Gonialoe variegata
Aloe variegata · Kanniedood aloe · Partridge aloe · Partridge breast aloe · Tiger aloe
Description
Source: leafsnapThe Gonialoe variegata (formerly Aloe variegata) is a perennial succulent known as Tiger Aloe or Partridge Breast Aloe. The Tiger Aloe can grow up to 2 feet tall, sprouting thick, blade-like, variegated leaves with rough edges from a rosette-like base. In the summer, it blooms with showy drooping, bell-shaped, orange or pink flowers on fleshy racemes. The Tiger Aloe is quite easy-to-care-for, making it an excellent indoor or outdoor potted houseplant.
💡 Sunbirds (Nectariniidae) are drawn to the reddish flowers of the tiger aloe because of their nectar and may play a significant role as the plant's primary pollinators. In addition to sunbirds, insect pollinators like bees, wasps, beetles, and ants also visit the flowers. This makes the tiger aloe an important food source for a diverse range of wildlife.
Care Guide
💧 Water Every 2-3 weeks
Tiger aloe is a drought-tolerant succulent that thrives in arid conditions. It only needs to be watered once every three weeks. Favoring warm climates, it grows best in well-draining soil to prevent root rot and maintain its water balance.
☀️ Light Full sun
Thriving with ample light exposure, tiger aloe likes to spend its days in generous brightness. It can endure lower light levels, though its growth may be hindered. Native to areas with abundant daylight, it fares poorly when light is scarce or excessively extreme.
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
Tiger aloe is native to environments with temperatures between 68 and 100 °F (20 to 38 ℃). The plants prefer warmer conditions, so adjustments should be made to maintain this temperature range, especially during colder seasons.
💨 Humidity dry (<40%)
This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
For Tiger aloe, small amounts of fertilizer applied one to two times per year during the growing season are adequate. Do not fertilize in winter or summer when it is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying fertilizer. Fertilizing supports healthy growth and promotes blooming.
🪴 Pot & Repot Every 2 years
When repotting Tiger aloe, choose a pot just slightly larger than the current one that has good drainage. Use a gritty, well-draining mix made for succulents or cacti. Gently remove the plant from its old container, brush off excess soil, and place it at the same planting depth. Wait a few days before watering so any root injury can heal. Repot in spring or fall and keep it in a brightly lit spot.
✂️ Pruning
Remove any fallen, shriveled, or damaged leaves after your Tiger Aloe’s growing season.
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
In recent years aloe has been added to many nutritional products, but it's not recommended that you directly ingest this sap, and your pets shouldn't consume it either as it is toxic for them.
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Succulent
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Gonialoe
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 20 cm to 30 cm
- Mature Spread
- 23 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Pink
- Flower Size
- 20.32 cm to 30.48 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Harvest Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Native Area
- South Africa, Namibia