Aloe squarrosa aka Shark Tooth Aloe

Taxonomy

Aloe squarrosa is a rare species of flowering plant in the Asphodelaceae family that originates from the island of Socotra, Yemen. Its smooth, green leaves are spotted and curve backwards, only kept around the head or top of each stem with dead leaves falling off the lower parts. The inflorescence is short and simple, and the light orange flowers have green tips. Although Aloe vera is a well-known plant in the genus, there are many other beautiful succulent plants that come in a variety of colors. These plants evolved to store water in dry climates, making them great for busy plant parents. With proper care and sunlight, Aloes may even bloom with flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Common names

Shark Tooth Aloe

How to care for Shark Tooth Aloe

Difficulty

Caring for Shark Tooth Aloe is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Shark Tooth Aloe does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When growing the Shark Tooth Aloe, it's important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and does not retain excessive moisture. An optimal soil mix should contain a high proportion of perlite or vermiculite for good drainage and some organic matter for nourishment. Simply add a few scoops of perlite to regular cactus soil to achieve this.

Lighting

Shark Tooth Aloe requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Shark Tooth Aloe is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

Shark Tooth Aloe plants thrive in dry environments, however, if you choose to provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on the leaves can create an ideal environment for certain types of harmful fungi.

Fertilizer

The Shark Tooth Aloe grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Shark Tooth Aloe’s native range is Southern Africa to India.


More info:
Wikipedia