Aloe pendens was one of the first Arabian Aloes discovered by Pehr Forsskål (1732-1763) in the mountains of Hadiyah in Yemen in 1763, during the Royal Danish expedition from 1761 to 1763.
Scientific Name
Aloe pendens Forssk.
Synonym(s)
Aloe arabica, Aloe dependens
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Etymology
The specific epithet "pendens (PEN-denz)" means "pending, hanging down" and refers to the thin, graceful, often pendent stems of this species.
Origin
Aloe pendens is native to Yemen. It grows on steep cliffs or infrequently on rocky slopes at elevations ranging from 4,920 to 7,550 feet (1,500 to 2,300 m).
Description
Aloe pendens is a small succulent with upright to hanging stems and sword-shaped leaves scattered along the stem. It freely branches from the base and sends out underground shoots. The stems can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long. The leaves are green with prominent white spots on the lower surface and fewer spots on the upper surface. They are narrow, U-shaped in cross-section, have margins lined with tiny teeth, and can measure up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide. The leaves become reddened, less fleshy, and more prominently channeled when exposed to intense sunlight.
This species can produce flowers sporadically at any time of the year but usually from late summer to early fall. The flowers are typically lemon yellow, rarely orange-red with pale green mid-stripes, and appear in unbranched ascending to erect inflorescences. They can measure up to 0.9 inches (2.3 cm) long. The inflorescence can grow up to 11.2 inches (28 cm) long, while the raceme can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm).
How to Grow and Care for Aloe pendens
Light: When growing Aloe pendens indoors, place it in a window with plenty of bright indirect light. 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 growing this plant because too much moisture for an extended period 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 pendens grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C).
Watering: This plant needs regular watering but can tolerate drought conditions for short periods. 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 pendens will benefit from extra nutrients. Use a water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
Repotting: Repot only as needed during spring. Pick a container that is one size larger and has drainage holes.
Propagation: To propagate Aloe pendens, remove the offsets from a mature plant from late spring to early summer. It is also easy to start from seeds. For best results, sow the seeds during the warm months.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Toxicity of Aloe pendens
Aloe pendens is non-toxic to people but is mild to moderately toxic to pets.
Links
- Back to genus Aloe
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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