Scientific Name
Aloe rupestris Baker
Common Name(s)
Bottlebrush Aloe, Rock Aloe
Synonym(s)
Aloe nitens
Scientific Classification
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Aloe
Origin
Aloe rupestris is native to South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal), Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), and Mozambique. It usually grows on rocky outcrops in areas with warm, completely frost-free winters.
Description
Aloe rupestris is an attractive tree-like succulent with a usually simple stem with withered leaf remains that clothe the upper part, naked on the lower part, and with a compact rosette of erectly spreading and recurved leaves at the top. It can grow up to 26.2 feet (8 m) tall. The leaves are dull to slightly glossy, deep green with a deep pink to pale red edge armed with stout deltoid reddish-brown teeth. They are deeply channeled and can grow up to 28 inches (70 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide, gradually narrowing from the base to the pointed apex.
The flowers are orange-yellow in bud, lemon-yellow at flowering, and appear in erect, branched inflorescence with bottle-shaped, very densely flowered racemes from late winter to early spring. The inflorescence can grow up to 4.1 feet (1.25 m) tall, while the flowers up to 0.8 inches (2 cm). The racemes can reach up to 10 inches (25 cm) in length and 2.8 inches (7 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Aloes are very forgiving plants. 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.
These succulents are not particularly fast-growing and will only rarely need repotting. In the spring, repot Aloes tipping over their pots or have ceased growing. A well-drained potting mix is essential. Use a potting mix for cacti or succulents. When repotting a larger plant, dividing the root ball carefully is possible. Some varieties of Aloe will send off offsets that can be potted independently.
Aloe plants need strong, bright light. They can withstand full summer sun once acclimated. In the winter, provide bright light. These plants prefer warmer temperatures of 70 to 80 °F (21 to 27 °C) but will survive down to 40 °F (4.5 °C). Feed with a fertilizer for cacti and other succulents in spring and summer only.
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
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
