South African succulent with zebra-patterned leaves

Gonialoe variegata (syn. Aloe variegata), also known as tiger aloe, is a succulent plant in the family Asphodelaceae, native to the arid Karoo region of Southern Africa, specifically South Africa and southern Namibia.

The first documented record of the species comes from the diary of Simon van der Stel (the first governor of the Cape Colony) when he traveled to Namaqualand in the northern Cape Province in 1685. The species was also one of the plants cultivated in the Dutch East India Company's garden in Cape Town as early as 1695.

Recent phylogenetic studies have shown that this species, along with Aloe dinteri and Aloe sladeniana, may form an entirely separate genus, named Gonialoe.

The leaves are dark green with irregular white patterns in the form of transverse bands on the underside and spots on the upper side. The leaf margins are quite hard and equipped with small, sharp teeth. In nature, it usually grows in rocky terrain and mountain cliffs where it can grow between boulders, but also in well-drained soils such as sandy soil. It is most often found in the semi-shade of rock crevices or bushes that provide some protection from the sun.

The name aloe is an old Arabic name and refers to species used as medicinal plants. Variegata means variegated or multi-colored.

Care

Tiger aloe thrives best in a sunny location all year round. It should be watered generously during the summer, but the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Thanks to its succulent leaves, it can survive without water for a few weeks without damage. In winter, the amount of water is reduced, and it is particularly important that the soil has time to dry out before watering again.

Tiger aloe thrives well at normal room temperature but can withstand summer temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius, and in winter, it can tolerate temperatures down to 5 degrees Celsius. During the summer months, it should be fertilized once a month.

Repotting should be done in spring approximately every two years. The new pot should be no more than a couple of centimeters wider than the old one. Use soil with extra sand or expanded clay pellets for drainage. In summer, tiger aloe can be kept outdoors but should be protected during rainy periods.

Propagation is easiest with stem cuttings that are allowed to dry for a week before planting. It can also be propagated by seeds or offsets. Buy Tiger Aloe online!