The Crocodile Plant Aloe (Aloe juvenna) is a distinctive succulent. Also known as Tiger Tooth Aloe, it features compact, stacked, triangular leaves. Its vibrant green leaves have lighter spots and prominent serrations along their edges, resembling a crocodile’s skin. Under bright sunlight, foliage can develop reddish-brown hues. Typically reaching 6 to 8 inches in height, it is an appealing houseplant.
Crocodile Plant Aloe Care
Proper light is important for Aloe juvenna. This succulent thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It tolerates some direct morning sun, but intense midday sun can scorch leaves, causing them to brown. Insufficient light leads to etiolation, causing leggy growth and less vibrant coloration. For indoor cultivation, a south or west-facing window is often ideal.
Correct watering is essential. The “soak and dry” method is recommended: thoroughly drench the soil, then allow it to dry completely before the next watering. Overwatering often causes root rot, as these plants are adapted to arid conditions and store water in their fleshy leaves. During winter, when growth slows, reduce watering frequency, possibly to once a month.
A well-draining soil mix is important. A specialized succulent or cactus mix provides necessary drainage. Enhancing drainage further with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand is beneficial. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot. Terracotta pots are a good choice due to their porous nature, allowing better airflow to roots.
Aloe juvenna prefers warm temperatures, ideally ranging between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). It is not frost-hardy and needs protection below 30°F (-1°C). If grown outdoors in colder climates, bring it indoors before temperatures drop. Average household humidity is suitable, as this plant thrives in moderate to low humidity.
Fertilizing is not always necessary but can support growth during the active season. If chosen, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength during spring and summer. Over-fertilization can harm the plant, so apply sparingly, perhaps once a month during the growing period. During dormancy in summer and winter, no feeding is required.
Propagating Crocodile Plant Aloe
Propagating Aloe juvenna through offset division (“pups”) is the most effective method. These small, genetically identical plants emerge from the base of the mother plant. To propagate, carefully remove the mother plant from its pot and separate the offsets. Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors for a clean cut if the pup is still attached to the main stem.
After separation, allow the offsets to “callous” for one to two days in a dry, shaded area. This allows the cut surface to dry and form a protective layer, preventing rot and fungal diseases. Once calloused, plant the pups in a well-draining succulent or cactus soil mix.
Initially, water newly planted offsets lightly and place them in bright, indirect sunlight. Once roots develop (typically within a few weeks), adjust watering frequency to that of a mature Aloe juvenna, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. New plants may be slow growers at first, but once established, they can multiply quickly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Mushy or yellowing leaves often signal overwatering and potential root rot. This occurs when soil remains too wet, suffocating roots. If symptoms appear, promptly remove the plant to inspect roots. Trim away any dark, soft, or rotting roots with clean, sharp shears. Repot in fresh, well-draining soil, adjusting watering habits to allow the soil to dry thoroughly between applications.
Shriveled or brown leaf tips indicate underwatering. While drought-tolerant, prolonged periods without water cause leaves to lose plumpness and shrivel. Increase watering frequency or ensure water reaches the entire root ball. The plant should rebound within a day or two after a thorough watering.
Leggy growth or lack of compactness, characterized by elongated stems and pale, weak leaves, suggests insufficient light. This stretching, known as etiolation, happens when the plant reaches for light. Move the Aloe juvenna to a brighter location with more indirect sunlight to encourage healthier, more compact new growth. While existing stretched growth may not fully revert, proper lighting will promote robust future development.
Pests can affect Crocodile Plant Aloe, with mealybugs and scale insects being common. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses, often found in leaf axils or on the undersides of leaves. Scale insects are small, immobile bumps that can attach to stems and leaves. For treatment, use a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol to dab and remove individual pests; the alcohol dissolves their protective waxy coating. For widespread infestations, apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil spray. Regular inspection helps catch infestations early.