Here we’ve compiled a list of the 20 most popular types of Aloe plants with detailed care guide, so you can choose the perfect Aloe variety that suits your style and home best.
You probably know the Aloe Vera plant (aloe barbadensis miller) and its enormous health advantages, yet did you know that there are there are more than 300 different species of aloe, but only a few of them have medicinal properties?
Also known as Aloe Vera Linne, aloe barbadensis miller is the most widely used and most popular species of aloe. It belongs to a genus of 500 species found on the Eastern Ocean Islands, Madagascar, Arabian Peninsula, and the African continent.
Most aloes originate from places in Central America or Africa where there is hardly any humidity and is warm. They are able to endure long hours in the sun and minimal watering since they store water in their leaves.
Today, however, a lot of them are spotted throughout from hanging planters to boutonnieres. They are a craze which is consuming not only backyards, yet house decoration and wedding event too.
Below is a list of 20 different types of aloe plants and pictures of different types of aloe vera plants. These will help you find out more about the specific needs of each for proper care and propagation methods.
Table of Contents
- 1 20 Types Of Aloe Plants And Different Types Of Aloe Varieties You Can Grow
- 1.1 1: Aloe aculeata “Prickly Aloe”
- 1.2 2: Aloe vera “Medicinal Aloe”
- 1.3 3: Aloe africana “African aloe”
- 1.4 4: Aloe albida “Grass Aloe”
- 1.5 5: Aloe arborescens “Krantz Aloe”
- 1.6 6: Aloe albiflora “Guillaumin”
- 1.7 7: Aloe arenicola “Sand Aloe”
- 1.8 8: Aloe broomii “Snake Aloe”
- 1.9 9: Aloe buettneri “West African Aloe”
- 1.10 10: Aloe comosa “Clanwilliam aloe”
- 1.11 11: Aloe ballyi “Rat Aloe”
- 1.12 12: Aloe brevifolia “Short-Leaf Aloe”
- 1.13 13: Aloe erinacea “Goree”
- 1.14 14: Aloe ferox “Bitter Aloe”
- 1.15 15: Aloe camperi “Popcorn Aloe”
- 1.16 16: Aloe inyangensis “Kimberley’s Rock Aloe”
- 1.17 17: Aloe excelsa “Zimbabwe Aloe”
- 1.18 18: Aloe bakeri “Baker Aloe”
- 1.19 19: Aloe ballii “Ball’s Cliff Aloe”
- 1.20 20: Aloe argenticauda
- 1.21 21. Aloe Juvenna “tiger tooth aloe”
- 1.22 22. Aloe Cameronii “Red Aloe”
- 1.23 23. Aloe maculata “Soap Aloe”
- 1.24 24. Aloe aristata “Lace Aloe”
- 1.25 25. Aloe polyphylla “Spiral Aloe”
- 1.26 26. Aloe striata “Coral Aloe”
- 1.27 27. Aloe dorotheae “Sunset Aloe”
- 1.28 28. Aloe marlothii “Mountain Aloe”
- 1.29 29. Aloe nobilis “Golden Tooth Aloe”
- 1.30 30. Aloiampelos ciliaris “Climbing Aloe”
- 1.31 31. Aloe plicatilis “Fan Aloe”
- 1.32 32. Aloe barberae “Tree Aloe”
- 1.33 33. Aloe humilis “Spider Aloe”
- 2 Final Thoughts
20 Types Of Aloe Plants And Different Types Of Aloe Varieties You Can Grow
1: Aloe aculeata “Prickly Aloe”
Aloe aculeata is quickly recognized from other related species with noticeable sharp spines on the leaves because it is the only recognized aloe variety whose spines originate from tuberculate white base bumps.
Quick Facts
- Leaves reach 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in) tall.
- The leaf blade grows up to 100 mm long and 20 mm wide.
- Seed generation creates small, dense clumps.
- Yield masses of bright pink flowers at the end of winter (August to October).
- It reaches anywhere from 18-24 inches in height
- Its inflorescences can reach around 4 feet.
General Care for Aloe aculeata “prickly aloe”
This aloe plant variety could be grown outdoors in elevated beds and balconies in case protected from winter rain. It may likewise be planted in pots and positioned on bright windowsills.
Watering: It is fairly simple to cultivate under a vast range of weather conditions, provided it is grown in a well-drained condition, provided sufficient water, yet not over watered.
How to propagate Aloe aculeata “prickly aloe”
Propagation happens entirely through seed, considering that the plants rarely produce offsets. Plant the seed immediately. The ideal time would be in the spring or summer when temperature levels are warm.
2: Aloe vera “Medicinal Aloe”
It comes from the Arabian Peninsula yet thrives wild in tropical environments around the globe and is grown for agricultural and medicinal applications.
Quick Facts
- Stemless or quite short-stemmed plant increasing to 60– 100 cm (24– 39 in) tall
- leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green
- The flowers are generated during summer on a surge as high as 90 cm (35 in) tall
General Care for Aloe vera
Its succulence allows the species to get through in places of low natural rainfall, making it ideal for rockeries and other low water-use landscapes. In containers, the species needs well-drained, sandy potting soil and bright, sunny conditions.
How to propagate Aloe vera
Aloe vera cuttings are not the most dependable technique of plant propagation. A much better means to share this wonderful plant is through the elimination of offsets.
3: Aloe africana “African aloe”
Aloe Africana is quite a few of South Africa’s single-headed varieties of Aloe that form a trunk and create remarkable focal points in the yard.
Quick Facts
- Yields Yellow & Orange flowers
- Blooms during Winter/Spring
- It reaches 6-8 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide
- Needs Full Sun exposure and Low Water Requirements
- Winter Hardiness: 25-30 ° F.
General Care for Aloe Africana “African aloe”
Aloe is a remarkably flexible plant, and a well-grown Aloe could be relatively lovely.
Just like all types of aloe succulents, it is actually important that Aloe is never permitted to rest in stationary water, and the plant must be thoroughly checked to monitor indications of overwatering.
Watering: Water generously during the summer and more or less stop watering during the winter. Do not allow water to remain in the rosettes.
How to propagate Aloe Africana “African aloe”
At the time of repotting a bigger plant, it is possible to meticulously split the root ball. Several types of Aloe plants will send off off-sets that could be potted individually.
Just keep in mind not to plant aloes too deeply, or they will rot.
4: Aloe albida “Grass Aloe”
Aloe albida is a midget aloe variety with tiny white flowers which prefers shrouded mountain grassland environments and flourishes in holes amongst mossy rocks in locations where grasses are kept relatively brief.
Quick Facts
- Grass aloe.
- The leaves create a rosette and are around 150 x 4-5 mm. They have a waxy coating, which provides a pale greyish/bluish-green color.
- Blooming time is in some cases as early as February, yet is typically from late March to April.
- Outdoor potential not known. Prefers shade.
- Season to Plant – Spring.
General Care for Aloe albida “Grass Aloe”
Aloe albida flourishes well in cultivation under the ideal conditions. This species is an ideal container or pot plant, thriving well in a terracotta pot.
Watering: It is necessary to water these types of aloe plants properly throughout the growing period. Yet, during the winter they must only get water when the weather is hot.
How to propagate Aloe albida “Grass Aloe”
The simplest means to propagate this Aloe variety is using suckers or seeds. It is essential to plant seeds during springtime, providing seedlings an opportunity to develop before the hot weather of summertime.
It is recommended to utilize good soil. You must then add a small volume of both sieved, sandy soil and sieved well-rotted leaf mold.
5: Aloe arborescens “Krantz Aloe”
Although we have a tendency to call this plant ‘torch aloe’ for its substantial vibrant red flowers, a common name utilized in South Africa is Krantz Aloe.
Aloe Arborescens shares similarities to the Aloe Vera plant in that it is popular plant in traditional medicine. The Aloe Arborescens plant is used for several ailments for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
It’s named for the Afrikaner word ‘Krantz’ implying a “rocky ridge” or “cliff” of one favored habitation, although this plant essentially springs from different habitats from down at sea level up to high in the mountains.
Quick Facts
- An evergreen shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium rate.
- The flowers are pollinated by Sunbirds, Bees.
- Ideal for sandy and loamy soils likes well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally shabby soil.
- Can grow in very acid soils.
- Thrives in no or semi-shade location. It favors dry or moist soil and can endure dry spell.
General Care for Aloe arborescens “krantz aloe”
Aloe arborescens is an outstanding option for potted culture just about anywhere, or outdoors culture and in desert areas. When left in potted culture, keep indoors in a bright window, in the shady greenhouse, or on the porch during the summertime, then bring in for the winter.
Watering: It is essential to keep in mind not to water the cutting too greatly; overwatering may bring on it to rot.
How to propagate Aloe arborescens “krantz aloe”
Seed – plant in a soft sand, well-drained potting soil during a warm, shady place in regular seed trays. Germination requires around three weeks.
Cover with a thin layer of sand (1 – 2mm), keep moist and the seedlings could be grown out in particular bags or containers as quickly as they are sizable enough to take care of.
Stem cuttings – 3 – 10cm long. A branch or stem could be trimmed, enabled to dry for a time or so up until the cut has sealed off, and then cultivated in well-drained soil or sand.
It need not be rooted in any specific place and then transplanted, yet could be positioned immediately into its permanent spot in the garden.
6: Aloe albiflora “Guillaumin”
Aloe albiflora is a tiny Aloe variety with long slender leaves, grey-green with numerous tiny white areas. Its white, lily-like flowers are so distinct from those of all other Madagascan Aloe.
Quick Facts
- An acaulescent, suckering varieties with small rosettes create tiny clumps.
- Has Fusiform roots.
- Leaves are rosulate, linear, tapering at apex, 15 cm long, 1.5 cm wide, rough to the touch, grey-green, and carefully speckled with several tiny dull-white spots.
- The inflorescence is 30-36 cm long.
- Flowers are colored white, 10 mm long, base rounded, campanulate, 14 mm in diameter across the mouth.
- Its height is under 6 in. (15 cm).
- Flower season is early summertime.
General Care for Aloe albiflora
Aloe albiflora is ideal for houseplant and container gardening.
Watering: water modestly throughout the year, yet occasionally when inactive.
How to propagate Aloe albiflora
Seed: Plant seed of white-flowered aloe (aloe albiflora) at 70f/21c immediately after ripe.
Offset Separate offsets in late springtime or early summertime. Insert unrooted offsets in a standard cactus potting mix.
7: Aloe arenicola “Sand Aloe”
The Aloe Arenicola (or Sand Aloe) is a one-of-a-kind strong aloe that stays in a modest adolescent phase with snaking horizontal stems forming tiny well-spaced trigonal leaves till such time it grows and starts to grow upright with larger leaves.
Quick Facts
- Various rosettes are grown on procumbent stems which may reach up to 70cm in height.
- Leaf surfaces are soft and marked with various white spots.
- Flowers are a pale-red color with the mouth openings a yellow color.
- Blooming takes place from July to December.
General Care for Aloe arenicola “Sand Aloe”
This aloe plant variety flourishes in full sun, yet position them in a bright sun porch or south-facing area outdoors– in full sun, they may build unsightly bronze spots.
Safeguard them from rain outdoors, as well. Water aloes only whenever the soil is parched and constantly grows in a pot with drainage openings.
Watering: water occasionally, especially during summertime as this type of aloe plant is susceptible to rot whenever overwatered.
How to propagate Aloe arenicola “Sand Aloe”
The fastest method to reproduce a precise duplicate of the parent is to root offsets.
Slice the thick stolon which links a pup has grown 2 or more inches tall and plant it in its own pot, leaving the cut end over the soil to dry. Do not fertilize new plants for at least four months.
8: Aloe broomii “Snake Aloe”
Seen in South Africa, it is called the mountain aloe or snake aloe on account of its strange inflorescence.
Quick Facts
- A durable shrub with a short stem.
- grows up to 1.5 meters high, including the inflorescence.
- typically a single-stemmed aloe yet might split into clusters with around three ‘rosettes.’
- The leaves are plump and bordered with tiny very dark thorns.
- flowers are concealed by the expanded bracts, providing it a snaky, snake-like look
General Care for Aloe broomii “Snake Aloe”
Aloes flourish in full sun, yet position them in a bright sun porch or south-facing area outdoors– in full sun, they may build unsightly bronze spots. S
afeguard them from rain outdoors, as well. Water aloes only whenever the soil is parched and constantly grow them in a pot with drainage openings.
Watering: water occasionally, especially during summertime as this aloe is susceptible to rot whenever overwatered.
How to propagate Aloe broomii “Snake Aloe”
The fastest method to reproduce a precise duplicate of the parent is to root offsets.
Slice the thick stolon which links a pup has grown 2 or more inches tall and plant it in its own pot, leaving the cut end over the soil to dry.
Do not fertilize new plants for at least four months.
9: Aloe buettneri “West African Aloe”
It is a succulent plant with thick and fleshy leaves charted in a rosette. It primarily flourishes in hot and dry environments.
Quick Facts
- The leaves grow to about 40– 80 cm long, 8– 9 cm broad.
- The leaves are rimmed by alternating combined and solo teeth and converged to make up an underground bulb-like base making the plant appear stemless.
- The flowers are lined up in a baggy panicle.
- The plant comes with up to 12 branches with bulbs that vary in color from green-yellow, orange, or dull red.
- It necessitates a sunlit location. The succulent leaves and stems, and the presence of a thick cuticle make them well adjusted to parched environments.
General Care for Aloe buettneri
It necessitates a sunlit location. The succulent leaves and stems, and the presence of a thick cuticle make them well adjusted to parched environments.
How to propagate Aloe buettneri
They are planted in a well-drained and sandy potting soil in a hot, shady place in regular seed trays. Wrap the seed with a thin layer of sand (1 – 2mm), keep damp. Germination takes around three weeks.
10: Aloe comosa “Clanwilliam aloe”
Aloe comosa is regarded as a tree aloe coming with a single, unbranched stem that can reach heights of about 3 meters.
As it grows and matures in height, Aloe comosa maintains its dry, dead leaves and creates a twisted skirt or beard.
Quick Facts
- Comes with thick, succulent blades about 2 feet (0.6 meters) long.
- The leaf surface is bald, and the bending of the lamina is manifold.
- Feature a lanceolate leaf shape which has a tendency to curve towards the tips.
- The edges of the leaves are whole and are lined with bristly, tooth-like, brown-red thorns.
- Blossoms during the summertime
General Care for Aloe comosa “Clanwilliam aloe”
It is fairly simple to grow under a wide array of climatic conditions provided it is sown in a well-drained condition provided ample water yet not over-watered.
Grow it in an exposed sandy-gritty cactus garden compost, well-drained, with a relatively acidic pH (5-6). It requires a fairly shallow pot to support its fibrous roots and offers excellent drainage.
How to propagate Aloe comosa “Clanwilliam aloe”
This is carried out solely from seed. It is plausible to root the plant from a truncheon cutting.
It is recommended to allow the plant to dry out for a couple of weeks – this minimizes the sap levels and guarantees simple rooting.
11: Aloe ballyi “Rat Aloe”
This is among a couple of toxic aloes in Kenya, known generally as the ‘rat aloe’ because of bad chemicals contained in its leaves. It is utilized medicinally as a laxative, for ‘opening the bowels.’
Quick Facts
- can grow up to 8 meters tall.
- the plant creates a single, unbranched stem up to 15cm in diameter.
General Care for Aloe ballyi
Aloe varieties adhere to the Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). CAM plants are able to mend carbon dioxide at night and photosynthesize with sealed stomata throughout the day, therefore reducing water loss.
This, and also their succulent leaves and stems, and the visibility of a dense cuticle makes them well adapted to a dry condition.
How to propagate Aloe ballyi
In general, Aloes are planted in soft sand, the well-drained potting soil in a hot, shady setting in regular seed trays. Germination requires around three weeks.
12: Aloe brevifolia “Short-Leaf Aloe”
It is a small, sleek, evergreen perennial Aloe plant variety, which is indigenous to the Western Cape, South Africa.
It is likewise commonly well-known as an ornamental plant in desert gardens and rockeries around the world. It is utilized medicinally as a laxative, for ‘opening the bowels.’
Quick Facts
- Only 10 cm in height
- Has a tendency to develop suckers from its sides which turn into new rosettes.
- May create big clusters.
- The leaves are small and chunky and bordered with fleshy, safe, white teeth.
- Gray-blue in color
- Blooms with sharp red flowers throughout November
General Care for Aloe brevifolia
It must be grown in a fairly sunny setting, in the ground that is well-drained.
Watering: It needs only mild watering and must not be kept constantly moist.
How to propagate Short-Leaf Aloe
It could be propagated quickly by merely eliminating and replanting the branching suckers.
13: Aloe erinacea “Goree”
Aloe erinacea appears nearly similar to Aloe melanacantha, but it is somewhat smaller, and it often becomes dense clumps because of offsetting.
Quick Facts
- Has rounded, spherical rosettes, brown-green leaves
- They develop as single rosettes or more frequently in bunches of around 10 or more dense plants.
- The stems are short and unnoticeable even in old types.
- Inflorescences are typically simple up to 40 inches (1 m) high.
- The flowers are tubular, bright red yet turn yellow after opening
- Bloom during the winter.
General Care for Aloe erinacea
It is really important that is never allowed to sit in stagnant water, and the plant must be thoroughly tracked to look for indications of overwatering.
Water amply during the summertime and almost stop watering during the winter months. Do not allow water to stand in the rosettes.
How to propagate Aloe erinacea
Aloe is not mainly fast-growing and may just seldom require be repotting. Repot plants throughout the spring which are toppling their pots or have stopped expanding.
Utilize a fast-draining potting blend with one-third sand or pebbles. Several types of aloe are going to disperse off-sets which could be potted separately
14: Aloe ferox “Bitter Aloe”
Often referred to as bitter aloe, it is commonly confused with Aloe excelsa varieties, and they do look quite identical once completely grown. But the flowers are different, with the latter’s racemaes being somewhat curved and a lot smaller.
Another native to South Africa is the aloe ferox or cape aloe, which is a large rosette-forming evergreen succulent. It produces dark orange stamens that stick out from the mouth and bright red-orange tubular flowers.
Quick Facts
- Tall, single-stemmed aloe
- Are able to grow to 10 feet (3.0 m) in height.
- Its leaves are thick and plump, arranged in rosettes
- Come with reddish-brown spines on the edges with smaller spines
- Its flowers are a uniform orange or red
- It has an inflorescence that resembles a candelabra
- It is valued for its bitter brown exudate and colorless leaf gel
General Care for Aloe ferox
Aloe ferox favors dry and tropical climates, sandy-loamy soils, open areas, full sun, and not excessive watering with an excellent drainage system.
How to propagate Aloe ferox
Aloe ferox plants are propagated primarily from head cuttings and seeds, with plants sowed with around one-meter divisions.
It takes up to five years for the plants to reach the initial harvest from seeds. Each leaf weighs around 1.5- 2 kg during the harvest.
15: Aloe camperi “Popcorn Aloe”
Also referred to as Popcorn aloes, it flourishes in colonies, with orange flowers around early spring.
Quick Facts
- Makes rosettes of leaves approximately 60cm in diameter on stems which could be 30cm long
- The leaves are up to 60cm long and 15cm wide at the base
- The plant suckers to create bunches of stems.
General Care for Aloe camperi
Aloe plants are able to endure periodic cold levels down to -2 degrees Celsius, but as long as conditions are relatively dry. Does well in full sun to light shade. Developed plants are rather a drought tolerant.
How to propagate Aloe camperi
Can be done in three ways:
- Through splitting the rootball
- Through racking up the base of the bulb to encourage new bulblets
- From leaf cuttings
16: Aloe inyangensis “Kimberley’s Rock Aloe”
This aloe species is a tiny herbaceous plant with tight, succulent strap-shaped leaves which conceal the damp and continually moist conditions which it grows under.
Quick Facts
- It thrives in somewhat untidy-looking clusters around 20– 30 cm high.
- The leaves are thin, around 18– 28 cm long and typically curved forwards along the central vein. Blooms all throughout the year.
- The flowers are deep red colored, borne on 30 cm bent stalks over the foliage.
General Care for Aloe inyangensis
It can be grown like a common cactus or succulent, while a few afternoon shades can be enjoyed in warmer circumstances. It does not require a considerable amount of sunlight to flourish.
It is said to deal with a light frost (Zone 9) and must be safeguarded from temperatures below 22 ° F( -5 ° C). Grow it in a quick draining soil blend, like cactus soil.
17: Aloe excelsa “Zimbabwe Aloe”
It’s a small tree with a single stem, developing on steep rocky slopes or on granite outcrops.
Quick Facts
- Stem as much as 6m high, typically covered in dried leaves with the exception of the lowermost area.
- leaves create a small rosette at the stem apex
- Flowers are 20-32 mm long, cylindrical-ellipsoid, expanding at the middle, orange to deep red, hardly ever white.
General Care for Aloe excelsa “Zimbabwe Aloe”
In its natural environment, it flourishes best if provided ample water during its growing period yet needs an active dry period with colder conditions when the remarkable flowers show up.
How to propagate Aloe excelsa “Zimbabwe Aloe”
It is unusual in backyards.
18: Aloe bakeri “Baker Aloe”
It is a caulescent, branching and suckering, evergreen type Aloe plant. During summertime, it yields red or orange, green-tipped tubular flowers in racemes.
Quick Facts
- Around 0-500 meters above sea level.
- flourishes’ in humid, or subhumid areas, in shallow soils and holes on inselberg/rock faces.
- Grows to 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in) tall by 40 cm (16 in) wide.
General Care for Aloe bakeri “Baker aloe”
With an at least temperature level of 10 ° C (50 ° F), this plant needs winter heat, and in warm regions is grown under glass.
Put on a proportionate liquid fertilizer 2 or 3 times during the growing period.
Watering: Water sparingly when in development; very moderately when inactive.
How to propagate Aloe bakeri “Baker aloe”
Propagate by seed sown with heat as soon as ripe or from offsets.
19: Aloe ballii “Ball’s Cliff Aloe”
This orange colored plant which develops in Mozambique and Zimbabwe is included as Endangered in the 2002 IUCN Red List.
Quick Facts
- Suckers to form tiny solid sets.
- Stems bunched up, erect, around 3 cm in height.
- Leaves are up to 50 cm long, grass-like, weakly erect, linear, light green with whitish spots and lines
- Flowers are 12-16 mm long and 4 mm wide, and orange-scarlet in color.
General Care for Aloe Ballii
Aloe ballii develops practically on quartzite.
20: Aloe argenticauda
Aloe argenticauda is a variety of plant which is native to Namibia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and rocky areas.
Quick Facts
- Plants stemless or short-stemmed, 300-500 mm tall excluding inflorescence, in firm clumps. Brownish grey-green.
- Leaves color yellow-orange to green the leaf fleshy with irregular spiny edges, leaves grow in a rosette.
- Flowers appear deep strawberry-pink, 32-37 mm long, cylindric-ventricose; all sections quickly Blooming time Aug to Oct.
General Care for Aloe argenticauda
This species of Aloe is not ideal for house planting.
21. Aloe Juvenna “tiger tooth aloe”
The tiger tooth aloe is a clump-forming succulent plant native to Kenya. Known to branch from the base, the tiger tooth aloe got its name from the menacing-looking spiny edges on its leaves.
Quick Facts
- The spines on the edges of the leaves do not prick when touched.
- The leaves are reddish-brown to light green in color and speckled with white spots.
- The tiger tooth aloe can grow to about 12 inches in length.
General Care for Aloe Juvenna
Aloe juvenna or tiger tooth aloe grow much better when given adequate amounts of water.
22. Aloe Cameronii “Red Aloe”
The aloe cameronii or red aloe can only be found in Africa. This type of succulent has curled leaves that range in color from green to bright, coppery red.
Quick Facts
- They are typically grown outdoors since they can reach up to 2 feet high and 4 feet wide.
- The aloe cameronii or red aloe is an evergreen plant, which requires little water or maintenance.
General Care for Aloe cameronii “red Aloe”
The red aloe is best grown in sandy or gravelly, well-drained soil and either in a partial shade or full sun.
23. Aloe maculata “Soap Aloe”
The aloe maculata is a variety of aloe that grows rosettes of broad, triangular leaves. It is native to eastern and southern Africa, south-eastern Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
Quick Facts
- The rosettes of “soap aloe” can grow up to 18 inches high with a diameter of up to 24 inches.
- Its uniformly colored flowers and flat-topped inflorescences distinguish it from other spotted aloes.
- The color of the flowers ranges from yellow to red-orange.
General Care for Aloe maculata “Soap Aloe”
This type of plant aloe needs careful monitoring to prevent it from sitting in stagnant water and overwatering.
24. Aloe aristata “Lace Aloe”
The aloe aristata is a slow-growing aloe plant native to South Africa. It has fleshy, green leaves with white bumps and spines.
Quick Facts
- The lace aloe plant can grow up to 9 inches tall and spreads up to 2 feet wide.
- Bees are attracted to the peach-colored flowers that cover their branches in the summer.
- It cannot survive in extreme weather despite being a hardier than other plants in its genus.
General Care for Aloe aristata “Lace Aloe”
Lace aloe is suitable as an indoor succulent.
25. Aloe polyphylla “Spiral Aloe”
Aloe polyphylla or Spiral Aloe is a stemless aloe plant characterized by its stunning spiral shape. It is a protected aloe species native to South Africa, specifically on the Lesotho Mountain peaks.
Quick Facts
- This spiral aloe plant has spiral sharp-edged thick leaves.
- The leaves only begin to form a spiral when the diameter reaches around 8 to 12 inches.
- Its flowers appear in spring and early summer.
General Care for “Spiral Aloe”
The spiral aloe plant can be difficult to grow in cultivation or outside of its natural habitat. The plant needs proper care and must be in the proper growing conditions.
26. Aloe striata “Coral Aloe”
The aloe striata or coral aloe is a drought-tolerant, evergreen aloe plant from the Asphodelaceae family. This frost-hardy aloe species can be found in the Southern Cape Floristic Region along with the Western and Eastern Cape Province.
Quick Facts
- The coral aloe is a rosette-forming plant with flat leaves that are bluish-green in color.
- The leaves can change color depending on the amount of sunlight they receive.
- Coral aloe plants can reach a height of 18 inches and spread up to 2 feet wide.
General Care for Aloe striata “Coral Aloe”
Like most succulents, coral aloe plants are low-maintenance. On hot and dry months, be sure to water moderately. Avoid overwatering the aloe plant and drowning the roots.
27. Aloe dorotheae “Sunset Aloe”
The aloe dorotheae or sunset aloe is an incredibly stunning evergreen succulent with greenish-yellow tubular flowers. Its fleshy leaves are speckled with white spots with prominent teeth along the edges.
Quick Facts
- The sunset aloe can reach a height of up to 12 inches and spreads up to 2 feet wide.
- It forms clumps of glossy bright red rosettes in full sun but turning light green in partial shade.
- The flowers produce nectar that attracts birds and bees.
General Care for Aloe dorotheae “Sunset Aloe”
The aloe dorotheae is a type of aloe that grows easily in sandy or gravely, dry or moist, well-drained soil in light shade or full sun.
28. Aloe marlothii “Mountain Aloe”
Aloe marlothii or mountain aloe is a large succulent native to South Africa. It is widely found in Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Mozambique, Malawi, and Botswana. Its stem has no braches and it is topped with a rosette of stiff, grey-green leaves.
Quick Facts
- The stem can reach a height of up to 10 feet and is usually covered with withered old leaves.
- The leaves are sharp, pointed reddish-brown spines located randomly on both surfaces and along the margins.
- Propagating the mountain aloe can be done by using seeds, cuttings, or offsets from mature aloe plants.
General Care for Aloe marlothii “Mountain Aloe”
The mountain aloe needs repotting every few years to prevent it from becoming rootbound.
29. Aloe nobilis “Golden Tooth Aloe”
The aloe nobilis is a rosette-forming evergreen succulent native to South Africa. The bright green color of its leaves turns into orange in full sun.
Quick Facts
- The golden tooth aloe can grow up to 6 to 12 inches tall and spreads up to 12 inches wide.
- It is a type of aloe that is drought tolerant and also a disease-free plant.
- It can be propagated by sowing the seeds with heat when they are ripe.
General Care for Aloe nobilis
When growing aloe in hot deserts, the plant requires protection under a shade every afternoon to avoid burning.
30. Aloiampelos ciliaris “Climbing Aloe”
Formerly known as aloe ciliaris, aloiampelos ciliaris is a climbing aloe that is a thin, tough succulent that grows rapidly. The rapid growth in this aloe plant produces long, thin, untidy stems. The climbing aloe is native to the Western Cape and other frost-free areas in South Africa.
Quick Facts
- Its fleshy leaves anchor the thin stems that shoot upward.
- It can grow up to 12 feet tall when it is not pruned.
- It can anchor itself on other plants with its recurved leaves.
General Care for Aloiampelos ciliaris “Climbing Aloe”
The climbing aloe grows best in rockeries and in a sunny, well-drained positions.
31. Aloe plicatilis “Fan Aloe”
The unique fan-like leaf arrangement of aloe plicatilis allows it to form like a small tree or a shrub. This is another drought-tolerant type of aloe plant native to South Africa.
Quick Facts
- The fan aloe got its monicker from the leaves stacked in pairs that are reminiscent of fans.
- It can grow up to 8 feet tall and spreads 6 feet wide.
General Care for Aloe plicatilis “Fan Aloe”
It should not be grown in wet soil to avoid root rot.
32. Aloe barberae “Tree Aloe”
Noticeably large and fat-growing evergreen aloe plant, the aloe barberae resembles a tree adorned with a rounded, crown of fleshy recurved leaves and a gray, smooth trunk.
Quick Facts
- It can grow as high as 30 feet tall and 20 wide.
- Under favorable conditions, it can increase its height by 4 to 12 inches per year.
General Care for Aloe barberae “Tree Aloe”
Can withstand drought for longer periods but it can thrive and produces more flowers if watered properly.
33. Aloe humilis “Spider Aloe”
Aloe humilis is a low-growing, short-stemmed type of aloe plant that is native to South Africa’s Cape Province. It is characterized by its small spines that grow in dense clusters.
Quick Facts
- The aloe humilis is a small succulent type of aloe plant that has pale blue-green leaves with soft spines and irregular bumps along the margins.
- It can survive at temperatures as 25 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
General Care for Aloe humilis “Spider Aloe”
The spider aloe can withstand drought conditions, but it still requires regular watering to thrive.
Final Thoughts
Learning about the different types of aloe plants can aid you in providing better care for them since not all of them require the same exact care. Aloe plants are hardy plants and you can easily grow aloe plants at home.
Remember that there are various species which look alike and that may result in confusion with identification. Yet do not fret.
Provided you get the genus right and come with ample knowledge on their specific needs, you will certainly be on your way to being able to better care for your plant.
Lindsey Hyland grew up in Arizona where she studied at the University of Arizona’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Center. She continued her gardening education by working on organic farms in both rural and urban settings. She started UrbanOrganicYield.com to share gardening tips and tactics. She’s happy to talk about succulents and houseplants or vegetables and herbs – or just about anything in a backyard garden or hydroponics garden.