Aloe pearsonii has a unique appearance, with rows of recurved leaves covering the stems, resembling a long, narrow skirt.
Taxonomy of Aloe pearsonii
Scientific Name
Aloe pearsonii Schönland
Common Name(s)
Pearson's Aloe
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Etymology
The specific epithet "pearsonii" (pronounced "peer-SON-ee-eye") honors Henry Harold Welch Pearson🡕 (1870-1916), a British-born South African botanist.
Hybrids of Aloe acutissima
Origin of Aloe pearsonii
The native range of Aloe pearsonii extends from the mountains around Rosh Pinah in Namibia to Kubus in the Richtersveld in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. It grows in pockets of sandy soil among rocks.
Description of Aloe pearsonii
Aloe pearsonii is a shrubby succulent with many erect, rigid stems covered with recurved, neatly arranged leaves in four or five highly symmetrical vertical rows. The plant can reach up to 6.6 feet (2 cm) in height and branch from the base or sometimes higher up. The lower areas of the stems are often covered with a layer of persistent dead leaves. The leaves are nearly triangular and have margins armed with whitish to reddish deltoid teeth. They can measure up to 3.6 inches (9 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) wide. The leaves are dull bluish-green but can turn reddish, especially during drought.
During the summer, Aloe pearsonii produces inflorescences that are simple to 3-branched and bear dense conical racemes of golden yellow or red flowers. The flowers are cylindrical and can reach up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. They are attached to the inflorescences by a slender pedicel about 0.8 inches (2 cm) long. The seed capsule can grow up to 0.9 inches (2.2 cm) long and 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care for Aloe pearsonii
Light: When growing Aloe pearsonii indoors, place it in a window that receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Rotate the pot once or twice a week to ensure all sides of the plant receive equal lighting. Outdoors, the plant prefers light shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Soil: Great drainage is essential for this plant, as prolonged moisture can cause root rot. Use commercial soil for succulents, or make your own well-draining mix.
Temperature: When temperatures shift below 50°F (10°C), it is time to bring this plant inside. It tolerates heat fairly well but will not survive a hard frost. Aloe pearsonii grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25°F to 50°F (-3.9°C to 10°C).
Watering: This plant needs regular watering but can tolerate short periods of drought. Water deeply, but only when the soil is completely dry to the touch, and do not let water stand in the rosettes. Cut back on watering during the winter months.
Fertilizing: Although it generally does not require fertilizer, Aloe pearsonii will benefit from additional nutrients. Use a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
Repotting: Repot only as needed during spring. Pick a container that is one size larger and has drainage holes.
Propagation: Growing Aloe pearsonii from stem cuttings and offsets is possible, but it can take a long time for new roots to form, and the risk of overwatering and disease is high. The best results are achieved by sowing seeds during the warm months. However, if you prefer to use stem cuttings or offsets, do so only during the growing season.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Toxicity of Aloe pearsonii
Aloe pearsonii is non-toxic to people but can be mildly to moderately toxic to pets.
Photo Gallery
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Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Aloe.
- Explore all plants within the family Asphodelaceae.