Aloe Juvenna

The Tiger Tooth Aloe, or Aloe juvenna, is a captivating succulent known for its unique, stacked rosettes of fleshy, green leaves with striking reddish-brown "teeth" along the edges. Unlike many other aloes, it has a clumping, branching growth habit that makes it an excellent choice for a compact, decorative houseplant or a unique ground cover in warm climates. Its dense, geometric structure adds a fascinating texture to any succulent collection.

 

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Growing Tips & Requirements

 

 

1. Light and Placement

 

• Indoors: Aloe juvenna thrives in bright, indirect light. A south or west-facing window is ideal, but place it slightly away from direct sun to prevent the leaves from scorching, especially during midday. Insufficient light can cause the plant to become leggy and lose its compact, stacked form.

   

• Outdoors: In warm climates (USDA Zones 9-11), it can be grown outdoors in a location with partial sun. It performs best with morning sun and some protection from the intense afternoon heat. In full sun, the leaves may turn a reddish-brown hue, which is a sign of stress but not necessarily harmful.

   

 

2. Water Requirements

 

• Drought-Tolerant: Like all aloes, the Tiger Tooth Aloe is highly susceptible to root rot from overwatering.

   

• Frequency: The "soak and dry" method is best. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.

   

  • Growing Season (Spring/Summer): Water every 2-4 weeks.

  • Dormant Season (Fall/Winter): Drastically reduce watering to once a month or even less, as the plant's growth slows down.

• Technique: Avoid getting water on the leaves or in the center of the rosette, as this can lead to rot. Water the soil directly.

 

3. Temperature & Humidity

 

• Temperature: This plant prefers moderate temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C and 27°C).

• Cold Tolerance: It can tolerate brief dips in temperature, but it is not frost-hardy. If you live in a climate with cold winters, it must be grown in a container and brought indoors before the first frost.

   

• Humidity: Average household humidity is perfectly fine. It does not require a humid environment.

   

 

4. Soil Preparation

 

• Excellent Drainage is Crucial: The most important factor for success with Aloe juvenna is a fast-draining soil mix.

   

• Recommended Mix: Use a pre-formulated cactus and succulent potting mix. You can also create your own by mixing:

   

  • 1 part standard potting soil

  • 1 part coarse sand

  • 1 part perlite or pumice

• Potting: Always use a pot with a drainage hole at the bottom to ensure excess water can escape.

   

 

5. Propagation

 

• Method: The easiest and most common way to propagate Tiger Tooth Aloe is by separating its "pups" or offsets. These are small plantlets that grow from the base of the parent plant.

   

• Steps:

  1. Select a Pup: Choose a pup that is at least a couple of inches tall and has its own roots.

  2. Separate: Gently remove the plant from its pot. Carefully separate the pup from the main plant, using a clean knife if necessary to cut any connecting roots.

      

  3. Callus: Let the separated pup sit in a dry, shaded place for 1-2 days to allow the cut surface to callus over.

  4. Planting: Plant the calloused pup in a small pot with a well-draining succulent mix.

  5. Care: Place the newly potted plant in a bright location with indirect light. Wait a few days before its first watering to give the roots time to settle.

 

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