Aloe Polyphylla - Spiral Aloe
Aloe polyphylla is spellbinding. Its pointy spiraling form looks more like origami than a plant. Native to high mountains in Africa, it's almost impossible to find. The wild population in Lesotho is almost extinct, and buying or collecting the plant there is a criminal offense.
The first few leaves grow straight up. Around the seventh leaf, they start to spiral, clockwise or counter-clockwise, eventually growing into a large rosette 1-2ft in diameter and 12" in height.
Aloe polyphylla does not produce pups, but in early summer it sends up a branching stem of reddish to salmon-pink flowers. More seeds.
Soak seeds in warm water until you have sprouts.
Coarse sandy soil essential. Place your seeds on the surface and barely cover. Keep the soil moist, but not overly wet. Optimal germination is between 68-78 degrees Fahrenheit. Germination can take weeks to several months, so be patient. This plant is rare for a reason.
5 rare seeds