Gold Tooth Aloe

Plant Type: perennial, succulent
Plant Height: 8–12 inches
Spread: 12–18 inches (clumping)
Flower Color: orange-red
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Gold Tooth Aloe / Aloe nobilis: Vibrant, Clumping Aloe with Golden Accents
Aloe nobilis, commonly known as the Gold Tooth Aloe, is a compact, fast-growing succulent that shines with its brilliant green foliage edged in golden teeth and crowned by bright orange-red blooms. It’s one of the most dependable and decorative aloes for Arizona landscapes—perfect for adding color, texture, and architectural interest to low-water gardens and containers.

Key Features of Gold Tooth Aloe
The Gold Tooth Aloe forms neat rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves that glow bright green to reddish-orange under strong sunlight. The leaf edges are lined with soft, translucent golden teeth, giving the plant its name and a luminous quality in the sun. During late spring and summer, tall flower spikes rise from the center of each rosette, covered in tubular orange-red blooms that attract hummingbirds and pollinators. As it matures, Aloe nobilis produces offsets freely, forming attractive clusters that fill garden beds or decorative pots with minimal maintenance.

Growing and Care Tips
Aloe nobilis thrives in full sun to partial shade, performing best in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils. It is extremely heat-tolerant and drought-resistant once established. During the first few months after planting, water deeply every 10–12 days, allowing soil to dry between irrigations. After establishment, reduce watering to occasional deep soaks during extended dry spells. Fertilizer is rarely required; however, a diluted cactus fertilizer in spring can boost growth and bloom production. Protect from hard frost during cold snaps to maintain leaf color and texture.

Landscaping Uses
Gold Tooth Aloe is ideal for borders, rock gardens, and container arrangements where its color and texture can be enjoyed up close. Its compact, clumping habit makes it perfect for mass planting or layering with other succulents such as agaves, blue chalk sticks, and firesticks. It performs equally well as a patio accent or as a colorful groundcover in xeriscapes.

Summary
Aloe nobilis is a hardy, colorful, and low-maintenance aloe that thrives in Arizona’s sun-drenched climate. With its glowing golden edges, vibrant blooms, and forgiving nature, it’s a must-have for gardeners seeking a reliable, eye-catching succulent that performs beautifully year after year.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):
Gold Tooth Aloe Planting Guide:
Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily; some afternoon shade helps preserve color during extreme summer heat)
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil is essential to prevent root rot
Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for clumping and natural spreading
Planting Depth: Set the crown level with or slightly above the soil surface to promote proper drainage
Support: No staking required; rosettes are compact and stable

Watering Guide:
Watering After Planting: Water deeply once after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. During the first 2–3 months, water every 10–12 days depending on temperature and soil conditions.
When is the Plant Established? Gold Tooth Aloe is considered established after approximately 6 months, when roots are firm and new rosette growth appears regularly.
Watering Once Established: Once established, water sparingly. In summer, irrigate only during extended dry periods (every 3–4 weeks). In winter, supplemental watering is rarely needed.
Drip Irrigation Setup: Place emitters 6–8 inches from the rosette center to avoid wetting the crown. Use low-flow emitters (0.5–1 gallon per hour) and allow soil to dry completely between watering cycles. One emitter per plant is typically sufficient.
General Watering Tips: Always check soil moisture before watering. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root or crown rot. Use decorative gravel or rock mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it several inches away from the rosette for airflow and long-term health.