Scientific Name
Aloe pictifolia D.S.Hardy
Common Name(s)
Kouga Aloe, Speckled Aloe
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Etymology
The specific epithet "pictifolia" (pronounced "pic-tee-FOH-lee-uh") means "having painted leaves" and refers to the white-spotted leaves of this species.
Origin
Aloe pictifolia is native to South Africa. It occurs in quartzitic sandstone cliffs overlooking the Kouga River near Hankey in the Eastern Cape province.
Description
Aloe pictifolia is an attractive small succulent that forms short-stemmed rosettes of narrow but thick, glaucous leaves with many white spots on both surfaces and margins armed with small, reddish-brown teeth. The rosettes can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter and slowly produce offsets, forming a dense clump of up to seven rosettes over time. The leaves take on a pinkish hue under drought stress. They are lance-shaped, ascending to curved inwards or recurved when the stem is hanging, at first arranged in opposite rows, forming a rosette with age. The leaves can reach 7 inches (17.5 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
The flowers are cylindrical, scarlet with a yellow mouth, and appear in a lax raceme on a simple, erectly spreading stalk, usually in spring. The flower stalk can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) long, while the flowers can reach up to 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) in length.
How to Grow and Care for Aloe pictifolia
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Aloe is a very forgiving plant. However, as with all succulents, it is essential that Aloe is never 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 sand or pebbles. When repotting a larger plant, dividing the root ball carefully is possible. Some kinds of Aloe produce offsets 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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