Golden-Tooth Aloe

Plant Type: Aloes
Plant Height: 1-2 feet
Spread: 2-3 feet
Flower Color: bright yellow to orange
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Aloe nobilis (Golden-Tooth Aloe) – A Decorative, Drought-Tolerant Succulent for Arizona Gardens

Aloe nobilis, commonly known as the Golden-Tooth Aloe, is a small to medium-sized succulent known for its decorative appearance and easy care. This attractive aloe typically grows to 1 to 2 feet in height and spreads 2 to 3 feet, forming dense rosettes of fleshy green leaves. The golden-yellow teeth that edge the leaves give the plant its unique name and add visual interest to both rock gardens and succulent collections.

Key Features of Aloe nobilis:

• Distinctive Golden Teeth: The fleshy, green leaves of the Golden-Tooth Aloe are edged with golden-yellow teeth, creating a textured, eye-catching appearance that enhances garden spaces and container plantings.
• Drought Tolerant: Native to South Africa, Aloe nobilis is well-adapted to warm, dry climates and thrives in well-drained soil, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens in Arizona.
• Modest Size: Growing to 1-2 feet tall and spreading 2-3 feet, this aloe is perfect for small garden spaces, rock gardens, or as an accent plant in larger desert landscapes.

Perfect for Xeriscaping and Container Gardening

The Golden-Tooth Aloe is an excellent choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and succulent collections. Its compact size and decorative foliage make it a versatile option for both indoor and outdoor settings.

• Minimal Maintenance: Once established, Aloe nobilis is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and requires minimal watering, making it a low-maintenance option for water-efficient gardens.
• Colorful Foliage: In bright sunlight, the leaf tips of Aloe nobilis can take on a reddish hue, adding an extra layer of ornamental value to the plant’s appearance.
• Compact & Versatile: With its small size and distinctive foliage, the Golden-Tooth Aloe is perfect for container gardening, rock gardens, or as a decorative accent in larger landscapes.

Why Choose Aloe nobilis for Your Arizona Garden?

• Drought Tolerant: Perfect for xeriscaping and low-water-use landscapes, Aloe nobilis thrives in arid environments with minimal water, making it ideal for Arizona’s dry climate.
• Golden Teeth & Visual Appeal: The golden-yellow teeth along the leaf margins, along with the potential reddish hue in full sunlight, make the Golden-Tooth Aloe a standout in succulent gardens and container plantings.
• Low-Maintenance: With its drought tolerance and easy care, this aloe is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking water-efficient and ornamental plants.

Bright Summer Blooms

In summer, Aloe nobilis produces tall spikes of bright yellow to orange flowers, adding a splash of color to the landscape. These flower spikes attract bees and other pollinators, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden while creating a striking contrast against the green foliage.

Planting & Care Tips

Aloe nobilis thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it highly drought-tolerant. Use it in rock gardens, succulent collections, or as a container plant to add texture, color, and sustainability to your garden design.

The Aloe nobilis (Golden-Tooth Aloe) is a decorative, drought-tolerant succulent that adds both beauty and sustainability to Arizona landscapes. Its golden teeth, bright flowers, and low water requirements make it a valuable addition to xeriscaping, rock gardens, and container plantings in the Phoenix Valley.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Golden-Tooth Aloe

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Golden-Tooth Aloe is a compact succulent and does not require staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Golden-Tooth Aloe is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 14-21 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 10-14 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the aloe to ensure deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks