The 20 Most Popular Aloe Species Today

Aloe is a popular houseplant known for its medicinal properties. It grows wild in countries with hot, dry climates, including Africa, South America, and Southwest Asia. There are over 300 species, but only a few are used in medicine and cosmetology.

It is popular for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. It is used to treat skin conditions, strengthen the immune system, and improve overall health. It has narrow, fleshy leaves that form a rosette on a short stem.

It rarely blooms, but when it does, a long raceme of small yellow flowers appears at the top. It requires little care and can grow even in low-light conditions and with infrequent watering. However, to achieve maximum decorative value and benefit, it needs adequate light and moisture.

General characteristics and care features

The succulent aloe plant, commonly known as century plant, belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. It grows very slowly and rarely blooms indoors. Most species are stemless. The leaves form a rosette at the base.

This flower is quite resilient to sudden changes in climate. The leaf pulp contains a large amount of moisture. In adverse conditions, the pores on the leaf surface close, allowing the moisture to remain, making the flower more resilient.

Aloe requires good light, so it's best grown on a sunny window. In winter, it's not necessary to keep the room warmer, as the plant thrives at temperatures starting at 10°C (50°F).

Watering should be generous in summer and moderate (once a week) in winter. Misting is not necessary. An advantage is that the plant is virtually disease-resistant and rarely damaged by pests. Aloe propagates by seeds and cuttings.

Catalog

Motley

The flower gets its name from the distinctive pattern on its leaves—light, closely spaced spots that form stripes. The leaf edge is bordered by a white border and has barely noticeable rounded spines.

The flower grows to an average of 30 cm. Aloe variegated is one of the few species that blooms indoors. Flowering can occur as early as the plant's fourth year. The flower stalk grows from a rosette up to 30 cm long. The flowers are orange or pink.

When choosing a pot, keep in mind that the root system grows rapidly and is quite heavy. Ideally, the temperature should not exceed 22°C (72°F) in summer and 14°C (57°F) in winter. Warm water is essential for watering.

In summer, water as the soil dries out, and in winter, water once every two weeks. The leaves can be wiped to remove dust. Overall, this plant is low-maintenance and fairly easy to care for.

Folded

The leaves of this species are arranged in two rows, one on top of the other, resembling a fan. They are dark green and long and flat. The spines on the leaves are barely visible. Aloe plicata grows from 3 to 5 meters in height. It blooms with large, bright orange flowers in spring and early summer.

It rarely blooms indoors. This species is typically used in landscaping or greenhouses. It is recommended to bring the plant indoors during the winter. Water moderately, especially in winter.

Squat

The rosette of Aloe scalytum is formed by numerous thin, oblong leaves, pointed at the tips. This herbaceous plant has gray-green leaves, densely covered with numerous small, light-colored, convex structures.

The leaf edges are also edged with white spines, which are approximately 10 cm long. This species has a peduncle about 30 cm long, and the inflorescence itself consists of orange or red flowers. Flowering is very rare.

Dichotomous

Also known as the Quiver Tree, this species reaches enormous sizes, up to 9 m (30 ft). The trunk can reach a diameter of 1 m (3.3 ft). The branches of the dichotomous aloe are elongated and light gray. The linear-lanceolate leaves are 35 cm (13 in) long, bluish-green, massive, and pointed at the tip.

The spines are small and faintly visible. It easily tolerates high temperatures and limited moisture. It reproduces by seed.

Highly branched

This perennial grows up to 2 meters tall. Its distinctive feature is its frost resistance. Numerous shoots with long, massive leaves grow from the base of the flower.

It can grow outdoors until late autumn. However, it should be repotted for the winter. The plant should be positioned so it receives limited sun exposure. It does not require excessive watering.

Cap-shaped

This species is well suited for growing on a windowsill. The aloe vera is a sun-loving plant that tolerates direct sunlight. For full growth, it requires adequate fresh air. It enjoys ample watering. Watering should be reduced from October to February, as the plant is dormant.

The stem is short, with densely packed dark green leaves. The leaf edges have small, light-colored spines. The plant is propagated by cuttings in the spring.

Pretty

This perennial plant is stemless. Its dark green leaves are long, curved, tapering at the tip, and reach up to 15 centimeters in length. The edges are edged with small spines and have a pattern of light, raised spots.

The flower stalk reaches an impressive size, almost 50 cm. The flowers resemble bright orange bells. This species does not like full sun and does not require abundant watering. The leaves are not as fleshy and retain less moisture than other species.

Spinous

The leaves of the spinosa succulent are quite broad, but taper at the tips to sharp, curved bristles (awns). The entire surface is covered with small, raised white spots. The plant reaches 25 cm in length, forming a distinctive rosette. The leaves are fleshy and succulent.

If the plant doesn't receive enough light, it changes color (the leaves become a richer green) and doesn't bloom. In the spring, orange, elongated flowers bloom on the stem. Propagation occurs by seeds, offspring, or cuttings.

Overwatering is a detrimental factor for this variety, as it can kill the plant. The plant needs to be fertilized and repotted at least every two years.

White-flowered

The succulent's rosette is formed by narrow leaves about 15 cm long. The leaf is pale green. The teeth are small and white, and the leaf is not smooth to the touch. A pattern of white spots covers the entire leaf.

This species is characterized by its white flowers, reminiscent of lilies. Once this perennial blooms, it continues for a long period. It has no stem. As with other species, overwatering is detrimental to this aloe. It requires good lighting and a well-ventilated area.

Jackson

The leaves of this variety are glossy, light green, pointed at the tip, and have a single spine. The leaf surface is covered with unevenly colored white spots. Jackson's perennial has a small stem.

The plant reaches 30 cm in height. Watering is infrequent. The plant prefers indirect light and requires good oxygen supply, so the room should be well-ventilated. It rarely blooms indoors.

Diskonigsa

Aloe diskonigsii is the smallest species. Its short, herbaceous stem is framed by leaves that form a rosette resembling a star.

The leaves are dark green with white spots and tubercles. It blooms with orange tubular flowers.

Arranged

Also known as the "distant perennial," these flowers grow naturally and are characterized by a long stem, approximately 3 meters long. Indoors, they reach a significantly smaller size.

The leaves are rounded and pointed at the top, reminiscent of an egg. They are green in color. This perennial blooms with yellow flowers in the summer. Water generously, as the soil dries out. Good light is essential.

Black-thorned

The name speaks for itself. This species is characterized by black spines that are lighter at the base. The herbaceous plant is stemless. The lanceolate leaves, reaching 20 cm, are dark green.

Small red flowers bloom on a peduncle that grows up to 1 m. The plant is easy to care for. During the winter, watering is reduced by 2-3 times, as it is dormant and barely grows.

Haworthiformes

This perennial has distinctive features that make it very attractive for ornamental cultivation. The succulent is distinguished by leaves often covered with long white bristles. The long, tapering leaves form a fairly large rosette.

It requires a light, loose, and aerated soil for cultivation. It's easy to grow. Water moderately. The plant continues to grow during the winter.

Medicinal species

The value of medicinal species lies in their healing properties, known to humanity for over a thousand years. Not all species possess these properties.

Soapy

This medicinal succulent is a frequent guest on the windowsill. It has virtually no stem. The dark green leaves form a rosette, with brown spines at the tips. This variety also has a characteristic pattern of small white spots.

The leaf edges are framed by small, closely spaced spines. During flowering, yellow-red flowers appear on the stalk. It is low-maintenance and requires moderate watering.

Barbados

Also known as "Aloe barbadensis," it has a small stem. Its stiff, dark leaves can reach 50 cm, are sword-shaped, and grow in a rosette almost vertically. Small, sharp spines are located along the edges.

The flower stalk reaches enormous sizes (up to 90 cm) and bears red or orange flowers. Watering should be done once or twice a week in summer and once a week in winter. The plant tolerates direct sunlight, although this is not recommended.

Tree-like

One of the most commonly grown indoor species is Aloe arborescens. In the wild, it reaches 3 meters in height and resembles a small tree. The leaves are elongated, with curved, sharp edges and closely spaced small spines.

The succulent has a sturdy trunk. A small inflorescence may form at the top. General care guidelines should be followed. To enhance its medicinal properties, it's important to ensure the plant receives sufficient moisture.

Frightening

Despite its unusual appearance and name, the flower has medicinal properties. The rosette consists of strong, fairly fleshy, and long leaves. The surface of the pale green leaf is covered with convex growths of a lighter shade.

This succulent can reach a height of 80 cm. It blooms with white flowers. It can easily tolerate high temperatures and low humidity, but care should still be taken if you wish to reap the healing benefits of its bitter sap.

Faith, or the present

It has a unique chemical composition and healing properties. Aloe vera is a bushy plant with a weakly defined stem and numerous shoots. The numerous rosettes consist of long leaves with sharp spines along the edges.

A distinctive feature of this species is that not only the leaves but also the stem are used for medicinal purposes. Furthermore, the flowers, as they grow, release phytoncides into the air. It is widely used by cosmetologists, perfumers, and in cooking.

Frequently asked questions

Aloe, with its unique properties, has been used by humans for thousands of years. Its sap contains vitamins and various beneficial microelements. Even if the flower is not used for medicinal or cosmetic purposes, it will make a worthy addition to any houseplant enthusiast's collection.