Tiger Tooth Aloe
Tiger tooth aloe grows in a column patter with short leaves that extend upwards, usually reach about 12 inches (30 centimeters) in height.
The edges of their leaves have teeth or spikes running down them, which are much larger than that of Aloe vera.
The species originated high up on East African mountain tops, and there are many different varieties in cultivation.
Tiger tooth aloe is usually a deep green, but some types are lime or even a deep red. Many varieties have red leaf tips, white spots, or even stripes.
Quick Care Infographic:
Continue reading this article to learn all about Tiger Tooth Aloe (Aloe juvenna). On the other hand, for a quick summary of all the provided information consider viewing our Tiger Tooth Aloe Care Infographic.
Background:
Tiger Tooth Aloe, scientifically known as Aloe juvenna, is a type of succulent closely related to Aloe vera.
This species is easy to care for and can survive long periods of time without water.
Tiger Tooth Aloe Water Requirements:
Similar to most other aloes and succulents, aloe juvenna prefers to grow in dry environments. It survives extended periods of time without water and too much water is harmful.
Water plants thoroughly and allow a few days or weeks to pass between waterings. Make sure the water drains to prevent the roots from rotting.
For best results, water aloe when the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 centimeters) of the soil has completely dried out. As a result, the roots will not sit in water but retain enough water to be healthy.
Try to water plants once or twice every 2-3 weeks. If the temperature is hot, more frequent waterings may be required.
Above all, do not let aloe plants sit in water. This will cause roots to rot or develop disease. Always make sure the soil has proper drainage.
Also, water these succulents less in the winter. During this time tiger tooth aloe naturally enters a dormancy period where the plants store energy for the next growing season.
During the winter, water plants once or twice a month.
Light Requirements:
Aloe juvenna care requires a lot of light. Most aloe varieties need a bright and sunny location in order to survive.
Aim for 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If growing these plants indoors, place them near a south facing window (north facing if you live in the southern hemisphere) to provide them with enough light.
Avoid over exposing tiger tooth aloe to sunlight as more than 8 hours can burn their leaves.
If sunlight isn’t available indoors, grow lights are a perfect alternative. Place grow lights or lamps about 12 inches (30 centimeters) above the aloe and make sure they get about 12-16 hours of artificial light each day.
If your aloe starts to stretch or is growing spindly, skinny leaves, then it is probably not getting enough light.
Learn how to fix stretched out, “leggy” succulents by visiting our webpage here: Sun Spot Nursery – Leggy Succulents
Tiger Tooth Aloe Temperature Requirements:
Aloe and succulents do best in temperatures of 65-75°F (18-24°C). Slightly higher or lower temperatures are acceptable, but keeping them in this tight range allows for optimal growth.
Aloe juvenna tolerates temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) and as high as 90°F (32°C). Additionally, they will survive in temperatures slightly higher or lower than these for a short amount of time.
Exposing plants to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) and above 90°F (32°C) for extended periods of time can result in damage or even death of the plant.
If temperatures become dangerous and the plant is outside, bring it indoors if possible. If not, cover the plant if it becomes too cold or provide it with shade and water on hot summer days.
Also, if you live in U.S. agricultural zones 10-11, plants can be kept outdoors all year.
Make sure to never keep tiger tooth aloe plants in drafty areas. A constant breeze will dry out leaves and stems, while cold drafts can freeze them.
Soil Requirements:
Aloe, succulents, and cacti all require fast draining soils that does not hold water. Thankfully, there are a variety of soils sold in-store and online that works for these plants.
Here are some examples of aloe soils:
- Cactus and/or Citrus potting mixes
- Soil and Sand mixes
- Perlite or Lava Rock mixes
To help promote growth try adding a bit of organic matter in the form of manure, compost, or decaying leaves to the soil.
Furthermore, a layer of rocks or coarse gravel should be added to the top layer of the soil. This helps water to drain away from the roots, prevents soil compacting, and also reduces soil movement.
Always make sure aloe pots have drainage holes at the bottom. A majority of succulents will not tolerate standing water and will start to rot.
Drainage holes allow excess water to escape while retaining enough to keep roots hydrated.
For specifics, tiger tooth aloe prefers slightly acidic soils. However, they will tolerate neutral or basic/alkaline soils as well.
To find out more about the best cactus/succulent soils to use, visit thegreenpinky.com.
Fertilizing Tiger Tooth Aloe:
Aloe Juvenna, like other aloe plants, does not need fertilizer in order to survive. However, careful application of fertilizer can help boost growth.
If choosing to use fertilizer, look for cactus/citrus fertilizers. Phosphorus heavy liquid fertilizers also work well, just make sure to follow the instructions for each product.
Start fertilizing plants in late winter or early spring, just as their natural growing season begins. Add fertilizer once a month when watering to help boost growth and leaf production.
Solid plant foods are another option that can be used. Slow release pellets help ensure a constant supply of fertilizer over time.
If you choose to not use fertilizer, change out the plant’s soil once every year or two. This helps to bring new nutrients to the plant while also getting rid of any bacteria or fungus that might have started to grow.
Tiger Tooth Aloe Propagation:
Aloe juvenna is easy to propagate and spreads rapidly on its own. This makes care easy and rewarding.
Mother plants (the big ones) will slowly produce offsets or pups (little plants) if their care needs are met. These pups will grow off of the mother plant and out from the soil.
Offsets will develop their own root systems and survive on their own once large enough. To separate pups from mother plants, use a sharp cutting tool sterilized in alcohol or warm soapy water to prevent infection.
They can be moved to their own pots and kept in moist soil until their roots become more developed.
Additionally, tiger tooth aloe will sometimes produce branches. These can be sliced off and cared for like offsets, and they eventually develop their own roots.
To ensure success, try using rooting hormone when propagating branches. This helps the cuttings produce strong root systems faster.
Lastly, aloe leaves are another method of propagation. However, this method has a low success rate and can be hard to master.
To propagate leaf cuttings, carefully slice off a leaf at its base and plant it about an inch (2-3 centimeters) into the soil and keep it moist. The leaves should develop roots slowly over the course of a few weeks.
Try to use rooting hormone if choosing this method as it helps to increase the chance of success.