Aloe juvenna aka Tiger Tooth Aloe
Taxonomy
Aloe juvenna, also known as the Tiger-tooth Aloe, is a species of plant from the Aloe genus. While it is popular in cultivation, it is extremely rare in its natural habitat in Kenya. This unpretentious plant has long, sharp leaves with characteristic teeth along the edges, and is light green in color, sometimes with a yellowish tint. Aloe juvenna grows quickly and can reach a length of up to 12 inches (30 cm). This succulent plant is perfect for busy plant parents as it evolved to store water in dry climates. Aloe plants come in all sorts of colors, and with great care and sunlight, they may even bloom in shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Common names
Tiger Tooth Aloe, Crocodile AloeHow to care for Tiger Tooth Aloe
Difficulty
Tiger Tooth Aloe is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Water
Tiger Tooth Aloe does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
The Tiger Tooth Aloe is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Tiger Tooth Aloe prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Tiger Tooth Aloe to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Tiger Tooth Aloe is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
Tiger Tooth Aloe thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
The growth of Tiger Tooth Aloe is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
Region of origin
Tiger Tooth Aloe’s native range is Southern Africa to India.
Flower
If you provide your Tiger Tooth Aloe with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.
More info:
Wikipedia
