Aloe Nobilis (Golden Toothed Aloe): Growing And Care Guide

Among the Aloe genus’s most popular ornamental varieties, the Aloe nobilis or Golden Toothed Aloe is a spectacular addition to any garden.

Learning to care for and grow Aloe nobilis is the first step to keeping this low-maintenance plant-strong, happy, and healthy. The following care guide will show you how to do just that!

About Aloe nobilis

Attractive when not blooming, light to mid-green leaves form small rosettes that offset readily. Ideal for use as a small-scale groundcover.

The green leaves are adorned with white teeth along the translucent edges, allowing light to shine through. This effect is what earned the plant its name; Golden toothed Aloe.

This Aloe is native to South Africa.

Botanical Name	Aloe nobilis
Common Name	Golden Toothed Aloe
Family	Asphodelaceae
Plant Type	Succulent
Origin	South Africa
Maintenance	Low
Height	6-12 inches
Width	8-12 inches
Light	Full sun, Light shade
Bloom season	Summer
Bloom color	Orange
Water needs	Low
Soil	Well-Drained, Loamy, Sandy
Tolerant	Deer, Drought
Toxicity	non-toxic
Hardiness (USDA)	9-11

Aloe nobilis Care

Easygoing and tolerant of neglect, the Aloe nobilis is the lazy gardener’s best friend. You don’t strive for much beyond the basics to keep this gorgeous succulent happy and thriving.

Light

Golden-toothed Aloe prefers full sun but will tolerate light shade. A sunny windowsill will do nicely.

Soil

It needs well-drained soil with added grit or sand for adequate drainage. If your soil is heavy and clay-like, mix in perlite or vermiculite so the roots can breathe.

Water

Water sparingly during the growing season (spring through fall) and allow the top two inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering cadence further in winter when evaporation slows down even further.

Temperature and Humidity

Aloe nobilis is a tropical plant and will do best in warm temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit but prefers temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Average room humidity is preferred, but it can also handle dry conditions.

Fertilizer

Aloe nobilis does not require fertilizer to grow adequately.

However, you can choose to administer some if you feel its growth needs a boost. For example, if growing the plant in a container, use a slow-release balanced fertilizer at half strength and water it well before applying.

Pruning

You can prune Aloe nobilis to keep it healthy and full. To do this, simply cut off leaves that have died or browned. This will help the plant grow new ones in their place.

Potting and Repotting Golden Toothed Aloe

Aloe nobilis does not need to be repotted often. However, you can do so when you feel its root system is becoming crowded in its current container. If you choose to repot your plant, use a potting mix that drains well and has some added peat moss.

Choose some time in spring to undertake this process. The plant will recover quickly in the coming months.

Prepare

How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

1. Remove the plant from its current container by gently pulling it out of the soil and removing any attached roots with your fingers.
2. Remove any dead or diseased leaves and discard them.
3. Place your plant in its new container, so the soil level is below the original soil line by about an inch.
4. Fill in the empty space with potting mix, firming as you go.
5. Water immediately after repotting to settle down any air pockets that may have formed during this process.

Propagating Aloe nobilis by Seeds (Step-by-Step)

1. Gather the Aloe seeds as soon as they ripen.
2. Sow under a thin layer of soil and keep it slightly moist.
3. Place the tray somewhere warm and maintain high humidity around it.
4. Wait for the seeds to germinate and develop into seedlings.
5. Transplant them into a larger pot once they are big enough.

Propagating Aloe nobilis by Offsets (Step-by-Step)

Aloe nobilis can also be propagated by offsets.

1. Cut off a healthy offset from the base of an existing plant. 
2. Allow it to callus over and heal.
3. Plant the offset in a clay container filled with a well-draining potting mix.
4. Keep it in the same conditions as you would a newly-purchased plant.
5. Wait for it to develop into a mature aloe plant ready for its own pot.

Blooms

Aloe nobilis blooms in the summer, raising up mid-sized stalks of inflorescences that rise above the foliage. The flowers are bright orange and make for an incredible display.

Toxicity

Aloe nobilis is non-toxic. It is safe for children but has some mild effects reported in pets if consumed in large amounts.

NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.

Common Pests

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are white in color and look like tiny cotton balls on the leaves. They can be washed off with water or removed with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. These sap suckers will drain your Aloe dry if not kept in check.

Scale Insects

Scale insects are small, hard to see, and can be white or brown in color. They leave a sticky residue (honeydew) on the leaves that may look like dust. These pests are also easily controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.

Aphids

Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can be green, black, or yellow in color. They suck the sap from the succulent leaves and cause them to curl and turn brown. These pests are easy to control with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray as well.

Common Problems

FAQ