Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Aloinopsis rubrolineata (4 pics)

I recently got this older plant from an obviously very skilled grower in the UK and I'm really excited to grow it from now on. Such a majestic tree it is! I only have small pots to offer at the moment so from any point of view it's better for it to be elevated. And even like this the thickest part of the "trunk" ist still underground.


The leaves are slightly different from those my younger plant has, more nananthus-like. My younger and smaller A. rubrolineata also has thick roots but even though it's raised up as well, modest as it is, it hides them behind its wide leaves.

6 comments:

  1. I almost never think of mesembs as caudiciforms, but your photos of your new Aloinopsis rubrolinata clearly shows it belongs in both groups. Unfortunately, it's not included in any of my books about caudiciforms. :( A clear prejudice against mesembs. :(( A. nubrolinata's Africans name is streepvygie, which of course means "striped mesemb" referring to those wonderful yellow flowers with red strips on the petals. I think it has the most beautiful flower of the Aloinopsis. Well, I also like the pink flowers of A. spathulata.

    I have heard it said about this plant, "Architecturally it is a real stunner. When the caudex is adequately displayed, this plant is incomparable." Indeed, your plant is a real stunner. Enjoy.

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    1. True :)
      You'd never think that mesembs would have these thick roots but there they are. Some Aloinopsis and Nananthus have really nice "bottoms" worth displaying. I heard they stop growing once they are raised so it's better to wait until the roots are thick enough. Don't know if it's true though :)
      Thank you! I hope i can give it a good home.

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  2. Very interesting to see the plant with the rootstock exposed.

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    1. It really is! With this one it's not only optics. ... the pot is just too small to put it all underground. And i don't have any room for something bigger..

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  3. Is this a winter or summer grower? I have seen conflicting advice on the internet (Llifle vs Bihrmann) about when it needs water. Thanks.

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