Partridge Breast Aloe

Partridge breast aloe is a small succulent with tightly arranged rosettes of pointed green leaves marked by irregular white bands. [Kew](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77142517-1) accepts Gonialoe variegata and lists Aloe variegata and Tulista variegata as synonyms. [SANBI](https://pza.sanbi.org/gonialoe-variegata) describes plants to about 25 cm, solitary or forming small groups through suckers. Tubular flowers range from pink to red, occasionally yellow. In habitat it often grows partly sheltered among rocks and low shrubs. Its leaves can turn brown under drought stress. Avoid prolonged wetness and poor drainage. The [Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/505645/gonialoe-variegata-v/details) recommends a bright, sheltered container with gritty cactus compost, moderate watering during active growth and very little water during winter rest. Protect from cold in climates requiring indoor cultivation. Propagate from offsets or seed. Ingestion can cause severe discomfort; use gloves when handling. The [San Luis Obispo County January 2014 plant list](https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/planning-building/forms-documents/environmental-forms-and-documents/plants-information/county-approved-plant-list) explicitly names Aloe variegata in its aloe notes and assigns F2. F2 identifies its most fire-retardant plants for the 30–70-foot band from a structure. This source-specific category is not a guarantee against burning. Its conditions include suitable soil moisture, avoiding crowding, removing dead material, separated planting groups and preventing ground-to-canopy fuel connections. Other regional assessments and growing suitability remain separate.