Aloe 'Black Beauty', also known as Gastrolea Midnight, is a rare and compact hybrid succulent praised for its deep, dark foliage that changes from dark green to a rich purple or bronze with increased sunlight exposure. This exquisite plant is a cross between Aloe rauhii and Aloe parvula, combining the most desirable traits of each parent.
Characteristics:
- Foliage: The plant features thick, fleshy leaves that form a tight rosette. The leaves have a bumpy, stiff texture and can transform from dark green to a deep purple or bronze with the right amount of sunlight.
- Size: It can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height and approximately 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter when mature, making it a striking yet manageable addition to any collection.
- Flowers: In spring or summer, it produces attractive orange or coral-colored tubular flowers on tall stalks, adding a splash of color to its dark foliage.
- Toxicity: Like many aloes, 'Black Beauty' can be toxic if ingested by humans or animals.
The name 'Black Beauty' highlights the plant's dramatic and alluring color transformation and its compact, ornamental allure. This extraordinary hybrid is cherished for its visual impact, thriving beautifully in containers or succulent arrangements.
Care Instructions:
- Light: Requires bright, direct sunlight or partial sun to achieve its darkest hue. Ideally, it should receive about 6 hours of sunlight per day. Indoors, a south- or west-facing window is perfect.
- Watering: Employ the "soak and dry" method, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
- Soil: Use a well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix, enhanced with perlite or sand for better drainage.
- Temperature: Not cold-hardy, it should be shielded from frost, preferring temperatures between 65–85°F (18–30°C).
- Propagation: Easily propagated from offsets (pups) that develop around its base.
- Fertilizer: This aloe requires minimal feeding—an annual application of a bio-NPK fertilizer suffices.
Uses and Benefits:
Aloe 'Black Beauty' is primarily valued as an ornamental houseplant, adored for its unique, dramatic presence in gardens or succulent collections. While this aloe is not renowned for medicinal use like Aloe vera, it is prized for its aesthetic contribution to any space, offering a sense of elegance and exotism with its striking foliage and vibrant blooms.
