Scientific Name
Aloe perfoliata f. variegata
Accepted Scientific Name
Aloe perfoliata L.
Common Name(s)
Mitre Aloe
Synonym(s)
Aloe mitriformis f. variegata
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Etymology
The formal epithet "variegata (pronounced "var-ee-GAY-tuh") means "variegated; having a pattern of different colors or marks."
Origin
Aloe perfoliata f. variegata is a variegated form of Aloe perfoliata, native to South Africa.
Description
Aloe perfoliata f. variegata, also known as Aloe mitriformis f. variegata, is an attractive succulent that forms elongated rosettes of green to bluish-green leaves irregularly striped with yellow. The variegated leaves are broad, thick, and fleshy, often curved inwards, and have little, white, harmless teeth along the margins. They are sometimes almost entirely yellow.
The flowers are dull to bright red and appear in summer on usually branched inflorescences.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°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 with 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 to receive equal lighting for all sides of the plants. Rotating your Aloe also helps balance the plant's look, as leaves tend to grow toward the sunlight.
Outdoors provide light shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. A covered patio or porch is an excellent spot for growing Aloe outdoors.
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.
These succulents need regular watering but are very tolerant of short periods of drought. Water deeply, but only when the soil is completely dry. Reduce 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.
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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