Aloe peglerae aka Magalies Aloe

Aloe peglerae is a small succulent perennial in the Asphodelaceae family. Its common names include fez aloe and Turk's cap. It comes from South Africa, from North-West Province to Gauteng. Its range includes the Magaliesberg and northern Witwatersberg slopes. It grows on exposed, rocky hills and mountain slopes. These sites get summer rain and drain well. Dense grasses often surround the low plants.

The plant forms a rounded rosette of inward-curving leaves. It reaches about 1–1.3 feet [0.3–0.4 metres] tall and wide. Its stem stays very short or does not show. Most plants grow alone, though some form small groups. The overlapping leaves give the head an almost round shape. Long dry spells make the leaves curl further inward. This changes the shape to a tighter ball.

Each rosette has about 30 thick, stiff leaves. They taper to sharp tips and have rough, raised bumps. Their colour ranges from grey-green to reddish green. Cold weather can bring out pink tones. More light can also turn the leaves red. Young leaves have pale spines along their edges. The spines turn reddish brown as the leaves age. More spines line the leaf backs near their tips. The leaves have no spots.

A flower stalk rises about 1–1.3 feet [0.3–0.4 metres]. It usually stands alone but may fork. Dull red buds carry very dark red, almost black filaments. These project beyond the flower tube. Flowering falls in winter, though plants do not bloom reliably. LLIFLE lists November to February in Europe and North America. It gives July to August for the Southern Hemisphere. Seed set also varies. The same source suggests birds, bees and wind aid pollination.

In cultivation, give it light shade or filtered sun. A bright windowsill also suits it. Use light, fertile soil that drains well. A slightly acidic pH of 5–6 suits its needs. Water regularly in summer. Keep it drier through winter, and protect it from frost. Cool winter conditions around 5–10°C help start flower growth. LLIFLE describes it as easy to grow with few problems. Remove spent flower stalks as part of routine care. Grow new plants from seed or divide older plants.