Aloe vera is among the most well-known and popular houseplants. And we owe much of our long-term success to one plant species: Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis).
Aloes have become one of the most widely planted houseplants because of their long history of use in traditional medicine.
Well, what are aloe plants? It’s important to know that “Aloe” refers to a group of succulent plants from as far away as Madagascar, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. They have also become naturalized in most places around the world.
In contrast to Haworthia and Agave, which only grow in certain places, Aloe plants are incredibly diverse. They do well wherever people take care of them and sometimes even when they don’t.
They once belonged to the Aloaceae family, but now we know they belong to the Asphodelaceae family. The Aloe genus has more than 560 different species of aloe.
Even though there are hundreds of different kinds of aloe plants, only a few are grown indoors.
Even though Aloe vera is the most widely grown species in the genus, other Aloes like Aloe aristata (Lace Aloe), Aloe arborescens (Krantz Aloe), and Aloe marlothii (Mountain Aloe) are also popular.
Top 19 Different Types Of Aloe Plants
Before getting an aloe plant into your home, you should know a few things.
Though it grows easily on its own, you should also know things about how to care for aloe vera plant. We’ll introduce the lovely world of aloe plants in this blog and all the information you need to get started with these low-maintenance houseplants.
1. Aloe Barbadensis Miller
| Scientific Name: Aloe vera |
Yellow flowers bloom on this plant, and the white spots on the leaves fade as it matures. Because of its beneficial effects, this is among the most widespread kinds.
The gel that is released when the leaves are chopped may be used to treat burns and other skin and hair problems effectively.
2. Coral Aloe Vera
| Scientific Name: Aloe striata |
This Aloe, which can become as tall as 18 feet and as wide as 18 feet, has flat, broad leaflets that are a light grey-green in the shade but turn pink in the sun.
It blooms stunning coral-orange tubular flowers from winter to early spring and has purple-pink borders. The plant thrives in well-drained soil, full sun, or moderate shade and makes a stunning addition to pots and sunny borders.
Also Read:- Aloe Vera Plant Turning Brown? 7 Easy Solutions
3. Aloe Rubroviolacea
Scientific Name: Arabian Aloe |
The Arabian Aloe can withstand dry conditions. It’s perfect for use in flower beds, borders, pots on the patio, and gardens. The blue-green of the leaflets and the red of the surrounding teeth provide a striking visual contrast.
In direct sunlight, the leaves get a purple hue. It’s almost disease-proof and blooms in bright crimson spires every winter.
Also Read: 16 Best DIY Outdoor Shelving for Plants
4. Fan Aloe
Scientific Name: Kumara plicatilis |
This Aloe has long, thin leaves that spread out like a fan, as its common name indicates. Stalks of orange-red blooms appear in late winter or early spring, and the leaves are a blue-grey tint with vivid orange tips.
After you look at it, you may expect to see why this plant has been honored with so many accolades. The plant is 8 feet tall and appears like a little tree; it is resistant to deer and has a low risk of contracting diseases.
5. Malagasy Tree Aloe
Scientific Name: Aloe vaombe |
Extraordinarily tall for an aloe, at 12 feet, it may also reach a width of 5 feet. Its leaves, which are fleshy and toothed in white, change color from dark green to a deep crimson when exposed to direct sunlight.
They bloom stunning red blooms that draw attention wherever they’re planted and create striking centerpieces in gardens. They are naturally immune to illness since they were born and raised in Madagascar.
6. Aloe Ciliaris
Scientific Name: Aloiampelos ciliaris |
This thin, robust, and the extraordinarily fast-growing plant is the typical climbing aloe. The blooms are tubular and have a vibrant red-orange hue with creamy-yellow tips.
The vivid green of the leaves and the silky, hairlike teeth provide a lovely contrast with the blooming blooms. For these and many more reasons, it is an excellent plant for a garden.
7. Aloe Aculeata
Scientific Name: Red Hot Poker Aloe |
No other known aloe variation has spines that come from tuberculate white base bumps. Aloe aculeata may be distinguished from similar species with conspicuous sharp spines on the leaves.
Protected from the wet winter weather, this aloe plant species might thrive in outdoor containers, raised planters, or balconies and patios. It may also be grown in containers and displayed on sunny windowsills.
8. Aloe X Principis
Scientific Name: Fan Aloe |
This Aloe, which can reach a height of 9 feet, blooms brilliant crimson or orange spikes in the winter, giving a welcome splash of color to a drab season.
The South African native can withstand visits from hungry deer, draws in birds & bees, and serves as a stunning focal point or border in succulent or Mediterranean-style gardens.
This aloe plant, like most others, thrives in warm, sunny locations and prefers loose, well-drained soil.
9. Cape Aloe
Scientific Name: Aloe ferox |
Cape Aloe is an aloe endemic to South Africa and has up to three feet long, blue-green leaves with pinkish undertones.
The plant’s stems are covered with a coat made of the older, dried leaves that have remained on the plant.
In the winter, the stalks are encircled with orange teeth, complemented by bright red-orange tubular blooms. The aloe plant grows as high as 9 feet and is cultivated for its special gel.
10. Prickly Aloe
| Scientific Name: Aloe Aculeata |
Due to the unique origin of its spines—tuberculate white base bumps—Aloe aculeata can be easily distinguished from other similar species with conspicuous sharp spines on the leaves.
It’s easy to grow them in various climates if it has enough water but isn’t overwatered and in a well-drained environment.
If this aloe plant gets stored dry throughout the winter, it may get cultivated outside in raised beds or balconies. It can also be grown inside containers and displayed on sunny windowsills.
Given how seldom offsets are produced, all new plants must be grown from seed. Start planting right away. Spring and summer are the most suitable season to plant them when temperatures are often mild.
11. African Aloe
| Scientific Name: Uitenhage Aloe |
Many Aloe species native to South Africa are single-headed types called Aloe Africana. These Aloes grow in the shape of a trunk and make stunning landscape features.
In the summer, water is heavy but cut down or ceases altogether in the winter. The rosettes will rot if water is left in their containers. Once it has been properly cared for can be beautiful since aloe is adaptable.
Like other aloe succulents, this aloe must never sit in water. The plant should be carefully monitored for signs of over-watering.
Carefully dividing the root ball is feasible when repotting a larger plant. Many Aloe plant species produce offsets that may be grown independently. However, remember that if you plant aloes too deeply, they may rot.
12. Grass Aloe
| Scientific Name: Aloe Albida |
Miniature grass Aloe thrives in mossy rock crevices in areas where grasses are minimum. Its small white blossoms are a giveaway that this aloe is a mountain grassland specialist.
When given the proper care, Aloe albida grows like a weed. This species does very well in a terracotta pot, making it an excellent choice for those who want to grow their plants in containers.
This Aloe cultivar can be easily propagated via suckers or seeds. It’s best to sow their seeds in the spring to germinate and grow before the summer heat.
Good soil should get used whenever possible. After that, you should add a little well-rotted leaf mold and sandy soil that has got sieved. It will enhance its growth.
13. Aloe Arborescens
| Scientific Name: Krantz Aloe |
Although we have the propensity to nickname this plant ‘torch aloe‘ for its big, vivid red blossoms, a common term in South Africa for them is Krantz Aloe.
The Aloe Arborescens plant is also widely used in traditional medicine, much like its close relative, the Aloe Vera plant. The anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal qualities of the Aloe Arborescens plant have led to its use in treating various conditions.
The name comes from the African term “Krantz,” which refers to a “rocky ridge” or “cliff” of a certain habitat. However, this plant originates in various environments, from near the ocean to high in the hills.
Whether you’re in a desert region or want to bring some of the outsides, Aloe arborescens is a great plant to keep in a container. It’s best to get potted plants inside during the winter months after spending the summer in a sunny window, a greenhouse, or a shaded porch.
It can get propagated by stem cuttings – 3 – 10cm long. Trimming a branch or stem, waiting for the cut to close as it dries, and then cultivating it in sand or soil with good drainage are all viable options. It can be set up in its final garden location without being rooted elsewhere and transferred.
14. Aloe Albiflora
| Scientific: Name: Guillaumin |
The little Aloe albiflora has long, narrow leaves that are a drab grey-green and dotted with many tiny white patches. The blossoms of this kind of Madagascan Aloe, which are white and resemble lilies, stand out from the others.
The aloe albiflora plant is perfect for growing inside or in a small outdoor space.
White-flowered aloe (aloe albiflora) seed should get planted at a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) as soon as it is ready. Plant the offsets in cactus soil according to the instructions. Offset Divergent beginnings in the late spring or early summer.
15. Snake Aloe
| Scientific Name: Aloe Broomii |
Due to its odd flowering behavior, this plant, native to South Africa, goes by mountain aloe and snake aloe. This aloe is vulnerable to rot when overwatered, so water only rarely, particularly in the summer.
Though they thrive in direct sunlight, aloes may develop unattractive golden patches if placed in a north- or east-facing window or on a south-facing patio.
Safeguard them against rain outside, as well. Aloes must be in a container with drainage holes, and one must water them only when the soil becomes dry.
Rooting offsets is the quickest way to create an exact copy of the parent. When a pup is at least 2 inches long, you may remove the thick stolon connecting it to its mother, plant it in its pot, and let the cut end hang above the soil to dry.
16. West African Aloe
| Scientific Name: Aloe Buettneri |
The succulent plant’s patterned rosette of thick, squishy leaves characterizes the plant’s distinctive appearance. It does well in sunny, dry climates with high temperatures.
Ideally, you’d do this somewhere with plenty of natural light. Leaves and stems are succulent, and a thick cuticle protects them from drying out under dry conditions.
They are planted in standard seed trays using sandy, well-drained potting soil and placed in a warm, partially shaded location. Cover the seed with just one to two millimeters thick sand and keep it moist. On average, seedlings need three weeks to germinate.
17. Aloe Comosa
| Scientific Name: Clanwilliam Aloe |
A tree aloe, Aloe comosa, has a tall, unbranched central stem that may reach a height of around 3 meters. Aloe comosa keeps its dry, fallen leaves and develops a tangled skirt/beard when it reaches full maturity.
Cactus compost that is well-drained, sandy, and slightly acidic in pH is ideal for growing this plant (5-6). It prefers a small container with good drainage to accommodate its fibrous roots.
It’s easy to cultivate in a broad range of climates as long as the soil drains effectively and there’s enough water, but not too much.
Everything is from scratch, from seeds. A truncheon cutting has a good chance of taking root successfully. We suggest letting the plant dry out for a few weeks since this reduces the sap levels and ensures easy roots.
18. Rat Aloe
| Scientific Name: Aloe Ballyi |
There are a few species of poisonous aloes in Kenya; this one is often referred to as the ‘rat aloe’ due to the toxic compounds in its leaves. It can medically act as a laxative or for “opening the bowels.”
All aloe species share crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). Water loss can get minimized because CAM plants may repair carbon dioxide at night and carry out photosynthesis with closed stomata during the day.
This, together with succulent branches, leaves, and a well-developed cuticle, allows them to thrive in arid environments.
Most often, aloes are grown in standard seed trays in a hot, shaded environment using soft sand, the well-drained gardening soil. To germinate, you need to give the seeds around three weeks.
19. Short-Leaf Aloe
| Scientific Name: Aloe Bravifolia |
The Western Cape of South Africa is home to a small, slim, perennial type of aloe. It is widely popular in medical science as a laxative or for “opening the bowels.”
It requires very little water and shouldn’t be kept soggy all the time. It is also widely used as a decorative plant in a variety of desert and rock gardens all over the globe.
It requires full or partial light and well-drained soil to flourish.
Eliminating and replacing the suckering shoots would allow for rapid multiplication.
What Variety of Aloes are There?
There are around five hundred different plant species in the Aloe genus. How do you differentiate between them?
There are a variety of characteristics to watch out for, such as leaf color, toothing, form, plant height, and blooming method.
Tree aloes, shrub aloes, and stemless aloes are the broad categories into which aloe plants may be classified based on their defining traits.
It’s safe to say that any aloe species will flourish in a well-lit indoor environment. All they need is some TLC, a nice place to live, and some room to spread out.
It is also crucial to choose suitable soil for aloe development. Watering and fertilizing methods that are successful with one type of Aloe often work with most of them because all aloes are succulents.
Where Should Aloe Vera Plants Be Kept for Optimal Growth?
Although it’s a tough plant, aloe vera nevertheless requires certain conditions to flourish:
1. Planting Medium With Good Drainage
Choosing a potting mix that drains effectively is important since aloe vera plants thrive in dry circumstances.
Root rot or wilting may be caused by water that isn’t absorbed. To facilitate drainage, select a potting mix formulated for succulents or cacti, including sand, perlite, and lava rock.
2. Good Quality Indirect Lighting
Plants of the aloe vera family thrive poorly in either shade or full sun. Try a kitchen window sill or a shelf a few meters away from the window for your aloe vera plant.
If you lack sufficient natural light where you live, you may also plant aloe vera under the light of a grow lamp.
3. Spasmodic Watering
Overwatering is the leading cause of mortality for houseplant aloe vera plants since the plant’s roots thrive in dry soil. The plant should be watered thoroughly once every two weeks.
4. Comfortable Warmth
Both freezing and scorching heat may kill an aloe vera plant—these plants like temperatures between 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is around the average indoor temperature.
Plants of the aloe vera family may stay outdoors in the sun all year long in milder climes. The aloe vera plants on your porch may stay outside year-round if you live in a frigid area with hot summers; remember to bring them inside before the winter sets in.
FAQ’s
“Aloe barbadensis” is the most excellent aloe vera plant. It is the most well-known and highly valued for its health and cosmetic benefits.
The leaves’ form and texture are Aloe’s most telling characteristics regarding identification. The aloe leaf is thick and meaty and forms a triangle. Aloe leaves range from pale green to deep forest green and is typically smaller than those of Agaves.
Yes. There are a variety of aloe plants.
You should water your aloe vera plant gently and steadily from the bottom up so that the water reaches the roots. Only stop once water is seen draining out of the plant’s drainage pores.
Some research suggests that aloe vera gel may speed the recovery of herpes simplex virus lesions in the vaginal area because of its soothing properties.
There are hundreds of distinct types of aloe vera, but all of them originate in the tropics.
Although aloe plants are present worldwide, the ones most often seen in the United States develop in Central America, Madagascar, the Eastern Ocean Islands, the Arabian Peninsula, and other regions of Africa.
Sunburns aren’t exclusive to humans; aloe plants can get them too. Too much sun exposure is likely the cause of pinking in aloe. Suppose you can transplant the plant somewhere with more shade and then cut off the diseased or injured sections. Aloe that has been sunburned may be used topically or ingested. However, you should be prepared for a somewhat sour flavor.
Although aloe does nothing to keep bugs away, it is a common ingredient in bug sprays due to its ability to calm and nourish the skin. Aloe helps speed up the healing process if a bug has bitten you.
Aloe vera can be frozen, but only if you do it correctly. Remove all the leaves and the outer layer of the plant using a sharp knife. Remove the inside gel with a spoon and store it in the freezer.
Although aloe may get stored in the freezer for years, it’s preferable to utilize it within six months to a year.
While there are several species of Aloe vera, the Aloe vera barbadensis Miller type is most often discussed since it is the most useful and also because it is the only one that you can eat.
Conclusion
All aloe plants have different maintenance needs. Therefore, having some background knowledge of the various species is helpful. Aloe vera plants are quite simple to cultivate at home because of their resilience.
Keep in mind that several species seem similar, making identification difficult. But there’s no need to worry.
You will be well on your way to better caring for your plant! It is possible only if you take the time to correctly identify the genus and come prepared with a thorough understanding of its unique requirements.