Types of Aloe Plants [In-Depth Guide]

Aloe plants are some of the most widely recognized houseplants in the plant kingdom. And it’s mostly thanks to the invaluable help one species, Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), has provided humans over the centuries.

Its use in home remedies over the course of history has been invaluable to the medicine industry and has cemented Aloes’ place as one of the most widely cultivated houseplants known to man.

If you’re thinking about getting an aloe plant or two for your own home, there are a few things you should know first. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the wonderful world of different types of aloe plants and provide all the information you need to get started with these easy-care houseplants.

What Are Aloe Plants?

The term “Aloe” actually refers to a large group of succulent plants that come from Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula. They have also been naturalized to most regions of the world quite decisively.

Unlike Haworthia and Agave, which are relatively localized in their respective regions of the world, Aloe plants are incredibly diverse, growing practically anywhere there are humans to tend to them, and sometimes without even that.

These plants are members of the Asphodelaceae family, but they were previously placed in the Aloaceae family. The Aloe genus is home to more than 560 different types of aloe species.

While there are hundreds of aloe plants to choose from, only a handful are commonly grown as houseplants. Aloe vera is by far the most popular Aloe plant, but others like Aloe aristata (aka Lace Aloe), Aloe arborescens (aka Krantz Aloe), and Aloe marlothii (aka mountain aloe) are also widely cultivated.

What Is Aloe Used For?

Traditional Medicine

The Aloe vera plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The gel from the leaves is thought to have healing properties and has been used to treat a wide variety of ailments, ranging from constipation to burns.

Aloe vera is still widely used in modern herbalism and homeopathy. The plant is said to have laxative, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties. It’s also thought to be effective in treating wounds, and minor skin infections, and can even help soothe sunburns.

And the Aloe vera plant isn’t the only type of Aloe that has been used in these types of medicine. A. arborescens, A. littoralis, and A. pirottae are also considered effective remedies against wounds, burns, and infective diseases. Aloe ferox (Cape Aloe) has a history of being used as a laxative medicine.

Most Aloe-based remedies are administered topically, i.e., on the skin and not ingested. However, Aloe vera is considered effective against gastro-intestinal issues, and its leaf gel is ingested by locals for treatment of stomach pains, high blood pressure, and gastritis.

These remedies are most widely used in the Indian subcontinent. Aloe vera-based medicines are deeply entrenched in the local health culture.

Cosmetics

In addition to its medicinal uses, the Aloe vera plant is also a popular ingredient in many different cosmetics. Aloe vera leaf gel is often used as a base for natural skin care products like lotions, creams, and soaps (e.g., Soap Aloe).

It’s thought to be effective in treating a variety of skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Aloe vera is also used as a natural hair care product and is said to be effective in treating dandruff and scalp itchiness.

Food Preservation:

In addition to its culinary and cosmetic uses, Aloe vera is also used as a natural preservative. Aloe vera gel has a stabilizing influence on harvested foods and is used by the industry to keep foods and beverages fresh.

If treated with Aloe vera, fruits and vegetables that have been freshly harvested develop an Antifungal property that prevents the onset of fungal infections.

Textile Fibers

Aloe vera is also used in the textile industry. The plant’s leaves contain a natural fiber that can be used to make yarn and fabric. This fiber is a relatively new invention and is only extracted from Aloe vera currently. The extent of its viability is unknown.

How to Identify an Aloe?

If you’re looking to get an aloe plant for your home, it’s important to know how to identify the different types. Aloe vera is the most popular and well-known species, but there are many other types of aloe plants that can make great houseplants.

Check the Way the Leaves Grow

The most effective way to identify an aloe is by its leaves. All aloes have thick, fleshy leaves that are arranged in a rosette pattern. The leaves may be green, blue-green, or reddish in color, and they typically have sharp points on the tips.

However, what makes Aloes, specifically, Aloe vera, easy to identify is the very specific way their leaves wrap around each other alternatively. (See picture)

The base of the rosette is often well-defined as leaves tend to grow upwards, wrapping around the base before spreading in the form of a rosette. Different types of Aloe plants have their unique growth habits, but this way of leaf growth is the most common.

Check the Leaf Margins for Spines

Most types of Aloe plants come with spines around the edges of the leaves. Some Aloe species have spines on the surface of the leaves as well, but this isn’t a very good indicator as this phenomenon isn’t common across every Aloe plant.

Aloes also produce a white latex sap that is used in traditional medicine. If you see a plant with white sap oozing from its leaves, it’s likely an aloe plant.

Check for Sap

Most types of Aloe Plants have thick sap in their fleshy leaves. Aloe vera’s sap is well-documented for its various uses. But do note that not all Aloes have similar properties. In fact, it’s quite common for the saps of some types of Aloes to be toxic for humans.

If you’re unsure whether a plant is an aloe or not, you can always do a quick internet search to find out. There are many sources that list the different types of aloe plants and their identifying characteristics.

Aloe Photo Gallery

How To Care For An Aloe Plant

Now that you’ve dipped your toes a little and found out about some different types of Aloe plants, it’s time to learn how to care for them. These easy-care succulents are perfect for beginning gardeners and those with busy schedules.

Light:

An Aloe plant needs plenty of bright light to survive. Deep shade tends to make them mushy and leggy so provide plenty of light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it’s important to find a spot that gets plenty of light but isn’t in direct sun.

Outdoors, they prefer some direct sunlight when the sun is mild. Provide some protection from harsh, scorching sunlight to avoid sunburn.

Indoors, they like filtered sunlight for however long possible. Avoid placing the plants in shady areas or dark corners of the room. A sunny patio or deck will work wonders.

Soil:

Good drainage is essential for the continued survival of an Aloe plant. They are forgiving of soil quality, i.e., they don’t really care that much about how nutrient-rich the soil is. But when it comes to good drainage, there is no compromise. Root rot is a very real concern.

Ensure that your soil mixture is fast-draining so water doesn’t stay in the soil longer than it has to. Consult your local garden store for a succulent/cactus mix. Most stores stock them, and most types of Aloe don’t need anything more.

You can also try your own hand at mixing soil by adding equal parts coarse sand and perlite. pH doesn’t matter all that much, either.

Water:

Aloe plants are succulents and, as such, they prefer a drier environment. Despite that, watering aloe plants should be done regularly, but only when you’re certain that the soil has completely dried up.

Overwatering is common and can lead to root rot, so it’s important to be careful. It is the most likely way for a succulent to die, and an aloe plant is no different.

An easy way to tell if your aloe plant needs water is to check the leaves. If they’re wilting or look droopy, then it’s time to water them. If your aloe plant hasn’t been watered in a while, its leaves will lose their vigor and rigidity, making it obvious what needs to be done.

Do note that the same thing happens whether the plant has been watered too little or too much. Make an educated guess about your personal Aloe plant and act accordingly.

Temperature:

Most types of Aloe plants like warm weather and will not tolerate frost. Maintain a temperature between 55-85 degrees Fahrenheit (12-30°C), and your plant should be fine. Aloes are forgiving succulents, but they won’t survive below-freezing temperatures barring a few exceptions.

Owing to their diversity, there have more outliers than some of the other genera. You might have to consult a care guide specific to your Aloe plant to get the most accurate information.

In cold climates, it’s best to bring your plant indoors before the temperature starts to drop.

Fertilizer:

Aloe plants are adapted to nutrient-poor soils. They don’t need fertilizer to grow as their natural habitats are sparse as is. Other than some water, there is little that needs to be done in order for your Aloe plant to thrive.

However, to promote growth in otherwise slow-growing varieties, you can give them a light feeding once every year during the growing season. Use a standard succulent fertilizer diluted to half strength or a slow-release fertilizer for the best results.

How to Prune Aloe

Aloes are generally low-maintenance succulents. They don’t need to be pruned often and can actually be quite attractive when left to their own devices. However, if you want to encourage growth or shape your plant a certain way, then regular pruning is necessary.

Prune off any dying leaves as soon as you see them. These leaves can harbor pests and diseases that could potentially infect the rest of your plant. Cut off any leaf that is significantly smaller than the others as well. These are usually a sign of stress and won’t contribute much to the overall health of the plant.

If you don’t like the look of a particular leaf, then you can prune off the leaf at its base; new growth tends to be healthier if the plant’s care requirements are met. Shearing off browning tips is also recommended, but try to retain the plant’s aesthetic as much as possible.

Some types of aloe plants don’t appreciate pruning as they are already small, to begin with. Consult documentation about your specific Aloe for the most accurate information.

How to Propagate Aloe Plants

Aloe plants are easy to propagate and can be done so using offsets, leaf cuttings, or seeds.

Propagate with Offsets

These are small plantlets or “pups” that form at the base of the main plant. These can be carefully removed and potted up on their own. Most types of aloe plants are known to offset, and this is considered the easiest method of propagation by gardeners.

In most cases, offsets can simply be twisted off the mother plant, sort of like plucking a fruit. But you might need some shears, so keep them handy.

A good rule of thumb is to allow the cut wounds on the offsets to heal before planting them in a new pot. Directly planting seeping wounds is a recipe for disaster.

Propagate with Leaf cuttings

Leaf cuttings can also be taken, although they aren’t as reliable as offsets. Cut off a healthy leaf near the base and allow it to callus over for a few days. Once the wound has healed, pot the leaf in well-draining soil and keep it warm and out of direct sunlight.

Propagate with Seeds

Seeds are the least recommended method of propagation as they are more difficult to care for and have a lower success rate. If you do want to try propagating aloe plants from seed, then start with fresh seeds from a reliable source.

Sow them in well-draining soil (a mixture of peat and sand works best) and keep them moist but not wet. Keep temperatures high at around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. They will take several weeks to germinate.

Aloe Common Pests

Aloes are generally quite resilient and aren’t susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, like all plants, they can fall victim to infestations or infections if they are not cared for properly.

The most common pests that attack aloes are mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids. These can be controlled with standard insecticides or by manually removing the pests from the plant.

If the surface of your Aloe plant’s leaves is smooth, simply wipe a wet cloth over the affected areas to remove most pests. No need for dangerous pesticides that might affect your plant’s health.

Diseases are much less common in aloe plants but can occur if the plant is overwatered or underwatered. 

Aloe Common Diseases

Root rot is the most common disease and can be diagnosed by wilting leaves or yellowing leaf margins. If you suspect your Aloe plant of having root rot, then it’s best to remove it from its container completely to check. If recoverable, remove any affected roots and wash them. 

Once the roots are dry, replant the Aloe in fresh, well-draining soil. Water only when the topsoil is dry to the touch.

Fungal infections can occur if the cut end of an offset or a leaf-cutting is planted too soon in a soil medium. Specifics vary from species to species.

Aloe Common Problems

Aloe Plant Turning Brown?

There can be several reasons why your Aloe might be turning brown. One possibility is that it’s getting too much sun. Aloe plants prefer bright, indirect light, but direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and turn them brown.

Another possibility is that the plant is not getting enough water. Aloe plants are succulents and need to be watered about once a week or when the soil has dried out completely. Letting the plant sit in water can also cause the leaves to turn brown and mushy.

If you think your plant is getting too much or too little water, check the soil before watering it again. If the soil is dry to the touch, it’s time to water it. If the soil is still moist, wait a few days before watering again.

Over-watering and direct sunlight are the two most common reasons why an Aloe’s leaves might turn brown. However, there can be other reasons as well, such as pests, disease, or nutrient deficiencies.

Aloe Plant Drooping?

There are several reasons why your Aloe plant might be drooping. One possibility is that it’s not getting enough water. Aloe plants are succulents and need to be watered about once a week or when the soil has dried out completely.

Another possibility is that the plant is getting too much water. Aloe plants prefer a moderate amount of water, but with good drainage, so the water doesn’t pool in the soil and rot the roots.

If you think your plant is getting too much or too little water, check the soil before watering it again. If the soil is dry to the touch, it’s time to water it. If the soil is still moist, wait a few days before watering again.

Diseases, pests, congested roots, too much heat, or sudden environmental changes can also be to blame.

Are Aloe Plants Toxic?

Not all types of Aloe plants are toxic, but some definitely are. Even the gel extracted from Aloe vera plants, a species renowned for its medical treatments, is considered toxic if ingested, especially by dogs.

Though none of the Aloe Plants’ toxins are considered life-threatening, it’s nonetheless not recommended to experiment with them unless you know what you’re doing. The variety among Aloes is immense, and it’s impossible to cover every single species within the confines of this article.

Investigate whatever Aloe plant is in your home thoroughly before allowing it near your pets or children. However, there is no cause for alarm if someone has accidentally ingested something; these plants are usually on the milder side of the spectrum, even if they’re toxic.

Popular Aloe Types For Containers and Indoor Houseplants

Are you looking for some stunning Aloe houseplants? There are so many different types of Aloe plants that it can be a little overwhelming to know where to get started. Here is a list of the most popular Aloe plants for your home or yard.

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

Who hasn’t heard of the Aloe vera plant, the first and foremost among Aloes? It is one of the oldest and most popular aloe plants known for its medicinal properties.

The gel-like substance inside the leaves has been used for centuries as a treatment for burns, wounds, and other skin irritations. When you think of natural remedies, Aloe vera plants are the first that come to mind.

It’s a true succulent, meaning it holds water in its fleshy, lance-shaped leaves, which are long and serrated at the edges. They’re also surprisingly thick, even more so than other types of Aloe.

Spines line the edges in true Aloe fashion, and they look pretty as they grow in the form of a rosette. Since the leaves are so long, they tend to droop down from their tips, creating a cascading effect.

• Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
• Flowering Season: Summer
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Aloe marlothii (Mountain Aloe)

Aloe marlothii is a large, evergreen Aloe plant able to grow up to 10 feet tall and about 5 feet wide. It has thick, fleshy gray-green leaves with sharp spines lining the edges. The spines are sharp enough to cut, characteristic of Aloes. They also appear randomly on the surface of the leaves in some varieties.

Mountain Aloe’s leaves are broad near the bottom and taper to the top into sharp points. They form a tight rosette that’s taller than it is wide. The rosette forms around a single thick stem that rises rigidly upward.

As Mountain Aloe ages, old leaves form a sort of coat after they die out. Pruning is required to remove them from the plant, but the plant won’t suffer without it. Orange or red Flowers are borne on horizontal branching panicles.

• Mature Size: 8-10 ft. tall, 4-5 ft. wide
• Flowering Season: Summer, Winter
• Frost Hardiness: 10°F (-12°C)

Aloe nobilis (Golden Tooth Aloe)

Aloe nobilis, or Golden Tooth Aloe, is a small succulent Aloe Plant that originates from South Africa. The plant gets its name from the yellow teeth lining the edges of its leaves. It’s a beautiful plant that makes an excellent addition to any succulent collection.

The Golden Tooth Aloe forms decorative rosettes that can get 12 inches wide at their largest. The golden yellow teeth lining the edges of the leaves, combined with the perfectly triangular nature of the leaves, make for an impressive display. And if that wasn’t enough, in direct sunlight, the lime green leaves blush a gorgeous orange color.

In summer, Aloe nobilis bears tubular orange flowers that rise above the foliage on tall stalks. In addition to being pretty, the Golden Tooth Aloe is also known for offsetting abundantly, making for excellent localized groundcover.

• Mature Size: 6-8 ft. tall, 12 ft. wide
• Flowering Season: Summer
• Frost Hardiness: 20°F (-6.7°C)

Aloe aculeata (Prickly Aloe)

Aloe aculeata, commonly known as the Prickly Aloe, is a species of flowering plant in the aloe family. It is endemic to regions of South Africa and Zimbabwe.

The Prickly Aloe grows in the rough shape of a rosette. The blue-green leaves are heavily dotted with sharp red-brown spines, which also line the margins. Spines on the surface are highlighted by white so that each spike looks like a small pimple. It’s easy to see where the plant gets its name.

The blue-green leaves can turn purple-brown when exposed to harsh sunlight. The flowers are borne on large stalks that rise above the foliage on thin stalks. They are bright orange-red and bloom in winter.

• Mature Size: 4-5 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
• Flowering Season: Winter
• Frost Hardiness: 20°F (-6.7°C)

Aloe arborescens (Candelabra Aloe / Krantz Aloe)

Aloe arborescens, also known as the Candelabra Aloe, is a perennial flowering succulent that is native to South Africa. This plant is called the Candelabra Aloe because of the way its branches grow in candelabra-like clusters. It is also called Krantz Aloe.

The Candelabra Aloe Plant is a surprisingly large succulent that can get as tall as a tree in the right conditions (10 ft.). In fact, arborescens means “tree-like.” It grows by a thick, woody stem that branches when it reaches a specific height. The overall effect is exactly like that of a Candelabra.

The rosettes of blue-green leaves are present on the tips of the branches. The leaves are blue-green in color and bordered with short spines. In addition, Aloe arborescens have orange-red flowers that are borne on racemes that rise above the foliage in multiple instances from the centers of the rosettes.

• Mature Size: 8-10 ft. tall, 6-9 ft. wide
• Flowering Season: Winter
• Frost Hardiness: 25°F (-3.8°C)

Aloe juvenna (Tiger Tooth Aloe)

Aloe juvenna, also known as Tiger Tooth Aloe, is a small succulent that originates from Kenya. It’s a fast-growing plant that forms clumps of rosettes. They have bright green leaves with white spots and teeth along the margins.

Tiger Tooth Aloe Plant has leaves that are arranged in a peculiar pattern, alternating on a thick, fleshy, white stem, so the overall effect looks perfectly symmetrical. Multiple of these stems can rise from the same pot to add interest. Aloe juvenna is small enough to fit in a small pot indoors.

When stressed under direct sunlight, the toothed leaves of the Tiger Tooth Aloe turn reddish-brown. When it blooms, it produces orange-pink flowers on tall stalks. They rarely appear in cultivation.

• Mature Size: 12 inches tall
• Flowering Season: Winter
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Aloe ferox (Bitter Aloe / Cape Aloe)

The Aloe ferox is a species of flowering succulents that is native to South Africa. It is one of the more popular types of aloe due to its large size and showy flowers. However, what earned this Aloe the name Bitter Aloe, is the use of its gel-like sap in cosmetics and herbal remedies.

The leaves of the Cape Aloe are thick and fleshy, blue-green in color. The leaves are lances shaped and curve inwards as they form a rosette surrounding the central stem, similar to Aloe marlothii. They grow up to 3 feet long and 2 feet wide. The margins of the leaves are spiny and can cause minor cuts if handled without care.

The flowers of the Cape Aloe are bright orange-red and tubular. They are borne on branching inflorescences that rise above the foliage. Even the stamens are colored an eye-scorching red. It’s no wonder Cape Aloe is known for its particularly striking flowers.

• Mature Size: 6-9 ft. tall, 3-5 ft. wide
• Flowering Season: Summer
• Frost Hardiness: 50°F (10°C)

Aloe aristata (Lace Aloe)

Aloe aristata, also known as the Lace Aloe, is a small species of Aloe that is native to South Africa. It is a small evergreen perennial that grows to about 8 inches (20 cm) tall and wide. It has dark green leaves that are triangular in shape and have white spots on them.

The leaves start off broad at the base and taper off into a sharp point near the top. They are strikingly similar to Haworthia, and Lace Aloe is often confused with plants of that genus as a result.

Unlike its cousins, Lace Aloe plants are fast-growing and fill out their pots much more quickly. Owing to its small stature, you can even plant it in a pot indoors. It has pink flowers that are particularly inviting to a lot of pollinators (bees and hummingbirds).

• Mature Size: 8 in. tall, 6 in. wide
• Flowering Season: Winter
• Frost Hardiness: 10°F (-12°C)

Aloe humilis (Spider Aloe)

Aloe humilis, commonly known as the Spider Aloe, is a succulent native to South Africa. It gets its common name from the spider-like shape of its leaves. It has dark green leaves with white spots and grows in a rosette pattern.

Its leaves are incurved and form stemless clusters around the base of the plant. Since this plant doesn’t grow large at all (humilis literally means “dwarf”), you can easily manage the overgrowth with a pair of handy shears.

The flowers of Aloe humilis are orange, pendulous, and bloom in the winter or early spring. They grow on tall stalks that can reach up to 12 inches in height.

• Mature Size: 8 in. diameter
• Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
• Frost Hardiness: 25°F (-3.9°C)

Aloe bakeri (Baker Aloe)

Aloe bakeri is a species of Aloe that is native to Madagascar. This Aloe grows in clumps of rosettes of narrow leaves. The leaves are lanceolate shaped and have serrated margins. They are green-tinged with red with heavy splotches of white spots all along their surfaces.

The base color of the leaves is variable, with some varieties having bright green leaves while others show dark green colorations. The red tinge is mostly localized along the edges.

The leaves are also narrow, spreading out in a spider-like fashion that looks quite interesting when viewed from above. Tubular, red-orange flowers are borne on tall racemes that bloom in the summer.

• Mature Size: 8 in. diameter
• Flowering Season: Summer
• Frost Hardiness: 50°F (10°C)

Aloe africana (African Aloe)

The African Aloe (Aloe africana) is a species of Aloe that is native to South Africa. The green leaves are thick and fleshy, with spines along the margins and in a row on the undersides of the leaves. African Aloe forms untidy rosettes that aren’t quite put together but form a near enough structure that they can be called rosettes.

As Aloe africana ages, old leaves form husks that extend downward, forming a sort of kilt-like covering for their main stem. On older specimens of the African Aloe, this looks extremely striking.

Red-orange flowers bloom in the winter or spring. They are very similar to Aloe ferox, borne on an upright raceme. However, they have a distinct tilt upwards as they taper off that isn’t present in the Bitter Aloe, so identification is easy—you just have to wait five years for the Aloe africana flowers to bloom.

• Mature Size: 6 ft. tall, 4-5 ft. wide
• Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
• Frost Hardiness: 25°F (-3.9°C)

Aloe plicatilis (Fan Aloe)

Aloe plicatilis, commonly known as the Fan Aloe, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Aloe that is native to South Africa. The name “plicatilis” comes from the Latin word for “folded,” referring to the plant’s leaves.

The Fan Aloe gets its common name from its growth habit. It forms rosettes of leaves that are arranged in a fan-like shape. The leaves are thick and fleshy, but they’re completely smooth, unlike other types of aloe.

Instead of forming traditional rosettes, they instead stack on top of each other while emerging from the same base, resulting in an interesting display of oblong leaves growing skyward in a fan-like shape. Aloe plicatilis grows on a genuine gray trunk. The leaf clusters are formed on the branches of the trunk. Red flowers appear in the spring on tall stems.

• Mature Size: 4-8 ft. tall, 4-6 ft. wide
• Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
• Frost Hardiness: 20°F (-6.7°C)

Aloe Cameronii (Red Aloe)

The Red Aloe (Aloe cameronii) is a succulent native to Africa. As the name implies, this plant has reddish leaves. But the color is not always consistent. The amount of sun it gets will affect how red the leaves are. They can be anything from green to bright red, depending on the conditions.

Unlike most succulents that have a tendency to turn red in sunlight, Red Aloe’s red coloration is a true red, whereas most succulents exhibit only a red tinge or red highlights.

Even the flowers of the Red Aloe are red, but they can be yellow or pinkish as well. They’re borne on large racemes with a branched peduncle. Aloe cameronii leaves are traditional aloe leaves; thick, fleshy, and lined with spines. They form loose rosettes on the stems.

• Mature Size: 5-8 ft. tall, 4-5 ft. wide
• Flowering Season: Winter
• Frost Hardiness: 25°F (-3.9°C)

Aloe inyangensis (Kimberley’s Rock Aloe)

The Aloe inyangensis, or the Kimberley’s Rock Aloe, is a beautiful specimen that originates from Zimbabwe. It grows in rocky outcrops and gets its name from the Inyangani mountain range in Zimbabwe.

This unique Aloe has narrow, fleshy leaves that are arranged in a rosette shape. The rosettes are untidy and look nothing like a regular aloe because of their narrow leaves.

However, what sets apart Aloe inyangensis are the flowers. While they aren’t as gorgeous as Aloe ferox’s red-orange flowers, they remain on the plant year-round. So, if you wanted something a little bit long-lasting, Aloe inyangensis is a definite choice.

• Mature Size: 6 ft. tall, 4-5 ft. wide
• Flowering Season: Year-long

Aloe polyphylla (Spiral Aloe)

Aloe polyphylla is a member of the succulent family that’s native to Lesotho, a country in southern Africa. It’s also commonly known as the Spiral Aloe or the Many-leaved Aloe.

Aloe polyphylla is called Spiral Aloe because of its distinctive shape. The leaves grow in a perfect spiral pattern that can range from five to eight spirals. This unique spiral arrangement is unique to these particular types of Aloe plants.

The number of the leaves lining each spiral in the Spiral Aloe plant is roughly between 12 and 24, but variations with more or fewer leaves are common. Gray-green leaves are bordered with white and green spines and a sharp brown spine right at the tip.

Export of Spiral Aloe is highly regulated, and it’s rare for specimens to be put on sale as this is a highly endangered species. It is also very hard to keep alive outside its natural habitat.

• Mature Size: 1 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide
• Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
• Frost Hardiness: 0°F (-18°C)

Aloe brevifolia (Short-Leaf Aloe)

Short-leaf aloe (Aloe brevifolia) is a small succulent that originates from South Africa. It is counted among the shortest types of aloe and is highly regarded as an ornamental houseplant in cultivation.

As its name suggests, it has very short leaves that are arranged in a rosette pattern. The dark green leaves are incredibly thick, with prominent teeth along their edges and on the undersides.

Aloe brevifolia leaves turn a gorgeous shade of red when supplied with ample sunlight. The blushing red leaves are a treat to behold. Orange-red flowers appear in the spring.

• Mature Size: 1-2 ft. tall, 1 ft. wide
• Flowering Season: Spring
• Frost Hardiness: 20°F (-6.7°C)

Aloe maculata (Soap Aloe)

Aloe maculata is a small aloe that’s endemic to South Africa. As its name would suggest, Soap Aloe is the key ingredient in making soap in some parts of the world.

Soap Aloe has thick, fleshy leaves that grow in a rosette shape. They have dark green leaves with white spots and streaks arranged in a random pattern. These white markings give Aloe maculata a distinct appearance and make it stand out from other types of Aloe plants.

The Soap Aloe flowers appear in the summer, and they’re borne on tall, branching inflorescences. The flowers are tubular and can be orange, yellow, or red in color. They are highly attractive to hummingbirds and mostly appear from winter to spring.

In full sun, Aloe maculata leaves blush a pinkish-red. But in deep shade, this color fades to its natural blue-green color. As its name would suggest, Soap Aloe is the key ingredient in making soap in some parts of the world.

• Mature Size: 1-2 ft. tall, 2-4 ft. wide
• Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
• Frost Hardiness: 25°F (-3.9°C)

Aloe dorotheae (Sunset Aloe)

Aloe dorotheae is a small aloe that’s endemic to Tanzania. It’s a slow-growing succulent that’s prized for its beautiful coloration.

The leaves of Aloe dorotheae are thick and fleshy with sharply serrated margins. They grow in a rosette shape, and their color ranges from green to red, depending on the amount of sunlight it receives.

If grown in full sun, the leaves take on a deep red hue. Because of the way the leaves reflect the amount of sun they have received, this Aloe is referred to as the Sunset Aloe.

In the wild, Sunset Aloe blooms in late winter or early spring. The flowers are tubular and greenish-yellow in color. They are borne on tall inflorescences that can reach up to 3 ft. (1 m) in height.

Sunset Aloe offset quickly and often, but their offsets remain close to the parent. Starting a colony is easy and recommended if you have the space

• Mature Size: 1 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
• Flowering Season: Winter
• Frost Hardiness: 25°F (-3.9°C)

The Most Popular Aloe Types For Indoors (Video)

FAQ

References:

• File:Aloe bakeri 2020-02-08 7551.jpg by Salicyna is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
• “Near Cango Caves, South Africa” by gbaku is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
• “J20160324-0002—Kumara (Aloe) plicatilis” by John Rusk is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
• “File:170411 687 Encinitas – San Diego Botanic Gdn, Old World Desert Gdn, Aloe dorotheae, Aloe cameronii, guessing on both, Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’ (34456913771).jpg” by cultivar413 from Fallbrook, California is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
• “Aloe inyangensis 2” by tonrulkens is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
• 200202 010 San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Encinitas CA – Village Market, Aloe marlothii Mountain Aloe by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0