Aloe - Paul Hutchinson
Aloe 'Paul Hutchinson' is a striking hybrid succulent celebrated for its textured and patterned foliage. This particular cultivar forms a star-shaped rosette of thick, fleshy leaves that taper to a point. The leaves exhibit a pale green base color with lighter, almost white or very pale green highlights along the edges and in an irregular, mottled pattern across the surface. The leaf surfaces are covered in numerous raised bumps, giving them a somewhat pebbled appearance. The margins of the leaves appear to have small, soft teeth or serrations.
Key Features of Aloe 'Paul Hutchinson'
- Star-Shaped Rosette: Forms a symmetrical, star-like arrangement of thick leaves.
- Elongated, Pointed Leaves with Textured Surface: The leaves are long and taper to a point, with a surface covered in numerous raised bumps.
- Pale Green Coloration with Lighter Mottling: Exhibits a base color of pale green with irregular, lighter, almost white or very pale green markings.
- Softly Toothed Margins: Leaf edges appear to have small, soft teeth or serrations.
- Relatively Small to Medium Size Rosettes: Individual rosettes remain a manageable size for container cultivation, and the plant may produce offsets over time.
- Potential for Offsets: Mature plants can produce offsets or "pups" from the base.
- (Flowering characteristics may vary): Mature plants can produce tall flower spikes with tubular flowers, the color of which can vary.
Care for Your Aloe 'Paul Hutchinson'
- Light: Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Too much intense, direct sun can sometimes stress the plant, while insufficient light can lead to duller colors and stretched growth.
- Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A commercial cactus or succulent mix is ideal.
- Watering: Water thoroughly only when the soil is dry to the touch. Aloe are drought-tolerant but susceptible to overwatering. Reduce watering significantly during the dormant winter months.
- Temperature: Prefers moderate temperatures and is generally not frost-tolerant. Protect from freezing conditions.
- Humidity: Adapts well to typical household humidity levels. Good air circulation is beneficial.
Maintenance for a Thriving Aloe 'Paul Hutchinson'
- Removing Dead Leaves: Regularly remove any dead or dried leaves from the base of the rosettes.
- Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant has outgrown its container. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger with drainage holes. Spring or early summer is the best time for repotting.
- Pest Control: Monitor for common succulent pests like mealybugs and scale. Treat any infestations promptly.
- Fertilizing: Generally does not require heavy feeding. A diluted balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied sparingly during the active growing season (spring and summer).
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
- Offsets (Pups): The most common and easiest method. Aloe 'Paul Hutchinson' often produces offsets that can be carefully separated from the mother plant once they have developed their own roots. Allow the cut surfaces to callus over for a day or two before potting them individually.
Aloe 'Paul Hutchinson' is a captivating hybrid succulent prized for its unique textured foliage and star-shaped rosette with subtle coloration. Its distinctive appearance makes it a wonderful addition to any succulent collection.
* Picture and information intended only as a guide. Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.