Tiger Aloe (Gonialoe Variegata) Indoor Care Guide

The Tiger Aloe, botanical name Gonialoe variegata, is a beautiful succulent plant native to South Africa and Namibia. It has long, sword-like leaves that are rough to the touch and striped yellow and green. These stripes are what earn this plant the moniker “Tiger Aloe.” These leaves emerge straight from the ground in a rosette pattern without a stem in sight. 

When mature, the plant can grow up to twenty-five inches tall with a twelve-inch spread. It also produces long spikes of orange or red flowers, which bloom during the summer months, making it an attractive addition to any room with sufficient space.

Tiger Aloe Main Characteristics

Common Name	Tiger Aloe, Partridge-breasted Aloe
Botanical Name	Gonialoe variegata
Synonyms	Aloe variegata
Family	Asphodelaceae
Genus	Gonialoe
Type	Succulent
Native Range	South Africa, Namibia
USDA Hardiness Zones	9 to 11
Mature Size	up to 25 inches tall, up to 12 inches wide
Bloom Time	Summer
Foliage	Evergreen
Propagation methods	by seeds, by offsets
Sun	Full sun to Partial shade
Soil	Well-drained
Toxicity	Non-Toxic

Tiger Aloe Care

The Tiger Aloe is quite popular as an indoor houseplant because it is easy to care for and tolerates low light levels. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant that looks great all year round, this succulent is a great option. We’ll cover all the necessary instructions on caring for it.

Light and Location

Like most other succulents, the Tiger Aloe thrives in sunny conditions. But one reason this plant is so popular is because it can tolerate shady conditions admirably, in direct contrast to other succulents. Just note that the coloration on the leaves won’t be as striking and eye-catching as it would be if the plant were kept in ideal conditions – i.e., in direct sunlight.

Watering

The Tiger Aloe does not require much water; in fact, overwatering is one of the most common causes of death for this plant. Allow the soil to drain out completely between waterings and then water thoroughly. Ensure proper drainage channels as you don’t water sitting in the pot for any length of time; it should drain out straightaway.

Temperature

The ideal range for this aloe is 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining the right temperature for this plant is where its care begins and ends. You can neglect other things, but you can’t ignore temperature. Occasional drops are fine, but they should not drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit under any circumstances.

Humidity

The Tiger Aloe prefers relatively dry conditions. If you have other plants that need higher humidity, chances are you’ve set up a humidifier or a water tray for them. Don’t pair this aloe with these plants.

Fertilizer

No fertilizer is necessary for this plant. But if you want to, you can feed this succulent once every other month during spring and summer with a succulent fertilizer. Don’t feed the plant in winter when the plant goes dormant.

Propagating Tiger Aloe

By Offsets

Tiger Aloe readily produces offsets – small daughter plants that grow off the main plant. These are usually the go-to method for propagating this plant.

1. Allow these offsets to grow a bit before separating them from the mother plant.
2. No sharp tools are required, as you can usually just twist them off the parent plant without issue.
3. Once you have them separated, replant them in fresh cactus soil immediately.
4. Be sure to water them well after doing so.
5. Wait for them to take root and treat them as a mature plant afterward.

By Seeds

Another way to propagate this succulent is by seeds. Although this process takes a long time, it can be utilized if you have patience. Just note that you’ll have to wait for several years for the plant to reach maturity. However, if you’re ready for that kind of commitment, starting the process is fairly straightforward. We recommend using multiple seed starters so that if one seed fails halfway, others are there as backup.

1. Sow the seeds into starter soil and then water them lightly.
2. Place the pot somewhere warm with bright, indirect light.
3. Keep the soil moist until germination occurs – which can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks.
4. Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, you can transplant them into their individual pots.

Potting and Repotting Tiger Aloe

A coarse, well-drained soil mix is best for this plant. Using potting soil, perlite, and sand, you can make your own mix or purchase a succulent soil mix from your local garden center. And be sure to pack it down well so that there is no space for air pockets. 

The Tiger Aloe should be repotted every three years or when it’s apparent the roots are spilling out from the pot. When it’s time to repot, choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current pot. Water can’t be allowed to sit and stagnate, so drainage holes are essential. Also, remember to limit watering until the plant becomes re-established in its new pot.

Common Pests and Diseases

Mealybugs and scale insects can occasionally become a problem. These tiny invaders can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves.

You can get rid of them by using a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, as this doesn’t cause damage to the plant itself. But if the infestation is particularly extensive, you might have to resort to harsher measures.

Common Problems

Wilting Leaves

If you see your plant beginning to sag unnaturally, it’s likely due to root rot. Chances are you’ve allowed the water to stay in the pot for too long. Before doing anything else, take the plant out of the pot and check its roots. Remove any that show signs of root rot and fix your watering regimen. Unfortunately, sometimes root rot is a death sentence, and you can do nothing about it. All you can do is try again.

Shriveling Leaves?

This is part of the natural cycle. Prune away the dead leaves to make room for new growth. Your plant can do this by itself, but you can also help it along.

How to Care for a Tiger Aloe Plant – Step By Step Guide (Video)

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