Haworthiopsis coarctata aka Tiger's Tooth Aloe

Taxonomy

Haworthiopsis coarctata, formerly known as Haworthia coarctata, is a small, slow-growing succulent that is native to South Africa but is now cultivated and naturalized in many parts of the world, including Mexico. This plant is a member of the Asphodelaceae family and is commonly grown for its ornamental qualities. The plant has thick, triangular-shaped leaves with white stripes and a deep green tint, and it forms a small, stemless rosette. The leaves have a rough, textured surface and can grow up to 3 inches (8cm) long. The plant may also produce small, white flowers on a thin stalk. Haworthiopsis coarctata is a drought-tolerant plant that can go for long periods without watering, as it can store water in its leaves. This is due to its adaptation to harsh, dry climates, which also led to the development of a special form of photosynthesis. This form helps the plant retain water by only exchanging gases at night, making it an ideal plant for indoor and outdoor growers. Look for raised white or transparent bumps or "windows" on the leaves to identify this lovely succulent.

Common names

Tiger's Tooth Aloe, Haworthiopsis

How to care for Tiger's Tooth Aloe

Difficulty

Tiger's Tooth Aloe is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Tiger's Tooth Aloe does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

When it comes to the Tiger's Tooth Aloe, a potting soil that is too moist can cause problems. For this reason, it's important to use a soil mix that is well-draining and does not retain too much moisture. A soil that includes perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can achieve this by simply adding a few scoops of perlite to your store-bought cactus soil.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Tiger's 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.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Humidity

Tiger's Tooth Aloe enjoys dry environments, but misting the plant or providing extra humidity can create an environment for harmful fungi to thrive on the leaves.

Fertilizer

The growth of Tiger's Tooth Aloe is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Tiger's Tooth Aloe’s native range is Southern Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia