Aloe Perfoliata, also known as the Rubble Aloe, is rather unique in that it is a creeping plant. It is endemic in Western Cape, South Africa. It is characterized by the formation of stacked rosettes that can grow relatively long. The name ‘Mitre Aloe’ is due to its elongated shoot completed by its lance-shaped leaves since it appears like a bishop’s mitre.
| Family: | Aloaceae/Asphodelaceae. |
| Genus: | Aloe. |
| Scientific Name: | Aloe Perfoliata. |
| Other Names: | Aloe Mitrifomis, Mitre Aloe, Rubble Aloe. |
| Growth Season: | Spring to early autumn. |
| Preferred Temperature: | 70oF to 80oF (21oC-27oC) is the temperature range for ideal growth but it can survive winters of up to 40oF (4.5oC). |
| Hardiness Zone: | USDA 9a-10b. |
| Average Mature Height & Width: | It can attain up to 60-100cm tall and two feet wide. |
| Dormancy: | It may become dormant in winter. |
| Toxicity: | It may be mildly toxic to both humans and pets when ingested. |
Mitre Aloe’s Physical Characteristics
Its leaves are lance-shaped, and they curve upwards and inward. The leaves are greyish–green, with soft spines on the edges. These spines are mostly harmless. Many plants in the aloe genus are stemless and have s single rosette. Aloe Perfoliata also is stemless, but it has several rosettes stacked together, thus the elongated, mitre-like appearance.
The color of its foliage may change depending on the plant’s environment. Leaves are bright green when sheltered from direct sunlight and can acquire a pinkish hue under intense sunlight. This plant’s flowers grow from a stalk from the middle of the topmost rosette. They are red, tubular, and face downward. Its leaves are fibrous and shallow, prone to root rot.
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Aloe Perfoliata Care
Water the plant regularly during the plant’s growing season but ensure you don’t overwater since that would prevent the root system from rotting. Allow water from the previous drink to dry up before watering again. Avoid watering in winter since the weather doesn’t facilitate evaporation and the plant isn’t using it.
Aloe Perfoliata is adapted to direct sunlight and grows best in such an environment. Sufficient light is necessary for the plant’s overall good health. It will not flower if it doesn’t get sufficient light. You should grow this aloe in gravelly, well-drained soil with a measure of organic matter. Feeding your plant some extra fertilizer during the growing season is advisable. Give it phosphorus-rich fertilizer.
DO YOU KNOW? Caring (propagating, pruning/trimming, beheading, watering, …) is a set of skills that is widely applicable to succulents. Read the in-depth guide here >>
Richard Miller – Succulent City
Aloe Perfoliata Growth
You can propagate this succulent by cutting off the topmost rosette and planting it. Allow this plant to callous like you would any succulent stem cutting. Pruning is necessary to remove the woody stalks for flowering. Also, you can remove dry flowers on the lower part of the bottommost rosette.
This succulent is relatively fast-growing and may need to be repotted occasionally. Aloe Perfoliata is a pest-resistant plant, but spider mites and mealybugs can attack it.
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Hey everyone! Welcome to Succulent City! We are all about succulents, cacti, and a bit about air plants. Ten years back, in 2013, we began the journey with succulents. It started as a simple hobby, crafting and selling charming succulent-themed pins and decorations. But as time passed, our fascination with these remarkable plants grew, and we gained extensive knowledge about them. Therefore, Succulent City is the blog as you see it is now. Enjoy your visit and happly planting!