Light
Give it full sun or the brightest window you have, ideally facing south or west. NC State says most aloes need at least six hours of sun a day and grow best in full sun or very bright, indirect light.
Water
Water when the soil has dried out, then soak it and let it drain. The RHS advises moderate watering while it's growing and very little in winter, when it rests. Aloes don't grow well in compost that stays wet.
Soil & pots
Use a cactus mix, or a loam-based potting mix with extra grit, in a pot with drainage holes. Clay pots are ideal because they help the mix dry out between waterings.
Temperature
Room temperatures suit it, and it can spend summer outdoors. The RHS rates it H2, meaning it tolerates cool temperatures down to about 34–41°F (1–5°C) but won't survive being frozen. Aloes dislike humid air, so give it good airflow.
Is tiger tooth aloe safe for pets?
Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA has no entry for this species; its aloe entry covers Aloe vera only. The RHS marks tiger tooth aloe as harmful to dogs, cats and rabbits if eaten, and NC State Extension flags the aloe genus as a problem for cats and dogs.
Propagation
Tiger tooth aloe branches as it grows, so it's easy to multiply. The RHS suggests stem cuttings or dividing the clump.
- Cut off a branch a few inches long, or unpot the plant and pull away a rooted section.
- Let any cut ends dry for a few days until they callus over.
- Pot it in dry, gritty mix and keep it in bright light.
- Water lightly once it has settled in and started to root.
Common problems
FAQ
Is tiger tooth aloe toxic to cats and dogs?
Treat it as toxic. The ASPCA doesn't list this species, but it lists Aloe vera as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The RHS marks tiger tooth aloe as harmful to dogs, cats and rabbits if eaten, and NC State Extension flags the whole aloe genus as a problem for cats and dogs.
Is tiger tooth aloe still an aloe?
Yes. Kew's Plants of the World Online accepts Aloe juvenna, a species described in 1979 from southwest Kenya and northern Tanzania. It's a small, branching, shrubby aloe rather than a single big rosette.
Does tiger tooth aloe flower?
Yes. In summer it sends up slender stalks up to about 10 in (25 cm) tall with tubular, orange-red flowers.
Can tiger tooth aloe live outside?
In summer, yes. It won't survive being frozen, so bring it in before the first frost. Only gardens that stay frost-free all winter can leave it out year-round.
Sources
- Aloe juvenna Brandham & S.Carter: Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Aloe juvenna (tiger tooth aloe): RHS
- Aloe: RHS Plant Guide
- RHS hardiness ratings: RHS
- Aloe: North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Aloe: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants
- Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List: Cats, ASPCA
- Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List: Dogs, ASPCA