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    Home»Succulents and Cacti»Aloe Petricola (Stone Aloe): Growing And Care Guide

    Aloe Petricola (Stone Aloe): Growing And Care Guide

    By Milo MasonOctober 17, 2022
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    Aloe petricola is an excellent addition to your garden. It’s an extremely hardy plant, growing well in most soil types and tolerating heat, sun, and water consumption. Easy to grow and easier to maintain, it is every gardener’s dream.

    Aloe Petricola
    Aloe petricola (“File:Aloe petricola kz1.jpg” by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.)

    Interested? Keep reading to learn more about the Stone Aloe, including its growing and care requirements.

    in this article:

    • care
    • pruning
    • repotting
    • propagation
    • blooms
    • pests
    • common-problems

    About Aloe petricola

    Aloe Petricola (Stone Aloe) is a small, spiky succulent that grows in the wilds of South Africa. This is a succulent plant that grows well in desert and arid regions.

    Its leaves are slightly rounded and fleshy, covered in spines at the back and around the edges. They are easy to identify if one knows what to look for.

    Use caution because this Aloe has sharp needles. If you are interested in keeping Aloe Petricola as a houseplant, it will grow indoors.

    Related Article: An in-depth guide on different types of Aloes

    Botanical NameAloe Petricola
    Common NameStone Aloe
    FamilyAsphodelaceae
    Plant TypeSucculent
    OriginSouth Africa
    MaintenanceLow
    Height1-2 feet
    Width2-3 feet
    LightFull sun, Partial sun
    Bloom colorRed, Orange (Buds)
    White, Green (Flowers)
    Water needsLow
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
    TolerantDeer, Drought
    Toxicitynon-toxic
    Hardiness (USDA)9-11

    Aloe petricola Care

    The Stone Aloe plant is easy to care for and will thrive in most environments. This plant can be kept indoors during winter as long as it receives adequate sunlight and water.

    Light

    Aloe petricola will thrive in full sunlight, but it also can be kept under partial shade indoors as a houseplant. However, it needs to be placed near a window with plenty of light during the day. Water

    Soil

    Aloe petricola will grow best in well-draining soil rich in organic material. The potting mix should be sandy, and water should drain easily from the bottom of the pot.

    The Stone Aloe is more forgiving of poor soil than many other aloes.

    Water

    The Stone Aloe plant does not need much water. In fact, overwatering is among the most common mistakes novice gardeners make when caring for this succulent plant. Allow the potting soil to become dry between watering sessions.

    If you are growing this plant indoors and have no access to natural sunlight, then you should water the plant only once a week.

    Temperature and Humidity

    The Stone Aloe is a very hardy succulent and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It prefers daytime temperatures between 75°F and 85°F, with nighttime temperatures falling as low as 55°F.

    This Aloe does not like extreme temperature changes, so avoid placing it in drafty locations or near heat sources.

    Fertilizer

    Aloe petricola does not need to be fertilized regularly. However, if you decide to use fertilizer, it should only be done in the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing.

    Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to avoid shocking the roots.

    Aloe Petricola Cheat Sheet
    Aloe petricola cheat sheet (“Aloe Petricola & Sudafrica (1)” by someone10x is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

    Pruning

    Pruning is not necessary with Aloe petricola, but it can be done if you want to control the plant’s size or shape. Use a sharp, sterile tool to carefully cut off any leaves that are past their prime.

    Potting and Repotting Stone Aloe

    Aloe petricola does not need to be repotted often. If you do choose to repot your plant, wait until it has outgrown its pot. You can then either transplant it into a larger container or divide the root ball and replant each section separately in smaller pots.

    Wait for spring or summer to begin repotting. Winter stress is hard to recover from.

    Prepare

    • Prepare the pot. It should be just a bit larger than the original one. Ensure the presence of drainage holes at the bottom.
    • Prepare the soil. You can use either a cactus mix or regular potting soil. Add some coarse sand or perlite to the potting soil to improve drainage.
    • Choose the spot. A location with good sunlight but is protected from the elements. The ideal conditions are an area that receives indirect sunlight and has some air circulation.
    • Gather the tools. A sharp knife or scissors, a trowel, and some potting soil.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Remove the plant from its container. 
    2. Add enough potting soil to lightly cover the surface of the old container, leaving about 2 inches at the top for more soil.
    3. Place your Stone Aloe plant into the new pot and gently push down on it to ensure there are no air pockets between its roots and the soil.
    4. Water lightly and wait for the plant to take root.

    Related: A Guide to Aloe Nobilis, a.k.a the Golden Toothed Aloe

    Propagating Aloe petricola by Seeds (Step-by-Step)

    1. Sow the Aloe seeds on the surface of a well-drained, moistened, sterile seed-raising mix. 
    2. Cover with a thin layer of fine sifted soil or vermiculite to keep the seeds from drying out while they germinate.
    3. Keep the tray in a warm place between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity.
    4. Check daily for sprouting by gently pressing down on top of the soil.
    5. Seeds will germinate before two weeks if kept moist and warm.
    6. Relocate the seedlings to a slightly bigger pot and wait for further growth.
    Aloe Petricola Blooms
    Aloe petricola blooms (“Aloe petricola” by andrewdeacon is marked with CC0 1.0.)

    Blooms

    Juvenile plants bloom differently from their adult counterparts. On adults, multiple racemes bearing two-toned green and white flowers are a common occurrence come flowering season. On younger plants, only one inflorescence emerges from the center of the rosette, if that.

    The flowers are red and orange when budding and appear in a cluster atop the racemes.

    Toxicity

    Aloe petricola is non-toxic. In fact, it has seen frequent use as a stomach ache cure for the locals. 

    NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.

    Common Pests

    Mealybugs

    Mealybugs are small, white insects that appear as cotton balls on the plant’s surface. They suck sap from the leaves and stems of your Stone Aloe, causing them to wither and die. You can get rid of mealybugs by simply wiping them off with a paper towel or spraying them with an insecticide such as neem oil or pyrethrum spray.

    Scale Insects

    Stone Aloes are particularly susceptible to white scales. These tiny, white insects appear to be stuck to the surface of your Aloe’s leaves and stems. Use horticultural or neem oils for treatment.

    Snout Beetle

    Snout beetles are tiny, black insects that appear to have a snout. They crawl over the Aloe’s leaves and stems, eating them and leaving holes in their wake.

    AVOID

    • Overwatering
    • Placing under harsh sunlight
    • Using poorly drained potting mediums
    • Fertilizing during dormancy

    Common Problems

    • Too Much Sunlight: Aloes grow best in bright sunlight, but extreme heat can cause sunburn on their leaves. You can use shade cloth or plant them under large trees to protect them from direct sun exposure.
    • Overfertilization: Fertilizing your Aloe too often can cause it to grow too quickly, making it difficult for the Aloe to support its own weight. This also creates a build-up of salt in the soil, which will eventually kill the plant.
    • Overwatering: Overwatering the Stone Aloe will cause root rot and can lead to death. Ensure you don’t water your Aloe more than once per week; only water when the soil is completely dry.

    FAQ

    Aloe petricola plants are very easy to take care of. Simply water them when the soil feels completely dry, and fertilize them once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer. In cold winters, consider moving your Aloe inside for the winter months.

    Aloe petricola plants can grow about two feet tall but are often smaller than this. However, the plant may grow taller if given good care.

    Aloe petricola plants need bright light. They can survive in indirect sunlight, but they will grow better if placed in an area where they can get direct sunlight for a few hours each day.

    1. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. ASPCA
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    Milo Mason

    Milo Mason is a self-proclaimed plant whisperer. With a passion for gardening, houseplants, and all things outdoors, Milo has been cultivating indoor plants for the past five years with an interest in perennials and succulents. He enjoys sharing his insights and research on plant species when it comes to care tips.

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