated regularly
- 2 Wait until the offset is at least 4–5 cm with visible roots; given the small scale of the species, the minimum size is smaller
- 3 Separate with a scalpel or fine disinfected knife; cut as close as possible to the mother rhizome
- 4 Plant in a small pot (5–7 cm) with very well-drained substrate; water for the first time after 7–10 days
- 1 Sow seeds in very fine sand + perlite 1:1 ratio; do not cover
- 2 Keep at 20–24 °C under a humid cover; seeds are tiny, water only with a fine mister
- 3 Germinate in 2–3 weeks; seedlings are very small, handle with fine tweezers
- 4 Transplant to 4–5 cm pots when seedlings reach 1–2 cm
Its small size (10–15 cm) makes it ideal for miniature collections and sunny shelves
Using pots too large that accumulate excessive moisture for its small root system
Every 1–2 years in spring, given the rapid growth of the offset colony.
Very diluted cactus fertilizer (25% dose) once in spring; no fertilizer in autumn or winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Low toxicity; latex may cause mild digestive irritation in pets. CITES Appendix II.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"A. humilis shows remarkable morphological variability that historically caused taxonomic confusion and accumulated many synonyms. The white leaf tubercles act as light diffusers that redistribute sunlight to the abaxial surface, increasing photosynthetic efficiency under high irradiance."
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.