Asphodelaceae
Mitre Aloe (Aloe perfoliata) Care Guide
Aloe perfoliata
Give Mitre Aloe full sun and a fast-draining, sandy or gritty mix. Water deeply but infrequently, letting the soil dry out completely between waterings, and cut back further in winter. It tolerates poor soil and neglect well but is very sensitive to overwatering and poor drainage, which quickly lead to root or stem rot.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
10° - 32°C
20% - 40%
Categories
What is Mitre Aloe?
Mitre Aloe (Aloe perfoliata) is a easy-care plant from the Asphodelaceae family. Aloe perfoliata, commonly known as Mitre Aloe, is a low-growing, mat-forming succulent native to the arid rocky slopes of South Africa. Its thick, blue-green leaves are edged with sharp white teeth and often flushed with red or pink under stress from sun or drought. In summer, tall flower spikes eme...
Mitre Aloe grows up to 40cm, spread of 60cm, watering every 14 days, 10°C â 32°C, 20â40% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Mitre Aloe tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 28 days.
How to Care for Mitre Aloe?
TLDR: Mitre Aloe needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between 10-32°C with 20-40% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Mitre Aloe?
Water deeply only when the soil has dried out completely, roughly every 1-2 weeks in the growing season and much less in winter. Never let the pot sit in water.
How Much Light Does Mitre Aloe Need?
Provide bright, direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. Indoors, place it in the sunniest south-facing window available.
What Is the Best Soil for Mitre Aloe?
Use a very well-draining sandy or gritty succulent mix; a blend of potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite works well.
What Pot Should You Use for Mitre Aloe?
Wide, shallow terracotta pot with drainage holes
What Is Mitre Aloe and Where Does It Come From?
Aloe perfoliata, commonly known as Mitre Aloe, is a low-growing, mat-forming succulent native to the arid rocky slopes of South Africa. Its thick, blue-green leaves are edged with sharp white teeth and often flushed with red or pink under stress from sun or drought. In summer, tall flower spikes emerge bearing clusters of tubular red or orange blooms that attract sunbirds and bees. This tough, drought-tolerant aloe is prized by succulent collectors for its architectural form and minimal care requirements.
How to Propagate Mitre Aloe?
Offset (pup) division
Wait until the offset has its own roots for best success. Avoid watering immediately after planting to prevent rot.
- 1 Locate a healthy offset (pup) growing at the base of the mother plant
- 2 Use a clean, sharp knife to separate the pup, keeping some roots attached if possible
- 3 Let the cutting callus over for 2-3 days in a dry, shaded spot
- 4 Plant in well-draining succulent soil and water sparingly until established
Materials needed:
How Big Does Mitre Aloe Grow?
TLDR: Mitre Aloe can reach up to 40cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
40cm
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Used traditionally for topical treatment of minor skin irritations, similar to other Aloe species
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Mitre Aloe?
TLDR: Mitre Aloe is susceptible to 10 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Bacterial Soft Rot
Bacterial soft rot is a destructive plant disease caused primarily by bacteria from the genera Pectobacterium (formerly Erwinia) and Dickeya. These bacteria produce enzymes that break down plant cell walls, causing rapid and foul-smelling tissue decomposition. It mainly affects succulent tissues such as tubers, fruits, stems, and bulbs, being especially problematic in warm and humid conditions.
Sooty Mold
Sooty mold is a fungal disease that develops on surfaces coated with honeydew, a sticky sweet substance secreted by sap-sucking insects like aphids, scale insects, and whiteflies. While it does not directly infect plant tissue, it reduces photosynthetic capacity by blocking sunlight and diminishes the plant's aesthetic appearance.
Rust
Rust is a common fungal disease caused by fungi in the order Pucciniales that affects a wide variety of plants. The disease gets its name from the characteristic orange, yellow, or reddish-brown pustules that appear on leaves, resembling metal rust. This obligate fungal parasite requires living plants to survive and can cause significant economic losses in agricultural crops.
Meaning & Symbolism
Symbol of protection, healing and resilience, valued for its toughness in harsh, arid environments.
Fun Facts
Its leaves often blush red or pink under intense sun and drought stress
The name perfoliata refers to how the leaf bases appear to be pierced by the stem
Its tubular flowers attract sunbirds and bees in its native South Africa
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Mitre Aloe?
Is Aloe perfoliata toxic to pets?
How much light does Mitre Aloe need?
How do I propagate Mitre Aloe?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | â |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | â |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | â |
| Peruvian peppertree | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | â ïļ |
