Scientific Name
Aloe petricola Pole-Evans
Common Name(s)
Rock Aloe, Stone Aloe
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Origin
This species is native to South Africa. It grows on rocky outcrops in a small area of the mountainous country in the Mpumalanga province.
Description
Aloe petricola is a stemless succulent that forms compact rosettes of lance-shaped, grayish-green leaves with margins armed with strong, deltoid, dark brown teeth. The rosettes grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall and 3 feet (90 cm) in diameter, usually solitary or sparsely clustering. Leaves are incurved towards the apex, smooth or with a few scattered small thorns on both surfaces. They are up to 24 inches (60 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide, with an upper surface flat and slightly channeled towards the apex and a convex lower surface.
This plant is a winter bloomer. The inflorescences are up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall, simple in younger plants, and 3- to 6-branched in mature specimens. Racemes are erect, cylindrical, up to 20 inches (50 cm) long, densely flowered, and usually bicolored with dull red to coral-red buds and orange to ivory flowers spreading downwards and opening from bottom to the top.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Aloe is a very forgiving plant. However, as with all succulents, Aloe must never be allowed to sit in stagnant water, and the plant should be carefully monitored to watch for signs of overwatering. Water generously in the summer and nearly cease watering in the winter. Do not let water stand in the rosettes.
Aloes are not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. Repot plants in the spring that are tipping over their pots or have ceased growing. Use a fast-draining potting mix with one-third of sand or pebbles. When repotting a larger plant, dividing the root ball carefully is possible. Some kinds of Aloe will send off off-sets that can be potted independently.
See 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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