How to Grow and Care for Mitre Aloe
Learn to cultivate the hardy and distinctive *Aloe perfoliata*. This guide offers practical techniques for its care and managing its unique growth habit.
Mitre Aloe, known scientifically as Aloe perfoliata, is a distinctive and durable succulent originating from South Africa. This plant is a low-maintenance option for many gardeners. Unlike many other aloes that grow in an upright rosette, this species has a more sprawling nature. It is well-suited for container gardening and can be a striking addition to indoor collections or outdoor rockeries in appropriate climates.
Essential Care Guide
Light
Mitre Aloe requires a location with plenty of bright light. It performs well with several hours of direct sunlight, but can also adapt to partial shade. When grown indoors, a south- or southwest-facing window is a suitable spot to ensure it receives adequate light. If the plant does not get enough sunlight, its growth may become stretched and less compact. In environments with very intense sun, a bit of afternoon shade can prevent the leaves from scorching.
Soil
Proper soil composition is important for this succulent. A well-draining, gritty soil mix is needed to prevent water from accumulating around the roots, which can lead to rot. Commercial cactus or succulent mixes are effective for this purpose. You can also create your own mix by combining potting soil with mineral materials like coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to improve aeration and drainage.
Water
This plant is drought-tolerant, having adapted to store water in its fleshy leaves. It is best to use the “soak and dry” watering method, allowing the soil to dry out completely before watering again. During the winter, when the plant is mostly dormant, watering frequency should be reduced significantly.
Temperature
Mitre Aloe prefers moderate temperatures between 55-80°F (13-27°C). It is not cold-hardy and cannot survive freezing conditions. If you live in a climate that experiences temperatures below 30°F (-1.1°C), it is best to grow this aloe in a container so it can be moved indoors during the colder months.
Growth Habits and Appearance
Mitre Aloe displays a unique growth pattern. It begins with an upright form before its stems elongate, branch out, and then lean over, growing along the ground in a sprawling or creeping manner. This habit makes it well-suited for ground cover in suitable climates or for cascading over the edges of large containers. The plant forms clumps and can spread up to 24 inches wide, with individual stems reaching up to 12 inches in height.
Its leaves are thick, fleshy, and triangular, with a blue-green color that can turn reddish when the plant is exposed to the stress of full sun. The leaves clasp the stem, and their arrangement gives the plant its “mitre” name. Along the leaf margins are harmless, off-white to yellowish teeth. During the summer, the plant can produce stalks of bright, red-orange tubular flowers.
Propagation Techniques
New Mitre Aloe plants can be started using offsets or stem cuttings. Offsets, or “pups,” are small plants that sprout around the base of the parent plant. These can be gently separated, with some roots already attached, and allowed to dry for a day or two before being replanted in well-draining soil.
Taking stem cuttings is another effective technique. A healthy stem can be cut, allowed to dry and form a callus over several days, and then planted in a suitable potting mix. This callusing period helps prevent the cutting from rotting. For both methods, water the new plants sparingly until they have established a root system and begin to show new growth.