The Low-Maintenance Aloe Variety That's Great For Beginner Gardeners

Everyone deserves to fill their home with lush greenery, even those of us who struggle to keep plants alive. Whether you have a brown thumb or are the type of person who travels a lot and struggles to stick to a regular watering schedule, low-maintenance plants are a fantastic option. They're not needy or finicky, and can survive weeks without your help. It can be hard to choose the right low-maintenance house plant, but we have some advice. One particular variety you should consider is the tiger tooth aloe (Aloe juvenna).

Tiger tooth aloe plants are both stunning and resilient. Like all aloe plants, they are from the succulent family, and they do well when kept indoors. They're small and easygoing, which makes them a perfect indoor choice for small apartments and houses. They can be placed on a console, desk, or shelves and pair well with your favorite pots.

You can recognize tiger tooth aloe by its shape and size. As the name suggests, these have small, pointy leaves, which kind of look like a ferocious tiger's teeth. They look quite a bit different from the traditional aloe vera plants you're used to seeing, which tend to have longer, sword-shaped leaves. Instead, tiger tooth aloe's leaves are short and compact, with more pronounced spikes along the edges; they also exhibit a deep green color. These guys grow up to 8 inches tall and can thrive in a small 6-inch pot.

Hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11, tiger tooth aloe plants need enough light but not too much sun. They prefer bright but indirect sunlight, so find a spot near a window but not directly in the sun's path. If your tiger tooth aloe is getting too much sun, it will let you know by turning its leaves a dark shade of red, which is a sign that you should move it to a less exposed spot. Once you've found an ideal spot, you'll be able to leave your aloe in peace and go about your own life. They may even surprise you with orangey-red flowers in the summer.

Like most succulents, they prefer drier conditions rather than moist ones. Overwatering is a mistake everyone makes with their new aloe vera plants, which can cause root rot and eventually lead to the plant's death. Instead, let the soil dry completely before watering the plant again. This is what makes this plant a perfect, low-maintenance option for forgetful gardeners and travellers alike. Even if you forget it exists for a few weeks, they're usually tolerant of drought-like conditions.

If you ever need to repot your aloe plant, which shouldn't be often, make sure to use succulent mix or cactus mix as soil. These are a bit sandy and drain water very effectively, which is the best way to avoid root rot from soggy, waterlogged soil. You can also DIY your own succulent soil mix with sand and compost.