Scientific Name
Aloe perfoliata L.
Common Name(s)
Mitre Aloe, Rubble Aloe
Synonym(s)
Aloe brevifolia, Aloe depressa, Aloe distans var. reflexa, Aloe mitriformis, Aloe nobilis, Aloe reflexa
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Description
Aloe perfoliata, also known as Aloe mitriformis, is a hardy species that forms small colonies of elongated rosettes. Stems are simple or branched, up to 6.6 feet (2 m) long, erect at first, becoming prostrate with age. Leaves are thick, fleshy, often curved inwards, and have margins with soft white teeth. This succulent is highly variable in the color and shape of the leaves and their arrangement on the stem. 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 inflorescence.
Etymology
The specific epithet "perfoliata (per-foh-lee-AY-tuh)" means "appearing to have the stem passing through the leaves; having the leaf around the stem at the base" and refers to the way the stem seems to pass through the leaves.
Origin
Aloe perfoliata is native to South Africa. It grows in the mountainous areas of the Western Cape.
How to Grow and Care for Aloe perfoliata
Light: When growing Aloes indoors, place your plants near a southern or southwest-facing window that gets 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 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), USDA hardiness zones 9a to 10b.
Watering: These succulents need regular watering but are very tolerant of drought conditions for short periods. 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 every few years to keep it from becoming rootbound.
Propagation: Propagating Aloe can be done by using the 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.
Forms, Cultivars, and Hybrids of Aloe perfoliata
Links
- Back to genus Aloe
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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