Aloe juvenna (Tiger Tooth Aloe)

Aloe juvenna

Overview

Plant Type: Succulent
Family: Asphodelaceae
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Watering: Minimal
Colors: Green with white spots
Size: 6-8 inches tall, 8-10 inches wide
Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 9-11
Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix
Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
Propagation: Offsets, leaf cuttings
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets if ingested

Aloe juvenna, also known as Tiger Tooth Aloe, is a unique and eye-catching succulent that boasts spiked leaves and red blossoms. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for beginner and experienced gardeners alike. Let’s dive into how to care for, propagate, and maintain the health of your succulent Aloe juvenna.

How to Care for Aloe juvenna

Light Requirements

Aloe juvenna, or Tiger Tooth Aloe, thrives in bright light, needing a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. South-facing windows or outdoor spaces with ample sun exposure are ideal. Keep in mind that providing consistent, adequate light is crucial for maintaining the plant’s vibrant colors, compact growth, and overall health.

If you’re limited to indoor lighting, consider supplementing with a full-spectrum grow light or a fluorescent light fixture placed 6-12 inches above the plant. This additional light source can help replicate the sun’s intensity, which is necessary for optimal growth. Monitor the plant closely for signs of inadequate light, such as leggy growth, pale leaves, or fewer red blossoms. If you notice these symptoms, adjust the light source or duration accordingly.

When transitioning your Aloe juvenna to outdoor spaces during warmer months, do so gradually to avoid sunburn. Start by placing it in a shaded area and slowly increase the exposure to direct sunlight over the course of a week or two.

Summary

Aloe juvenna requires 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily, ideally from south-facing windows. Indoors, use full-spectrum grow lights. Transition outdoors gradually to avoid sunburn.

Watering

Tiger Tooth Aloe has evolved to withstand periods of drought and requires minimal watering. It’s crucial to allow the soil to dry out completely before the next watering session to avoid root rot, a common issue in overwatered succulents. To gauge when to water, insert a finger or moisture meter into the soil; if it’s dry up to two inches deep, it’s time to water.

When watering, thoroughly drench the soil until water drains out of the pot’s bottom. Avoid using a spray bottle, as misting can lead to uneven moisture distribution and shallow root growth. During winter months, when the plant’s growth slows, reduce watering frequency and volume. To further prevent overwatering, use well-draining cactus or succulent soil and a pot with drainage holes.

A good rule of thumb is to water Aloe juvenna every 2-3 weeks during the growing season and approximately once a month in winter. Keep in mind that watering requirements may vary based on factors like temperature, humidity, and light exposure. Monitor your plant and adjust watering practices accordingly to ensure its well-being.

Summary

Aloe juvenna requires minimal watering, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Water every 2-3 weeks in the growing season and once a month in winter. Use well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes.

Soil

Choosing the right soil is crucial for the health and growth of your Aloe juvenna. This succulent prefers a well-draining, porous soil mix that allows for adequate aeration, preventing root rot and ensuring the plant’s overall well-being.

To create a suitable soil mix, combine equal parts of cactus or succulent mix with perlite or pumice. This blend improves drainage and aeration while retaining enough moisture for the plant’s needs. Another option is to use a 2:1 ratio of potting mix and coarse sand, which also promotes proper drainage and aeration.

Some gardeners prefer adding horticultural charcoal to the soil mixture to further improve drainage and prevent soil compaction. Additionally, charcoal has natural anti-fungal properties that can help protect Aloe juvenna from root rot and other soil-borne diseases.

Avoid using heavy, clay-based soils, as they retain excess moisture and can lead to waterlogged roots. Also, refrain from using garden soil or regular potting soil without amendments, as they may not provide sufficient drainage for your Tiger Tooth Aloe.

When repotting your Aloe juvenna, choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent standing water at the bottom. A terracotta or unglazed ceramic pot is an excellent choice, as it allows for better moisture evaporation and root aeration compared to plastic or glazed containers. Remember to choose a pot that’s only slightly larger than the root ball to prevent overwatering issues.

Summary

Aloe juvenna needs well-draining, porous soil for optimal growth. Mix equal parts cactus mix and perlite or use a 2:1 potting mix to coarse sand ratio. Add horticultural charcoal for improved drainage and disease prevention. Use pots with drainage holes and avoid clay-based soils.

How to Propagate Aloe juvenna

Aloe juvenna

Offsets

Aloe juvenna naturally produces offsets, also known as “pups,” at the base of the parent plant. Propagating using offsets is one of the most reliable methods to multiply your Tiger Tooth Aloe collection. To propagate from offsets, follow these steps:

  1. Wait for the right time: Allow the pup to grow until it’s at least one-third the size of the parent plant, which indicates it has developed a strong root system and can survive independently.
  2. Gently remove the pup: Use a clean, sharp knife or garden shears to separate the pup from the parent plant. Be cautious not to damage the roots or the parent plant’s stem. Alternatively, you can carefully wiggle the pup to detach it by hand if it’s loosely attached.
  3. Dry the offset: Set the pup aside in a shaded, well-ventilated area, and let it dry for 1-2 days. This allows the cut surface to form a protective callus, reducing the risk of infections and rot.
  4. Prepare the planting container: Select a small pot with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix.
  5. Plant the offset: Create a small hole in the soil, place the offset in it, and gently cover the roots. Ensure the base of the pup is slightly above the soil line to avoid stem rot.
  6. Care for the new plant: Keep the newly potted Aloe juvenna pup in a bright, warm location but away from direct sunlight. After a week, water the soil lightly and gradually increase the watering frequency as the roots establish.

Summary

Propagate Aloe juvenna using offsets by waiting until the pup is one-third the parent plant’s size, gently removing it, allowing it to dry, and planting it in a well-draining soil mix. Provide bright, indirect light and gradually increase watering as roots establish.

Leaf Cuttings

Propagation through leaf cuttings is less reliable for Aloe juvenna, but it’s still an option if you want to experiment. To propagate using leaf cuttings, follow these steps:

  1. Select a healthy leaf: Choose a mature, healthy leaf from the lower part of the plant. Avoid leaves that show signs of damage, pests, or diseases.
  2. Detach the leaf: Using a clean, sharp knife or scissors, carefully cut the leaf as close to the stem as possible without damaging it.
  3. Let the leaf callus: Place the cut leaf in a shaded, well-ventilated area for several days until the cut end forms a callus. This process minimizes the risk of rot and infections.
  4. Prepare the planting medium: Fill a small pot or tray with a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix. Moisten the soil slightly but avoid making it too wet.
  5. Plant the leaf cutting: Insert the callused end of the leaf into the soil, about 1-2 inches deep. Ensure the cutting is standing upright and stable.
  6. Provide optimal conditions: Place the potted leaf cutting in a warm, bright location, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent scorching. Keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged.
  7. Monitor for root development: Roots should begin to develop within a few weeks. Once you notice new growth or resistance when gently tugging on the leaf, it indicates that the cutting has successfully rooted. Adjust watering and care practices accordingly as the new plant grows.

Summary

Propagate Aloe juvenna via leaf cuttings by selecting a healthy leaf, detaching it, allowing it to callus, and planting it in well-draining soil. Provide warmth, indirect light, and slightly moist soil. Monitor for root development and adjust care accordingly.

Fertilizing Your Aloe juvenna

Fertilizing Aloe juvenna is not necessary but can encourage faster growth. During the growing season (spring and summer), apply a balanced, liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks. Avoid fertilizing in winter, as it can cause leggy growth and diminished health.

Common Pests and Diseases

Aloe juvenna is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, common issues include mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. Treat infestations by wiping the affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or applying an insecticidal soap. Root rot, caused by overwatering, is a common issue. If you suspect root rot, remove the plant from its pot, trim away affected roots, and replant in fresh, well-draining soil.

Summary

Fertilize Aloe juvenna every 4-6 weeks during growing season with half-strength liquid fertilizer. Common pests include mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites; treat with rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap. Prevent root rot by avoiding overwatering.

Where to Buy

You can buy Tiger Tooth Aloe from Mountain Crest Gardens

Table of Contents