Aloe petricola - stone aloe (Square vase 7x7x8 cm)

Genus of 300 species of perennial evergreens with small to large rosettes of leaves. Some are shrub-like, a few arborescent. They can be found at various altitudes in the Cape Verde Islands, in tropical and southern Africa, in Madagascar and in the Arabian Peninsula. Aloe petricola is a single-bodied, rarely tillered succulent that forms elongated rosettes, up to 1.5 m tall. The glaucous grey, succulent leaves are 60/80 cm long and have small dark teeth both on the margins and on the underside. In late autumn the rosettes form very decorative apical inflorescences 40-60 cm high with tubular flowers which are red when closed but turn golden yellow as soon as they open, giving this inflorescence a magnificent chromatic contrast.

Pedoclimatic needs

It requires sandy and well-drained soil. In its habitat, this species colonizes rocky environments, making it well suited to being raised even in stony soils or in rock cracks. It should be grown in full sun or partial shade. It adapts to being grown both in large pots, in the ground or in flowerbeds. This species is not rustic and cannot tolerate temperatures below 4°/6 °C. During the dry season it tolerates drought well, but benefits from regular irrigation.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Aloe petricola

Family: Asphodelaceae