Partridge Breast Aloe
Gonialoe variegata
A diminutive variegated aloe with striking banded leaves that thrives in containers and tight garden spaces.
Frost sensitive, hardy to about 30°F, USDA 9-11; best as a protected or container plant in the low desert.
AMWUA Notes
Tiny, low-water container aloe needing only occasional irrigation.
Care Guide
Water every 2-3 weeks in summer and sparingly in winter; the small rosette rots quickly if overwatered.
Remove dried outer leaves and spent flower stalks; divide crowded clumps.
Not necessary; light feeding optional.
Watch for mealybugs, scale and aloe mite on this compact aloe.
Frost-tender below 30°F—best in containers that can be moved; provide light afternoon shade to prevent leaf bronzing in peak summer.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Gritty, very fast-draining cactus mix; minimal organic matter
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
Low feeder.
Division of clump offsets
1 ft
Shallow, non-invasive roots; spineless and pool-safe
Placement Tips
- •Perfect for containers, small spaces and indoor-outdoor accents.
- •Spineless and pool-safe.
- •Give it bright light with afternoon shade inland.
- •Plant in a gritty, fast-draining mix.
Features
Best Uses
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
Love Partridge Breast Aloe? Our landscape team sources from wholesale nurseries and can incorporate it into your design.
Talk to a Dream BuilderGet a Project EstimateAlready a Client?
Use this care guide to maintain your Partridge Breast Aloe. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Partridge Breast Aloe — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Partridge Breast Aloe need in Phoenix?
Partridge Breast Aloe is a very low-water succulent once established. Water every 2-3 weeks in summer and sparingly in winter; the small rosette rots quickly if overwatered. Tiny, low-water container aloe needing only occasional irrigation.
How big does Partridge Breast Aloe get?
Expect roughly 1 ft tall and 1 ft wide at maturity, with a slow growth rate. Allow about 1 ft of spacing when planting. Shallow, non-invasive roots; spineless and pool-safe.
Can you plant Partridge Breast Aloe near a pool?
Yes. Partridge Breast Aloe is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Partridge Breast Aloe handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Partridge Breast Aloe is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants partial shade. Frost sensitive, hardy to about 30°F, USDA 9-11; best as a protected or container plant in the low desert. Frost-tender below 30°F—best in containers that can be moved; provide light afternoon shade to prevent leaf bronzing in peak summer.
Does Partridge Breast Aloe have thorns?
No. Partridge Breast Aloe is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Partridge Breast Aloe safe around pets?
Partridge Breast Aloe is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Partridge Breast Aloe bloom in Arizona?
Partridge Breast Aloe blooms in winter-spring, with salmon flowers.
How much maintenance does Partridge Breast Aloe need?
Partridge Breast Aloe is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Remove dried outer leaves and spent flower stalks; divide crowded clumps.
What kind of soil does Partridge Breast Aloe need?
Gritty, very fast-draining cactus mix; minimal organic matter. Nutrient needs are low. Not necessary; light feeding optional.
Is Partridge Breast Aloe native to Arizona?
No. Partridge Breast Aloe is not an Arizona native; it originates from the South Africa and Namibia, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.