Aloe ‘Lizard Lips’ is a distinctive succulent known for its unique appearance. Its common name aptly describes its textured foliage, characterized by bumpy, mottled green and silver leaves. These leaves often feature irregular teeth along their borders, contributing to their reptilian-like charm. The plant forms attractive rosettes, adding an ornamental touch to indoor spaces or rock gardens.
Cultivating Aloe ‘Lizard Lips’
Light
Aloe ‘Lizard Lips’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it near an east, south, or west-facing window is suitable. While it appreciates bright light, direct, harsh afternoon sun can cause damage, leading to discolored or burnt spots. A location offering morning sun and light shade during the hottest parts of the day is ideal for outdoor cultivation. Rotating the pot regularly ensures all sides receive consistent light exposure, promoting even growth.
Watering
Proper watering for Aloe ‘Lizard Lips’ follows a “soak and dry” method. Water thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s bottom, then allow the soil to dry out completely before rewatering. Infrequent yet deep watering is preferable to frequent, shallow watering, as succulents store water in their fleshy leaves. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to root rot, so check soil moisture by feeling the top few inches.
Soil and Potting
Well-draining soil is important for Aloe ‘Lizard Lips’ to prevent waterlogging and root issues. A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix is recommended, often containing 50% to 70% mineral grit like coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. This gritty composition ensures proper aeration and drainage, mimicking the plant’s natural arid habitat. When choosing a container, select one with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Temperature
Aloe ‘Lizard Lips’ prefers warm climates and thrives in temperatures between 50°F and 85°F (10°C and 30°C). It tolerates brief drops as low as 30°F (-1.1°C), but is not frost-hardy and will not survive a hard freeze. If temperatures are expected to fall below freezing, bring the plant indoors to a sunny windowsill or under a grow light. This succulent tolerates average household humidity levels without specific requirements.
Addressing Common Problems
Overwatering is a common problem for Aloe ‘Lizard Lips’, leading to mushy or soft leaves and potential root rot. If the plant exhibits these signs, immediately reduce watering frequency and ensure the soil dries out completely between waterings. Conversely, underwatering can cause leaves to appear shriveled, thin, or deflated, indicating the plant is using its stored water reserves. A thorough watering will rehydrate the plant, causing the leaves to plump up.
Light-related problems can arise; too much direct sunlight may result in sunburn, appearing as discolored or burnt spots. If the plant receives insufficient light, it may become “leggy,” stretching towards the light source with elongated, weak growth. Moving the plant to a brighter location, or providing supplemental light, can correct this issue, though existing stretched growth will not revert.
Aloe ‘Lizard Lips’ can encounter common succulent pests like mealybugs or scale insects. These pests are visible as small, cottony masses (mealybugs) or tiny, raised bumps (scale) on the plant’s leaves or stems. Treatment involves dabbing pests directly with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol, which helps eliminate them without harming the plant. Regular inspection helps in early detection and treatment.