Tiger Aloe Plant Care
Gonialoe variegata (L.) Boatwr. & J.C.Manning
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Gonialoe variegata, also known as tiger aloe and partridge-breasted aloe, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae. It is an evergreen succulent perennial indigenous to South Africa and Namibia.
Every 14–21 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Tiger Aloe?
Water Tiger Aloe every 14–21 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C) and 30–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Tiger Aloe Native To?
What Is the Tiger Aloe?
Tiger Aloe (Gonialoe variegata) belongs to the Asphodelaceae family within the Gonialoe genus. Tiger Aloe is native to South Africa and Namibia. Tiger Aloe is also known as Partridge-breasted Aloe, Kooigoed.
Tiger Aloe displays a low rosette, clumping succulent growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Tiger Aloe produces tubular orange or red flowers on tall stalks.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tiger Aloe?
Gonialoe variegata requires watering every 14–21 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 14–21 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Tiger Aloe Need?
Tiger Aloe thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Tiger Aloe Prefer?
Gonialoe variegata grows best at temperatures of 50–85°F. Tiger Aloe prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tiger Aloe?
Sandy, well-draining soil mix with perlite and gravel. Good drainage is essential for Tiger Aloe to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tiger Aloe?
Feed Tiger Aloe every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Tiger Aloe?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Tiger Aloe?
Tiger Aloe can be propagated through offsets, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dinter's aloe plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Tiger Aloe Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tiger Aloe, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Tiger Aloe?
Tiger Aloe is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Tiger Aloe Need?
Tiger Aloe grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Tiger Aloe is native to South Africa and Namibia. In cooler regions, grow Tiger Aloe as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Tiger Aloe is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Gonialoe genus — compare its care with other Gonialoe species on PlantoScan.
Gonialoe is part of the Asphodelaceae plant family — browse all Asphodelaceae genera and species.
Tiger Aloe thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Gonialoe variegata (L.) Boatwr. & J.C.Manning, family Asphodelaceae (first published in Syst. Bot. 39: 69 (2014)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tiger Aloe, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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