50+ Interesting Types Of Aloe Plants With Pictures

Discover the fascinating world of Aloe plants, renowned for their imposing leaf rosettes. With nearly 500 different types, including both edible and poisonous varieties, there’s an Aloe for every enthusiast. Among this abundant selection, the indisputable star is the edible aloe vera, celebrated for its numerous benefits.

To help you navigate this captivating realm, we’ve created a small guide featuring a delightful assortment of well-known and lesser-known types of Aloe plants. Get ready to explore the enchanting diversity of Aloe plants and uncover the intriguing attributes that make each variety unique. Enjoy the journey through this captivating world where beauty and wonder await!

types of aloe plants with pictures

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Edible Types of Aloe Plants

Note: It is crucial to remember that unpeeled leaves of aloe are not suitable for consumption. Why, you ask? Well, these leaves contain high levels of anthranoids, which, unfortunately, are toxic.

In addition, it’s advisable to exercise caution when preparing aloe gel from the leaves on your own. Even with the utmost care and attention to detail during the separation of the leaf shell, there is a risk of aloin, a toxic ingredient, finding its way into the gel. To ensure your safety and well-being, it is best to be mindful of this and seek out trusted and reliable sources for aloe gel preparations. Check out some of the edible aloe types with pictures below.

Aloe arborescens

Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Aloe arborescens, a delightful succulent that never fails to enchant. This remarkable plant exhibits a charming bush-like growth, reaching heights of 2 to 2.6 feet. Visualize its captivating inflorescence spanning from 24 to 31 inches in length, adorned with stunning bright red to scarlet flowers that burst forth, adding a vibrant splash of color to your surroundings.

Yet, there’s more to this extraordinary plant than meets the eye. Prepare to be amazed, as Aloe arborescens is not only a captivating addition to your plant collection but also possesses incredible medicinal properties. Yes, it’s true!

Imagine this: the juice derived from its leaves contains potent healing properties, making it a fantastic natural remedy for burns. Picture the convenience of having this delightful succulent on hand, ready to offer a soothing balm for those unexpected sun-kissed accidents.

Aloe ferox

types of aloe plants
“Aloe ferox” by FarOutFlora is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Introducing Aloe ferox, also referred to as Cape aloe or bitter aloe. This captivating tree aloe hails from the arid regions of South Africa. With a trunk that can easily reach a height of 9.8 feet, it proudly showcases pale green, slightly reddish-tinged leaves. These leaves are thick and fleshy, adorned with brown, hard thorns lining the edges. Both the top and bottom of the leaf feature thorny spines, adding to its unique allure. The length of these remarkable leaves ranges between 31 and 39 inches.

But wait, there’s more! Aloe ferox blooms in magnificent flower clusters that can reach an impressive height of 51 inches. Its inflorescences gracefully branch out, displaying a vibrant scarlet-to-orange color palette that catches the eye and brings joy to the surroundings. And did you know? The thickened juice extracted from the leaves of this extraordinary plant is used as a natural remedy with numerous beneficial properties.

Aloe vera

Let’s discuss the amazing Aloe vera! This remarkable plant boasts a flower stem that reaches a height of 23.6 inches, adorned with beautiful tubular flowers. These charming blooms come in shades ranging from sunny yellow to vibrant orange, creating a delightful display from April to August.

But there’s more to Aloe vera than its stunning appearance. The gel inside its leaves is not only refreshing but also highly suitable for consumption. In fact, you can find it in various industrially manufactured foods, like yogurt, adding a touch of natural goodness.

Beyond its edible benefits, Aloe vera is renowned for its medicinal properties. Its valuable ingredients are utilized in the cosmetics industry, giving rise to body lotions and creams that nourish and soothe the skin. Interestingly, Aloe vera even finds its way into everyday objects such as panty liners and cotton swabs, showcasing the versatility of this remarkable plant.

Read also:
How To Grow An Aloe Vera Without Roots

Non-Edible Types of Aloe Plants

The majority of the aloe species are unsuitable for consumption because of their toxicity.

Aloe africana

Let’s talk about Aloe africana, originating from Africa just as its name suggests. This stunning plant captures attention with its gracefully spreading leaves, arranged in a beautiful rosette formation. The leaf surface appears smooth, while reddish thorns adorn the underside and tip, adding an intriguing touch. Standing tall, the upright trunk of Aloe africana can reach heights of up to 13.1 feet.

What adds to its allure is the branched growth pattern, giving rise to candle-like inflorescences that cluster densely. These delightful flower clusters showcase a bright yellow to orange color, exuding vibrancy and adding a cheerful touch to its surroundings.

Aloe aristata

Let’s take a look at Aloe aristata, a charming plant with a friendly demeanor. This delightful succulent displays a 20-inch high inflorescence, which bursts into bloom during the month of May. Its orange flowers add a lovely splash of color and bring a touch of warmth to any space.

However, it’s important to note that these vibrant flowers only last for a few days. Nonetheless, during their short-lived existence, they bring joy and beauty, leaving a lasting impression.

Aloe brevifolia

Allow me to introduce you to Aloe brevifolia, a delightful plant with a friendly nature. This lovely succulent presents inflorescences that span approximately 11.8 inches in length. When it comes to its captivating blossoms, they showcase a deep red color, evoking a sense of elegance.

With these charming characteristics, Aloe brevifolia brings a touch of beauty and warmth to any space it graces. Its inflorescences and radiant flowers truly make it a sight to behold.

Aloe polyphylla

types of aloe plants
“Aloe polyphylla Schönland ex Pillans” by brewbooks is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Let’s talk about the enchanting Aloe polyphylla, also known as Spiral aloe. This unique plant has a friendly charm that’s hard to resist. Unlike other aloes, it doesn’t form a stem. As its name suggests, the leaves spiral gracefully, creating a mesmerizing pattern. These leaves are somewhat egg-shaped, elongated, and taper to a point. Arranged in five spiral rows, they showcase a vibrant green color, with a touch of purple at their tips. Interestingly, Aloe polyphylla is one of the few species that can withstand a few freezing temperatures over a short period of time.

Adding to its allure, Aloe polyphylla boasts a dense branched inflorescence that reaches a height of 19.7 to 23.6 inches. Picture a captivating display of light red to deep salmon red flowers adorning this remarkable plant. This burst of color adds a delightful touch to its surroundings, elevating any space it graces.

Aloe striata

Allow me to introduce Aloe striata, a stem-forming Aloe species that exudes a friendly and inviting presence. This captivating plant consists of multiple parts, sometimes forming up to five shoots. You may notice that these shoots are occasionally adorned with weathered leaves. However, the main attraction lies in the beautifully colored light green leaves, which add a touch of elegance to this lovely succulent.

When summertime arrives, Aloe striata showcases its charm with the emergence of its flowers. While the buds may be inconspicuous, the flowers themselves are a sight to behold. Imagine delicate coral red blossoms that lend a pop of vibrant color to this remarkable plant. It’s no wonder it acquired the name “Coral Aloe,” as it perfectly captures the captivating hue of its blossoms.

Aloe variegata

Let me introduce you to Aloe variegata, a charming dwarf form of aloes. Reaching a petite height of 15.7 inches, it’s worth mentioning that it can grow up to 13.1 feet in its natural habitat. The fleshy, lanceolate leaves are around 4 to 6 inches long and arranged around the trunk like perfectly aligned roof tiles. Initially, these leaves stand upright, but as they mature, they tend to curl inward. Sporting a delightful shade of green, they feature irregular white bands that add a touch of visual interest. The first flowers make their appearance when the plant reaches a size of 4 to 6 inches. However, it’s worth noting that the stem can tip over easily when weighed down by numerous flowers.

In its bloom, Aloe variegata proudly displays a flower stem that reaches approximately 11.8 inches in height. Blossoming from April to May, you’ll be treated to a range of pale pink to scarlet red flowers. These delicate blooms bring a soft touch of color and add a dash of vibrancy to the plant.

Aloe aculeata

Let’s take a look at Aloe aculeata, a unique plant that sets itself apart from others of its kind. Unlike aloes with trunks, these plants exhibit a creeping growth habit and can extend up to 27.6 inches in length. You’ll be captivated by their large rosette of leaves, adorned with thick and thorny foliage. These leaves can reach up to 23.6 inches in length and approximately 4.7 inches in width, creating a visually striking display.

During their flowering period, Aloe aculeata showcases an inflorescence that can grow up to 39.4 inches in height. The flowers themselves are a bright, lemon yellow color, radiating a delightful hue that catches the eye and brings a cheerful touch to the surroundings.

Aloe acutissima

aloe acutissima
Aloe acutissima

The Aloe acutissima is a rare succulent species. It is native to Madagascar and usually grows in rocky regions. It is also commonly referred to as the Blue Spider Aloe.

It has branches that give way to long and slender but fleshy leaves that are pale green to lilac or pink in color. The edges of each leaf are characterized by teeth or spines, ending in a pointed tip.

Aloe alooides

aloe alooides
Aloe alooides

Aloe alooides are native to South Africa. They tend to grow as solitary stems that can grow as tall as 6.5 feet in height. The leaves usually have a green color with parts of them becoming reddish-brown due to exposure to strong sunlight.

The flowers usually bloom in clusters and are extremely tiny. They have a bell-like shape and are yellow in color.

Aloe arenicola

aloe arenicola
Aloe arenicola

The Aloe arenicola is also called the sand aloe. It tends to creep and grow horizontally on the ground and has a maximum vertical height of less than 30 inches.

This plant has narrow leaves that are dark green in color, sometimes appearing bluish-grey while sometimes also turning reddish-brown. The leaves have numerous white spots on them and are thick and rough in texture.

Aloe bakeri

aloe bakeri
Aloe bakeri

The Aloe bakeri is a flowering plant species that is native to Madagascar. It can grow up to a maximum height of 8 inches and a maximum width of 16 inches. Its leaves grow in rosettes that are closely packed together.

The leaves of this plant are narrow and sticky. They are light green in color, although they can turn pinkish-red when exposed to strong sunlight. They also have numerous white spots on them.

Aloe bellatula

aloe bellatula

The Aloe bellatula grows as a succulent with leaf rosettes that form in the absence of a stem. The leaves are long and narrow and can grow up to 5 inches in height.

The leaves are green in color and can also appear grey and red in the presence of strong sunlight. Each side of the leaf is further covered with rough white spots and the top part of the leaf is usually a bit curved.

The leaves also have sharp ridges or spines along their edges. The plant further blooms bright red flowers that are bell-like in shape.

Aloe broomii

Let me introduce you to Aloe broomii, lovely representatives of the plant genus that hail from South Africa. These plants have the potential to reach a height of about 3.3 feet, showcasing a relatively short trunk. The leaves, which start at a width of 11.8 inches, gracefully narrow towards the leaf base, where they measure only 3.9 inches in width.

During their blooming season, Aloe broomii presents impressive inflorescences that can grow as tall as 59.1 inches. The flowers themselves boast a delicate whitish to lemon yellow color, creating a gentle and inviting sight. One distinctive feature is the brownish hue at the tips of the leaves, adding a touch of warmth to their appearance.

Aloe camperi

aloe camperi

Aloe camperi is a rare species of Aloe native to Africa. It grows in small clumps that grow up to 3 feet tall. It looks like a typical aloe plant except for one thing—it grows long spindly brown branches that grow beautiful orange-red flowers in the late spring.

These flower stems are taller than the rest of the plant. This unique feature is the reason Aloe Camperi is also known as popcorn aloe. It grows in partial shade and doesn’t require much water to survive.

Aloe carmine

aloe carmine

Aloe carmine is an evergreen but slow-growing succulent. It grows clumps of rosettes and reaches a maximum height of 10 inches. It rarely blooms, but it can grow striking red flowers on long spindly branches during the blooming season.

Its leaves are dotted with orange in the middle and on the sides. It can survive in either full sunlight or partial shade.

Aloe castilloniae

aloe castilloniae

Aloe castilloniae is a rare succulent native to Madagascar that grows primarily on sandstone. It doesn’t grow too tall as the stems are very weak. They droop to the sides as they grow instead of standing upright, resembling vines.

The leaves are small and triangular with reddish spikes on the edges. The plant grows red flowers during the blooming season. The growing season falls in winter and the plant needs to be protected from frost.

Aloe chabaudii

Aloe chabaudii is a charming plant that hails from Africa. It’s quite easy to take care of and doesn’t require too much attention. Typically, you’ll find it growing in small clusters, creating a delightful sight. The lush green leaves are elegantly adorned with a reddish-green border.

When it comes to its beautiful flowers, you can expect an inflorescence ranging from 24 to 32 inches in height. The flowers are arranged in a branching pattern, giving them an enchanting appearance. And guess what? They boast a vibrant brick-red color that will surely catch your eye!

Aloe conifera

aloe conifera

Aloe conifera originated in Madagascar. It grows in the crevices of granite rocks and thrives in warm climates. The stem is very short and doesn’t extend beyond the base. The fleshy leaves grow in small rosettes that don’t grow more than ½ inch tall.

They are light green in color with a whitish sheen and have reddish teeth along the edges. There can be multiple rosettes, but they grow very slowly. These succulents are quite popular in rock gardens.

Aloe Coral Fire

aloe coral fire

Aloe Coral Fire is a unique-looking succulent that grows clumps of rosettes. The leaves grow on a short trunk. Aloe coral fire is named so because of the distinct pinkish-red or coral edges of the leaves.

The edges are set in vivid contrast against the dark green leaves and are ridged. The teeth on the edges look prickly, but they are actually soft to the touch. The color of the teeth darkens as the plant matures.

Aloe Crosby’s Prolific

aloe crosby’s prolific

Aloe Crosby’s Prolific is a short succulent that grows in small rosettes. The triangular green leaves are spotted with white. They also have white teeth on the edges.

The flowers grow on peduncles that can be up to 18 inches tall. During the blooming season, it is quite a sight with vivid orange flowers atop the tall peduncles. When exposed to a lot of sunlight, the leaves can start appearing reddish.

Aloe cryptopoda

types of aloe plants
“File:Aloe cryptopoda 0zz.jpg” by Photo by David J. Stang is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Let’s talk about Aloe cryptopoda, a fascinating succulent. These aloes tend to grow on their own without any trunks. Their upright leaves have a slight pointy tip, reaching lengths of 24 to 35 inches.

Now, let’s switch our focus to their blooming process. Aloe cryptopoda produces stunning flowers in a branching inflorescence. These floral arrangements can reach impressive heights of up to 69 inches. The flowers themselves are a delightful shade, ranging from vibrant orange to scarlet red. Adding to their charm, these flowers have a subtle yellowish point.

With its unique growth pattern and striking blooms, Aloe cryptopoda is a plant that truly captures attention.

Aloe descoingsii

aloe descoingsii

Aloe descoingsii grows in densely packed clumps. It is widely known as the smallest of the Aloe plants as it has no stem and no considerable vertical length. The tapered leaves are dark green and have white warts all over their surface.

They also have white teeth along the edges. The blooming season lasts from spring to summer, when red or yellow flowers grow on peduncles about 6 inches tall. It is native to Madagascar and grows very slowly.

Aloe divaricata

aloe divaricata

Aloe divaricata is a suckering aloe that can grow to a height of 5 to 7 feet. The long tapered leaves are arranged in closely packed rosettes.

The leaves have red tooth margins and their color can be dark green or purplish depending on the amount of sunlight it receives. It grows striking red flowers on woody stems that protrude from the rosettes. It is native to Madagascar and grows in sandy soils.

Aloe ellenbeckii

aloe ellenbeckii

Aloe ellenbeckii is a small-sized aloe originating in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia. It grows long, droopy leaves that grow outwards. They are dark green with white markings and white teeth along the edges.

Aloe erinacea

aloe erinacea

Aloe erinacea is a small-sized aloe originating in Namibia. It has long, thin leaves that grow in spherical rosettes. The leaves are green with a brownish hue and have sharp thorns along the edges.

Aloe excelsa

aloe excelsa

Aloe excelsa is a tall-sized aloe originating in South Africa. It can reach a height of up to 20 feet. It only has one stem and doesn’t branch out. The long, narrow leaves are dark green and taper towards the end.

Aloe falcata

aloe falcata

Aloe falcata is native to South Africa and can grow in extremely hot climates and in rocky or sandy soils. It is very popular in dry gardens as it doesn’t need a lot of water to survive. It grows in clumps and the stems curve outwards as they grow.

Aloe ‘Firebird’

aloe firebird

Aloe Firebird is a hybrid aloe. It has beautiful green leaves that are loosely arranged in a rosette and covered with white speckles. It doesn’t grow very tall. Rather, it covers a lot of ground as the rosettes extend outwards and not upright.

Aloe fleurentiniorum

aloe fleurentiniorum

Aloe fleurentiniorum originated in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. It is also known as Yemeni brown aloe. It doesn’t have a stem and grows pretty close to the ground. Its long, narrow and tapered leaves grow in a rosette with a diameter of 2 to 3 feet.

Aloe gariepensis

aloe gariepensis

Aloe gariepensis is a small-sized aloe originating in Namibia and South Africa. It grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet. It can either be stemless or have very short stems.

Aloe grandidentata

Let me introduce you to Aloe grandidentata, a remarkable plant native to Botswana. These aloes are commonly found growing in groups, creating a captivating sight. The leaves, adorned with attractive green and white spots, cluster tightly together in a dense rosette. What adds to their charm are the strikingly large teeth adorning the leaf edges.

Now, let’s talk about their impressive blossoms. Aloe grandidentata produces inflorescences that can tower up to 90 centimeters or about 35 inches in height. These inflorescences branch out, enhancing the beauty of the plant even further. The flowers themselves exhibit a delicate shade, ranging from pale red to whitish, creating a lovely contrast against the vibrant green foliage.

Aloe harlana

aloe harlana

Aloe harlana is a medium aloe native to Ethiopia. It is stemless and the leaves grow in densely packed rosettes. It has an average height of 2 feet but can cover a lot of ground with its numerous rosettes.

Aloe haworthioides

aloe haworthioides

Aloe haworthioides is a small aloe originating in Madagascar. It grows very fast and is also called the hawthorn-leaved aloe. The leaves are shaped like lances and grow upright in rosettes up to a height of 4 inches.

Aloe humilis

Let’s talk about Aloe humilis, a charming plant hailing from South Africa. These aloes are stemless and have a dainty appearance. Their slender and succulent leaves, which grow up to 12 inches long, form a beautiful rosette. The vibrant green leaves are adorned with small, white warts, adding a touch of elegance. Needless to say, these plants also hold great ornamental value.

When Aloe humilis blooms, you can expect lovely inflorescences that reach heights of up to 16 inches. The flowers, arranged in racemes, are approximately 1.2 inches long. The blooming season usually occurs from March to April, filling your garden with vibrant colors. These flowers exhibit a captivating coral-red hue with delightful yellow tips, creating a striking combination.

Aloe jucunda

aloe jucunda

Aloe jucunda is a very small Somalian succulent. It grows fleshy, triangular green leaves speckled with white in rosettes. The margins have reddish teeth and the leaves can also be tinged with red at the ends.

Aloe koenenii

types of aloe plants

Let me introduce you to Aloe koenenii, an intriguing aloe variety originating from North Africa. This plant typically has a creeping and growing trunk, adding a touch of uniqueness to its appearance. Its slender leaves stand tall and proud, giving the plant an elegant and graceful look. When young, these leaves are adorned with white spots, but as they mature, they transition to a lovely shade of green.

Now, let’s talk about its magnificent blooms. Aloe koenenii produces a branched inflorescence that can reach an impressive height of up to 47 inches. Just imagine those breathtaking flowers! They boast a deep carmine color, exuding a sense of vibrancy and allure.

Aloe krapohliana

aloe krapohliana

Aloe krapohliana is a dwarf Aloe native to South Africa. It is a stemless plant and the triangular, pale green leaves grow upright in rosettes at the base of the plant. Both solitary rosettes and clusters of rosettes are common with this plant.

Aloe lineata

Aloe lineata, a botanical variety native to South Africa, possesses unique characteristics worth noting. In its early stages of growth, this variety tends to remain close to the ground, gradually developing a trunk as it matures. With time, it can attain an impressive height of up to 6.5 feet. The leaves of Aloe lineata are notably long, ranging from 29 to 39 inches, and relatively slender. Their coloration can vary from light green to yellowish, while the edges feature conspicuous red spines.

When Aloe lineata blossoms, it reveals exquisite salmon-pink flowers, adding a touch of elegance to its overall appearance. These flowers enhance the aesthetic appeal of the plant, providing a visually pleasing sight to behold.

Aloe mawii

aloe mawii

Aloe mawii has its origins in Malawi, Tanzania, Mozambique and various parts of South Africa. This plant tends to grow tall branches or stems that can either result in a bushy plant or a taller tree. These stems are also quite thick.

Aloe Medusa

aloe medusa

Aloe Medusa or the Aloe tongaensis ‘Medusa’ of the Aloidendron genus and Asphodelaceae family is a succulent native to Mozambique. This succulent tends to grow tall like a tree, reaching a height of 12 feet when fully developed.

Aloe nobilis

gold tooth aloe

Aloe nobilis (also known as the Gold Tooth Aloe) remains close to the ground with the leaves growing as rosettes. The leaves themselves are large and bright green in color with sharp teeth that are yellow-orange in color, hence earning the name “gold tooth”.

Aloe parvula

aloe parvula

Aloe parvula is native to Madagascar and tends to grow leaves in the form of a rosette. The leaves are all thick and have plenty of spines and teeth on them. These leaves can either be gray-green in color or have a purplish or entirely purple-blue color. The flowers are yellow and bright red in color.

Aloe peglerae

Aloe peglerae, a noteworthy species, can be found growing individually or in small collective clusters. The presence of a trunk is typically minimal and prostrate in nature. The distinctive blue-green leaves are adorned with spikes and exhibit a gentle inward curve, offering a slightly spherical appearance. It is essential to note that Aloe peglerae is classified as one of the endangered species, further highlighting its significance and the importance of conservation efforts.

During the flowering stage, Aloe peglerae presents inflorescences that can reach heights of 16 inches. The flowers themselves showcase an elegant color palette, ranging from creamy white to pale red. This delicate spectrum enhances the visual allure of the plant, providing a captivating display.

As an endangered species, Aloe peglerae captures the attention of botanical enthusiasts and conservationists alike due to its unique growth pattern and mesmerizing flowers. Preserving and protecting this remarkable plant is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and safeguarding the natural heritage it represents.

Aloe pillansii

aloe pillansii

Aloe pillansii or aloidendron pillansii is a succulent that grows as tall as a tree. While native to South Africa, this plant is now endangered. Managing to reach a height of about 15 meters or nearly 50 feet, this succulent has a thick trunk that branches off into minimal sections.

Aloe rauhii

aloe rauhii

Aloe rauhii or the snowflake aloe is mainly found in Madagascar. It is quite a rare plant. This species has rosettes of leaves that are green in color and toothed along the borders. The leaves also have numerous white spots throughout their surfaces.

Aloe sabaea

aloe sabaea

Aloe sabaea is a succulent mainly found in Yemen. This is an evergreen plant that can grow to a height of about 10 feet. Usually, no branches are present in this plant; instead, the long fleshy green leaves grow out from the base and hang downwards from the middle. These leaves also have small teeth at the edges.

Aloe saponaria (Aloe maculata)

aloe saponaria

Aloe saponaria, commonly referred to as soap aloe, derives its name from the gel contained in its plant parts, which can be used for handwashing or laundry purposes. This fascinating species of aloe can be found growing individually or, at times, in dense clusters, highlighting its versatile nature.

During its blooming period, Aloe saponaria showcases an inflorescence that can reach heights ranging from 16 to 39 inches. The flowers themselves offer a vibrant range of colors, spanning from salmon pink to shades of orange, yellow, and red. This captivating display adds an enchanting touch to the plant’s aesthetic appeal.

Furthermore, the gel derived from the leaves of Aloe saponaria finds application in the production of cosmetic products. However, it is essential to note that consumption of this gel should be avoided.

Aloe sladeniana

aloe sladeniana

There are no additional stems involved in Aloe sladeniana; the leaves simply grow from the base in the shape of a rosette. The leaves are green and have white spots along with sharp teeth on the edges. The flowers are usually pink or white in color and tend to bloom in the spring and summer months.

Aloe somaliensis

aloe somaliensis

Aloe somaliensis or the Somalian aloe has no stems but mainly includes leaves growing in a rosette. The leaves are usually quite fleshy and triangular and include red and green colors with white spots. The flowers are pink or red in color.

Aloe suprafoliata

aloe suprafoliata

The Aloe suprafoliata features long thick leaves with teeth on the edges and reddish-brown borders developing when it gets too hot and bright. However, this plant, instead of featuring rosettes, has the leaves sectioned off into two sides, each leaf layered on top of the other. These leaves all emerge from a thick central base stem.

Aloe suzannae

aloe suzannae

Aloe suzannae tend to look like small palm trees that have a branch which then includes a rosette of long and dark green leaves forming at the top. However, many species also have leaves growing directly from the base.

These plants are evergreen and can manage to grow up to 12 feet tall. The flowers that bloom during the months of winter are generally red or purple in color.

Aloe thraskii

aloe thraskii

The Aloe thraskii is referred to as the “dune aloe”. Native to South Africa, this succulent plant is pretty tall but does not include branches. It has a huge rosette of leaves that are pale green-gray in color and extend downwards after they grow.

The flowers of this plant are yellow and orange and look like closed buds. These flowers usually bloom on developed branches that wither off once the season passes.

Aloe ‘Twilight Zone’

aloe twilight zone

The Aloe Twilight Zone (xGasteraloe ‘Twilight Zone’) is a hybrid between the Aloe haworthioides and Gasteria carinata plants.

This plant grows a rosette clump with long dark green leaves that appear black in full bright sunlight, hence earning them their name. These leaves have white spots or lumps across the surface and bear orange flowers.

Aloe vryheidensis

aloe vryheidensis

Aloe vryheidensis is a large plant that can manage to reach a height of up to 6 feet in the absence of a central stem. It grows its leaves in the form of a rosette. The leaves are blue-green in color and can turn red when it is hot and dry. Pink and red flowers also bloom on stems in the months of summer.

Aloe ‘Walmsley’s Blue’

aloe walmsleys blue

Aloe Walmsley’s Blue grows in the form of a rosette with blue-green fleshy leaves, each of which has teeth throughout the length of its edges. The plant can grow to a height of around 12 inches and also have small stems at the base. The flowers are red-orange in color and bloom in the months of winter until spring.

Aloe zanzibarica

aloe zanzibarica

Aloe zanzibarica has its origins in Kenya and is also commonly referred to as the tiger tooth aloe. It has thick triangular leaves that are light to dark green in color. They grow together as rosettes, with each plant containing multiple such rosettes.

There are several white spots on each life along with teeth along each edge of the leaves. The flowers are usually red-orange in color and tend to bloom infrequently.

Read also:
Why, When, and How to Prune Aloe Plants

Plants that Look Like Aloe

There are a few plants that are commonly mistaken for aloe due to their appearance. Among them are:

Agave

The agave is a succulent that looks like aloe. This has a short trunk and lanceolate, thick-fleshed leaves. They become up to 6.5 feet long and 10 inches wide. Their edges also have thorns. In contrast to aloe, the juice of the agave is poisonous and irritates the skin. If agave is confused with aloe, it can have unpleasant consequences. Both types of plants actually look alike.

Related Post:
80+ Types of Agave Plants With Pictures and Names

Aloe vs Agave

If you compare both plants, you will immediately discover the differences:

  • The aloe leaf contains a thick gel, whereas the agave has fibers.
  • The leaves of the aloe grow visibly from the center of the plant, the new agave leaves grow in the outer area under older specimens.
  • A three-year-old aloe flowers twice a year, with the flowers growing sideways. The agave takes years to bloom.
  • The aloe does not tolerate cold and is cultivated as an indoor plant. The agave can withstand temperatures down to -20 degrees.
  • The juice of the aloe leaves contains substances that care for the skin and can even be used internally. A sweetener is made from agave juice, as is the Mexican national drink “pulque”. Sisal is made from its fibers. The juice in the leaves contains toxins and shouldn’t get on the skin or in wounds.

Related Post:
Haworthia vs Aloe: 3 Interesting Differences and Similarities

Cacti

Although aloes and cacti are not botanically related, they have a lot in common. Both belong to the group of succulents, have thorns and, due to their well-developed water storage organs, can survive for a long time without water.

The aloes are a separate genus from the family of grass tree plants (Xanthorrhoeaceae) with a total of around 500 species. The cactus plants form their own family with over 100 genera and between 1500 and 1800 species. The cacti belong to the so-called stem succulents, i.e. they store water in their sprouts. The aloes, on the other hand, use their leaves as water storage organs, they are leaf succulents.

The gel contained in the leaves of aloe vera is valued for its skin-caring and regenerating ingredients. While the wild aloe species grow in the deserts and rocky regions of Africa and on the offshore islands, the areas under cultivation for extracting the gel from aloe vera can be found worldwide. The wild cacti occur naturally only on the American continent.

Aloes and cacti have even more in common:

  • like all succulents they like it warm, bright, and dry,
  • they prefer sunny locations,
  • do not like excessive moisture and
  • produce beautiful flowers under good conditions,
  • the propagation is performed at both succulents by cuttings.

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1000 Types Of Cacti With Pictures

types of aloe plants