Scientific Name
Aloe pearsonii Schönland
Common Names
Pearson's Aloe
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Tribe: Aloeae
Genus: Aloe
Description
Aloe pearsonii is a densely branched succulent with erect, up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall stems with the lower area often covered with dead, persistent leaves and the upper area with living leaves. Branching may take place from the base of the stem or higher up. The densely arranged leaves are elongate-triangular, mainly downward curving and arranged in 4 ranks. They are dull bluish-green and often turn red, especially in times of drought. The backward curving leaves give the rosettes a distinctive appearance that is unmistakable of this species. The inflorescence is often branched low down into two or three head-shaped racemes. Flower color is varied from red, yellow, and red-yellow.
Photo via pieceofeden.blogspot.com
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Aloes can live long and thrive with very little care. These plants are great for beginners.
When growing Aloes indoors, place your plants near a southern or southwest-facing window that gets plenty of bright, indirect light. To keep your Aloes looking green, avoid exposing them to direct sun, which can cause leaves to brown. Rotate the pots once or twice a week so that all sides of the plants receive equal lighting. Rotating your Aloe also helps balance out the look of the plant, as leaves tend to grow toward the sunlight.
Outdoors, provide light shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. An excellent spot for growing Aloe outdoors is on a covered patio or porch.
Plant Aloes in a well-drained soil specially formulated for cacti and other succulents or make your soil mix. Drainage is essential because too much moisture around roots can cause root rot.
These succulents do need regular watering but are very tolerant of drought conditions for short periods. Water deeply, but only when the soil is completely dry. Cut back on watering during the winter months. Overwatering is the top reason Aloe plants die. Do not let water stand in the rosettes.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Origin
It is naturally endemic to the arid Richtersveld area, on the border between South Africa and Namibia.
Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Aloe
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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