Scientific Name
Aloe perfoliata L.
Synonym(s)
Aloe mitriformis
Common Name(s)
Mitre Aloe, Rubble Aloe
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Origin
Aloe perfoliata is native to South Africa. It grows in the mountainous areas of the Western Cape province.
Etymology
The specific epithet "perfoliata" (pronounced "per-foh-lee-AY-tuh") means "perfoliate; with the stem appearing to pass through the leaf" and refers to the way the stem seems to pass through the leaves.
Description
Aloe perfoliata, also known as Aloe mitriformis, is a hardy species that forms small colonies of elongated rosettes. The stems are simple or branched and can grow up to 6.6 feet (2 m) long, erect at first, becoming prostrate with age. The leaves are thick, fleshy, often curved inward, and have soft white teeth along the margins. This succulent is highly variable in leaf color and shape, as well as in the arrangement of its leaves on the stem. The plants that grow in the full sun develop bluish, tightly arranged leaves, while those in the shade have green, more widely spaced leaves.
The flowers are dull to bright red and appear in summer on usually branched inflorescences.
Forms, Cultivars, and Hybrids of Aloe perfoliata
How to Grow and Care for Aloe perfoliata
Light: When growing Aloe plants indoors, place them in a southern- or southwest-facing window with plenty of bright, indirect light. Outdoors provide light shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Soil: Plant Aloes in well-drained soil specially formulated for cacti and other succulents, or make your own soil mix. Drainage is essential because too much moisture around roots can cause root rot.
Hardiness: Aloe perfoliata can withstand temperatures as low as 20 to 40 °F (-6.7 to 4.4 °C) and is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9a to 10b.
Watering: These succulents need regular watering, but are very tolerant of short periods of drought. Water deeply, but only when the soil is dry. Cut back on watering during the winter months.
Fertilizing: Aloes generally do not require fertilizer, but may benefit from the extra nutrients.
Repotting: These plants are not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. Repot them in the spring in a container a few inches larger in diameter each year to keep them from becoming rootbound.
Propagation: Propagating Aloe can be done using offsets, cuttings, or seeds from a mature plant.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aloe.
Toxicity of Aloe perfoliata
Aloe perfoliata is not listed as toxic for people and 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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