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My Mum's 'cactus'

(7 Posts)
ExDancer Fri 03-Jun-22 21:52:14

This has been sitting in my bathroom window for years, it was my Mum's and she valued it, but didn't know what it was called.
Today I noticed it's sprouted a flower.
Anyone know what it is, and how should I treat it? I've always neglected it and it gets watering only when I remember.

Grannybags Fri 03-Jun-22 21:55:21

Looks like an Aloe Vera. I would keep treating it as you have been - it seems to like it!

FlexibleFriend Fri 03-Jun-22 22:21:08

ExDancer

This has been sitting in my bathroom window for years, it was my Mum's and she valued it, but didn't know what it was called.
Today I noticed it's sprouted a flower.
Anyone know what it is, and how should I treat it? I've always neglected it and it gets watering only when I remember.

I've got one in my Conservatory it gets a flower shoot or two every year. I can't remember what it's called but it's a succulent not a cactus. Treat it the same as any other succulent water infrequently as it stores water in its thick fleshy leaves. They thrive on neglect.

MiniMoon Fri 03-Jun-22 22:24:14

Its a lace aloe, Aloe aristatagrows best in full sun, in sandy, free-draining compost, such as cactus compost. Water sparingly and avoid watering in the dormant period (September to March).

My husband grows these in our conservatory, he waters them when they are dry and only very sparingly during the winter. Ours has finished flowering now. The flower spike is a pretty pale orange.
I don't think a bathroom is the best place for it.

silverlining48 Sat 04-Jun-22 10:05:58

Yes it’s an aloe Vera. They often have little ‘babies’ ? which can easily be planted on, which is why we have about 20 of them!
You can remove leaves s and squeeze the aloe out to sooth cuts, sun burn and bruises.

J52 Sat 04-Jun-22 11:05:45

Mine was ‘abandoned’ during lockdown for most of 2 years. It survived with no watering in a sometimes hot room. It’s still going strong.
They’re almost indestructible.

Hetty58 Sat 04-Jun-22 11:10:05

I think succulents enjoy a bit of sun and strong daylight (along with the neglect) and just spring into life accordingly. That's my favourite type of houseplant.