Gold tooth aloe

 Gold tooth aloe is a variety of aloe that does not have medicinal properties. Its bontanical name is Aloe Nobilis. Gold tooth aloe can grow 6-12" tall and 12" wide. It bloom an orange/red flower that can be 2 feet tall. The flower produces nectar that will attract birds and bees. 

Sunlight

Gold tooth aloe would prefer a location where it can receive shade and be protected from afternoon sun. If gold tooth aloe is in a location that receives too much sun it will develop sun burn. Sun burn will damage the leaves of your plant. If you want to grow your gold tooth aloe in a spot that receives full sun be sure to acclimate. 

Hardiness

Gold tooth aloes can survive temperatures down to 25 degrees. It can be grown outdoors in zone 9b and above. If you live in a zone below 9b or live in an area that frequently has temperatures below 25 degrees then your aloe will need to be moved inside during the winter.

Water

Gold tooth aloes do not need to be watered frequently. During the summer months it will need to be watered more frequently, but in the winter it should be watered sparingly. Wait until the top two inches of soil feel dry before you water your gold tooth aloe. Aloes are succulents which means they are drought tolerant and prone to root rot if over watered. You can use liquid fertilizer during the spring and summer if you want, but it is not necessary. Do not use fertilizer in the winter.

Soil

Gold tooth aloe will do well in a gritty well draining soil. Aloes need well draining soil to stay healthy. You can add chicken grit, pumice, or perlite to your succulent soil to aid in drainage. Transplant your gold tooth aloe in the spring and freshen up the soil.

Propagation

Gold tooth aloe can be propagated through pups/offsets. When the pup gets to a good size you can carefully remove it from the mother plant. To remove a pup you will need to take the mother plant out of the pot and remove the soil from around the roots. Once you have removed the soil from around the leaves you can gently wiggle, pull, or cut the aloe pup away from the mother plant making sure to get good roots on the pup. If you remove an aloe pup that doesn't have any roots you can still plant it, but it will take more work and patience for it to grow and survive. Plant the rootless pup in a gritty soil mixture like you would any other aloe pup. Place the rootless aloe pups in a location that receives bright indirect light. Do not water your pup. It typically takes 2 weeks to 1 month to start to see roots. You can check to see if your aloe pup has roots by giving it a gentle tug if it easily comes out check for small nubs along the stem, these are roots that are forming. If it doesn't come out with a gentle tug it has roots. Once your aloe pup has roots you can start watering it like you would any other aloe pup.

Common problems

• Root rot

Root rot is caused by over watering. If your aloe is suffering from root rot you may be able to save it by re potting it into fresh dry soil. 

• Pest

Gold tooth aloe are prone to mealybug, white scales, and aphid infestations. Neem oil and can be used to get rid of pest on your plants. Always check new plants carefully before placing them near any other plants in your house and before you bring them inside for the winter. If you see any signs of pest quarantine your aloe while treating it and continue to quarantine it until you are sure all the pest are gone.