37 Different Types of Aloe Plants With Names and Pictures

Are you thinking of growing aloe indoors or outdoors, but aren't sure where to start? There are many different types of aloe to choose from, depending on how you plan to grow it. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through the different aloe types you can add to your indoor or outdoor garden.

Written by Melissa Strauss Last updated: October 7, 2023 | 16 min read

Wild-looking red succulent growing in a round pot topped with small white rocks. Other potted plants are positioned nearby on bright green turf. The succulent is red with a greenish center. The leaves are long and tentacle-like, growing in a rosette pattern. Each of the thick leaves has sharp tooth edges and they all grow upward and slightly toward the right.

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When you think of aloe, you may think of a slick green gel to slather on sunburn for its soothing effect. Or maybe you’ve noticed it in the ingredient list of a favorite skin product, and in liquid form on the shelves of your local health food store.

Aloe is more than just a useful skin care and medicinal product though, it’s also a low-maintenance succulent plant that can be grown in the garden, as well as making a great houseplant. In fact, it is known to release a large amount of oxygen at night, leading to more restful sleep for those who keep it indoors.

This beautiful and varied genus contains a multitude of stunning succulents that produce gorgeous flowers at varied times of the year. They encompass a wide range of sizes, structures, and colors. With more than 250 species, there is an aloe plant for everyone. Here are some of the most popular varieties of aloe, with names and pictures of each!

African Aloe

Upward view of several large succulent plants growing on a sunny day with a blue sky and white fluffy clouds in the background. Each of the plants has long thick green leaves with slightly yellow ends. Each leaf has sharp tooth edges. There are a few tall cone shaped flower heads of orange and yellow tubular flowers growing at the ends of long brown stems from each of the succulents. — This large type of aloe can grow up to 8 feet high.

	botanical name Aloe africana
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Red, Orange, and Yellow
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 6-8 feet
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

African Aloe is a slow-growing, tree-like species of aloe. The leaves of this species are somewhat messy and disorganized, curving in different directions. Each leaf is edged with small red tinged teeth.

Growing on the eastern Cape of South Africa, it takes this aloe 4 or 5 years to reach maturity and flower. When it does, it sends up a large, multi-branched spike, each bearing hundreds of bright orange, tubular-shaped flowers that turn up at the ends.

Aloe Vera

Close up of succulent growing in a small round white container. Other green tropical plants grow in the blurred dark background. The succulent has long green pointed leaves with white speckles throughout and sharp tooth edges that grow in a rosette pattern. — *Aloe vera* is the most common type of aloe in homes and is frequently used to treat burns.

	botanical name Aloe barbadensis Miller
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Orange and Yellow
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 2-3.5 feet
	hardiness zones 8-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

This may not come as a surprise, but Aloe Vera is the most common type of aloe used in medicinal and cosmetic products. Its healing properties are used for many purposes from sunburn to digestive issues. It is not cold hardy but can be grown very successfully as a houseplant.

The leaves are bright green, and fleshy and grow in an organized rosette pattern. These leaves are long, thin, and arched, usually ending in a point.

Although it rarely blooms indoors, this species does produce flowers. Leaving it outdoors in the warmer months will help it to produce blooms. The flower spikes are tall (up to 3 feet) and topped with brilliant yellow flowers.

Arabian Aloe

Several succulent plants growing in the wild with other plants nearby. Each of the succulents has long green toothed leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. Most of the plants have a very long stem tipped with tubular-shaped flowers forming a cone-shaped flower head. — The colorful blooms of this type of aloe make it a great ornamental addition to the garden.

	botanical name Aloe rubroviolacea
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Orange-Red
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 2-3 feet
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

This beautiful ornamental aloe hails from the Arabian Peninsula, from which it derives its name. Thick, fleshy leaves are pale green when young and in full sun, they take on a reddish tinge. As they age, the color intensifies to red-violet in cooler temperatures. The growth pattern is an organized rosette that often grows sideways making the top of the plant visible to passersby.

In winter, Arabian Aloe produces tall, unbranched spikes. The flowers are large clusters of orange to red blooms that taper at the end. Its color variation and flowers make this a very showy addition to the garden, and the winter-blooming habit is wonderful.

Bitter Aloe

Close up of red tubular flowers forming a cone shaped flower head on a sunny day. There are two other flower heads that have turned brown, a smaller one to the left and a bigger one to the right. In the background there are several very long and thick pointed green succulent leaves that have toothed edges. — Pollinators are attracted to the brightly colored tubular flowers bitter aloe produces.

	botanical name Aloe ferox
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Red, Orange, Pink, Yellow, White, Red/White, and Orange/Yellow
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 6-10 feet
	hardiness zones 9-12
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

Bitter Aloe is a large species known for its brilliant flowers and large colorful leaves. The leaves are thick at the base and taper to points. The color is pale green with a blush at the ends and curved red barbs along the edges. The leaves can grow up to 3’ long.

Each plant can produce many flower spikes, which are topped with large clusters of attractive, deep orange flowers. This highly adaptable species is used in cosmetics and supplements, as well as being very attractive to nectar-loving birds.

Candelabra

Close up of several long green thick leaves with toothed edges growing out and curving downward. Several of the green leaves have a slight red or yellow tent to them. The day is sunny. — Candelabra aloe is often used as a hedge or border to keep animals out of the garden.

	botanical name Aloe arborescens
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Orange, Yellow, and Orange-Red/Yellow
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 7-9 feet
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

Also known as torch aloe for the fiery appearance of its inflorescences, this large, toothy species has a fierce appearance. In the past, it has been used medicinally in its native South Africa. Today it is commonly used as a fence to secure animals.

This species will reproduce and spread creating a hedge if allowed in outdoor gardens. It also makes an excellent addition to raised planters and is very drought-tolerant. Its flower spikes appear in winter and hold clusters of striking orange blooms.

Cape Speckled Aloe

Single succulent plants growing among fallen brown leaves in sunshine. The succulent has pinkish red leaves with white spots throughout. The leaves grow in a rosette pattern and curve out and then upward toward the sky. Each of the leaves has sharp spines along the edges. — This type of aloe has pink leaves and brightly colored flowers. adding interest to the garden for several seasons.

	botanical name Aloe microstigma
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Red/Orange, Red, and Yellow
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 1-2 feet
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

This pretty species has some interesting characteristics that add to its year-round interest. Cape Speckled Aloe is a medium-sized variety with an organized rosette growth pattern. The leaves are chartreuse when they first appear and then flush with a reddish color that deepens when the plant experiences environmental stress.

Adding to their unique appearance, the leaves are coated in white speckles and edged with red teeth. This species is known for its blooms in particular. In the spring, each plant produces several spikes, topped with flaming inflorescences. The flowers bloom orange and fade to yellow, giving the appearance of torches,

Carmine

Several succulent plants growing in a rock garden. The garden's surface is covered in rocks varying in size that are brown, red, and tan. The succulents all have thick green leaves with toothed edges that grow in a rosette pattern. The succulent in the center has orange teeth on the edges of its leaves, which are speckled in light green. — The teeth of Carmine aloe border the edges of the plant’s leaves and are bright orange in color.

	botanical name Aloe ‘Carmine’
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Red
	sun requirements Full Sun to Part Shade
	water needs Low
	height 10 inches
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

This striking hybrid is small but dynamic. Deep gray-green leaves are short, deeply channeled, and slightly curved.

They are also spotted and have many teeth, both of which show up in a brilliant, almost neon-orange color. Carmine rarely blooms but can send out thin spikes topped with red blooms in the summertime.

Clanwilliam

Upward view of a large tree succulent against a bright blue sky on a sunny day. The succulent has several large thick green leaves growing in a rosette pattern. The leaves are pointed and grow outward and slightly upward with brown-red teeth along the edges. — Considered a tree aloe, Clanwilliam can grow to be up to 10 feet tall.

	botanical name Aloe comosa
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Pinkish Ivory
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 8-10 feet
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

Clanwilliam Aloe is a species that is considered a tree aloe. There is one central trunk with no branches that grows high up in the air. It is a plentiful plant in its native South Africa, where it is sometimes cultivated for human use.

The leaves are long and thick, growing to be about 2 feet, and curve upward. This species has sharp brown-red teeth along the margins and needs to be handled with care.

Climbing Aloe

Several red tubular shaped flowers growing in flower heads at the end of long, thin brown stems sprouting from succulent plants. The plants have leaves that are green, long, and pointed with toothed edges. There is a small, gray-green cactus with long spiked needles in the bottom left corner. — Climbing Aloe can reach heights of 30 feet or more and its brightly colored tubular flowers can bloom year-round.

	botanical name Aloiampelos ciliaris
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Orange-Red
	sun requirements Full Sun to Part Sun
	water needs Low
	height 30+ feet
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

This type of aloe can bloom year-round, but the most common time to see flowers on this species is in spring. This rapid-growing aloe can be grown indoors and out but needs to be next to a brightly lit window when kept as a houseplant. Climbing Aloe can also tolerate more shade than most species.

It produces tall flower spikes with pointed clusters of bright orange-red flowers. These flowers can show up any time of year. Be careful if moving this species outdoors in the summer. Give it time to acclimate by not placing it in direct full sun right away, as this can cause sunburn.

Coral Aloe

Close up of a succulent growing in the desert on a very sunny day. The succulent grows in front of a plant with small brown stems, thin green leaves, and small round pink flowers. The succulent itself is a dusty green color. The leaves have coral edges that are pointed and they grow in a rosette pattern. — The coral-colored edges of the leaves are what give this aloe its common name of coral aloe.

	botanical name Aloiampelos ciliaris
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Orange-Red
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 16-18 inches
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

Coral Aloe is a stunning way to add color to your winter garden. This smooth-leaved species is hardy and easy to care for. It is unlike other aloe types in that it will not grow offsets, so it does not spread, but rather grows to about 2 feet tall and stops. This makes it a great container plant.

The pretty blue-green leaves are edged with a coral color that matches its flowers. In winter, Coral Aloe sends up a branching flower spike about 3 feet tall. Clusters of coral red, tubular flowers have a weeping appearance as they turn slightly downward.

Crosby’s Prolific Aloe

Close up of a small succulent with long triangular thick leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. The green leaves have white speckles throughout and sharp white pointed teeth along the edges. More succulents grow in a rock garden in the blurred background. — These tiny little aloe plants send up bright orange-red flowers that attract pollinators such as hummingbirds.

	botanical name Aloe Crosby’s Prolific
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Bright Orange-Red
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 6-12 inches
	hardiness zones 10-12
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

This miniature hybrid variety is an attractive, clumping aloe with deep green, speckled leaves. It truly is a prolific plant, as it will quickly create offsets and form a nice mound of 6”-12” plants. Crosby’s is easy to grow and isn’t picky about sunlight or soil.

Because of its spreading habit, Crosby’s can be a great flower producer in a short amount of time. In spring, each plant sends up an 18-inch spike of fiery orange-red, tubular flowers. Hummingbirds are attracted to these striking inflorescences,

Fan Aloe

Tubular shaped reddish orange flowers grow at the tip of a stem in a flower head. Succulents grow in the background with long, flat blue green leaves that curve toward the center of the stem to make the shape of a fan. — The leaves of this type of aloe grow in the shape of a fan, giving it its common name of fan aloe.

	botanical name Aloe plicatilis
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Orange-Red
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 4-8 feet
	hardiness zones 9-12
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

Fan Aloe has a unique leaf formation. Rather than the usual rosette form that is standard to aloe species, Fan Aloe’s leaves are, you guessed it, in a fan formation. The long, flat blue-green leaves curve toward the center of the fan structure and are tipped with a coral color.

Another unique characteristic of this plant, its spent leaves fall to the ground rather than remaining on the plant, revealing a smooth gray trunk. With many of these fan-shaped structures on the tree, each one producing its own spike of bright red flowers, this tree-like aloe puts on a spectacle in late winter.

Gold Tooth

Close up of several small succulent plants. Each of the succulents has short triangular shaped leaves with long spikes growing on the edges. The leaves are pinkish red toward the tips and fade to a yellowish green toward the center, and they grow in a rosette pattern. The sun shines on all of the plants. — Gold tooth aloe is best planted in containers where the spread can be controlled.

	botanical name Aloe nobilis
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Bright Orange
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 6-12 inches
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

This spreading, medium-sized aloe species gets its name from the many sharp, golden spines on the margins of its leaves.

Growing to about 1 foot tall and wide, Gold Tooth eagerly sends out offsets, quickly forming clusters of balanced rosettes. Its moderate size makes it ideal for containers and raised beds which can help contain the spread.

Gold Tooth produces lots of tall flower spikes in spring that have a nice, long blooming cycle. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

Haworthia-leaved Aloe

Small succulent with dense rosettes of dark green leaves. Each of the leaves are long and pointed at the end. They are covered in soft white hairy spines, giving it a fuzzy appearance. The succulent is planted in a rock garden with white gravel on the surface. Another succulent grows to the left in the blurred background with thick silvery green leaves and white spiked teeth on the edges of the leaves. — The long dark green leaves of the Haworthia-leaved Aloe are covered in thin, hair-like structures.

	botanical name Aloe haworthioides
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Pink, White, Orange-Red
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 3-4 inches
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

This small, fast-growing aloe has a year-round appeal with its showy leaves. Often confused with being a variety of haworthia, this plant belongs to the Aloe genus. Actual haworthia does not.

This variety is small, with a tightly organized rosette leaf structure. The leaves are dark green and covered with white spots and hairlike structures, giving them a fuzzy appearance. The flower spikes on this plant are small and inconspicuous, appearing in summer and lasting into the fall.

Jemen

Close up of succulent growing next to a concrete wall. The succulent has triangular shaped thick leaves that curves slightly outward away from the plants. The leaves are reddish in color with white linear spots throughout. There are spiky teeth that border the edges. The leaves grow in a rosette pattern in towering stacks. The blurred background of the image is more of this succulent growing. — This type of aloe is one of the few that are native to a small island in Jemen.

	botanical name Aloe squarrosa
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Coral-Red
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 35-36 inches
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

This species is only one out of three that are native to the island of Socotra in Jemen. It is often confused with Tiger Tooth Aloe, Aloe juvenna, as they look very similar.

Although fairly short, this species is a showstopper in terms of texture and leaf pattern. Reaching only about 12 inches tall by maturity, the bright green and often spotted leaves are thick and curve outward. There are white spiky teeth that border the edges.

Jemen, also spelled Yemen, is very drought and heat tolerant once established, and as a result, very low maintenance. It goes dormant in the winter and grows actively in the spring and summer months.

Lace Aloe

Close up of succulent plant with bright green thick leaves that are wide at the bottom and very thin at the top. The leaves have raised white bumps throughout and short spiky teeth on the edges. — The small white bumps give this aloe a lacey appearance.

	botanical name Aloe aristata
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Orange-Red
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 4-5 feet
	hardiness zones 7-10
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

Lace Aloe has a similar look to Haworthia-leaved Aloe. It has small, deep green leaves that are covered in white speckles. This species is frost hardy, an unusual characteristic for aloe. It produces pink flowers late in the summer which are attractive to hummingbirds and bees.

Malagasy Tree Aloe

Close-up of succulent plants growing in sunshine. Each of the plants has long thick leaves that are about an inch and a half wide at the bottom and pointed at the top. They have a greenish yellow base and the edges turned to red. There are spiked teeth along the borders of the leaves as well. Leaves grow and a rosette pattern. — Malagasy Tree Aloe turns red in the cold months of winter.

	botanical name Aloe vaombe
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Red
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 11-12 feet
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

This very tall growing aloe species reaches 8’-12’ tall at maturity. These tall, single rosettes of thick green leaves flush red in winter or when they are exposed to a lot of sunlight, making them a particularly showy and fun aloe.

The bright color of the leaves in winter, paired with the tall flower spikes covered in brilliant red blooms make this a spectacular plant in the winter garden.

Massawana

Close up of long green thick succulent leaves with white spots throughout growing close together. There are white teeth that border the edges of the leaves. Sunshine peaks through and shines on the leaves. The leaves grow in a rosette pattern and upward toward the sky. — This type of aloe looks very similar to the popular *Aloe vera*.

	botanical name Aloe massawana
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Red and Yellow
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 2-3 feet
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

Massawana is often mistaken for Aloe Vera because of their similar appearance. They grow in a tight rosette and the fleshy leaves grow upward, so they vaguely resemble a fan formation. The leaves are green with white markings and intermittent white teeth along the margins.

The flower spikes from this succulent can be simple or branched, appearing in late winter, and lasting into spring. Small torch-like bursts of red blooms appear atop the spikes and attract hummingbirds. This species is threatened due to urban development in its native habitat.

Mazambron

Large succulent plant with yellow green leaves that are long and pointed at the end growing a rosette pattern with shorter leaves toward the inside of the plant and longer leaves on the outside. There are small white teeth that border the edges of the leaves. There's sunshine on the leaves. The succulent plant grows in a blue round plastic container. There is another container on the upper left-hand side with another plant growing from it that is not visible. — Mazambron aloe is a very rare type of aloe found in Mauritius.

	botanical name Aloe tormentorii
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Red-Orange
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 18-24 inches
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

This is an aloe you won’t find in stores. One of only two types of aloe native to Mauritius and endemic to the island, Mazambron has some unique characteristics that set it apart from its spiny cousins.

This aloe has smooth pointed leaves that reach upward in a tight rosette formation. These leaves are green but can take on a blush when exposed to a lot of direct sunlight.

The flower spikes are tall and branched, generally 3-7 branches each. Each branch is topped with an inflorescence of salmon-colored blooms that fade to yellow over time. These flowers are pollinated by tiny geckos and produce fruit which is a main food source for an endemic species of skink on the island.

Mountain Aloe

Upward view of several large succulent plants growing on an overcast day with several tall trees growing in the background. Each of the plants has long thick green leaves with slightly yellow ends. Each leaf has sharp tooth edges. There are a few tall cone shaped flower heads of orange and red tubular flowers growing at the ends of long dark green stems from each of the succulents. — Mountain Aloe produces tall spikes of cone-shaped brightly colored flower heads that reach up to 10 feet tall.

	botanical name Aloe marlothii
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Bright Orange, Yellow, or Red
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 8-10 feet
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

This huge species of aloe grows up to 10 feet tall at maturity, one of the largest! It grows on a central stem. The leaves are dotted with reddish spines and grow in an upward fashion giving it the look of a giant artichoke.

The large gray-green leaves leave a skirt around the base as they dry out. When planted in zones 9-11, Mountain Aloe is extremely drought tolerant and needs little to no irrigation.

Multi-branched flower crowns appear at the top in fall and winter, rivaling the entire width of the plant. These branches are coated with golden orange, tubular flowers. The overall effect is quite dramatic.

Red Aloe

A deep burgundy succulent growing in a garden with other green succulents growing in the blurred background. One of the left is yellow green and grass like, with the long leaves hanging downward. Directly behind the red succulent is a shrub with stout green leaves that grow in rosette patterns. Another tall grassy plant is toward the right. The red succulent has long triangular shaped leaves that curves slightly outward. The leaves are shorter toward the center and grow longer from the outside of the plant. Each of the leaves is lined with sawtooth edges they're the same color as the leaves. A few dark stems shoot out of the center of the plant with cone shaped flower heads with orange tubular flowers blooming on — The unique color of Red Aloe is sure to be a talking point of your succulent garden.

	botanical name Aloe cameronii
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Bright Orange-Red
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 12-24 inches
	hardiness zones 9-12
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

Red Aloe is widely thought to be one of the most attractive of the aloes. Its loose rosettes of curving leaves reveal a beautiful blend of colors, from bright lime green in the center, to a rich rust color at the ends. The amount of sun and water this plant receives affects the colors, making them show more, or less red,

This species multiplies and has a mounding habit. Each plant sends up an impressive spike at the end of autumn. The top of the spikes has a cone-shaped cluster of bright orange, tubular flowers.

Red Hot Poker

A large succulent growing on a sunny day in a garden with a brick wall and the rest of the garden in the background. The plant has long thick green leaves. Each leaf has sharp tooth edges that are reddish in color. There are a few tall cone shaped flower heads of bright orange and red tubular flowers growing at the ends of long brown stems. — Pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the bright flower crowns of Red Hot Poker.

	botanical name Aloe aculeata
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Yellow to Red-Orange
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 12-24 inches
	hardiness zones 8-10
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

Aptly named for its imposing, flaming red plume of flowers, Red Hot Poker Aloe is a favorite among butterflies and hummingbirds.

The large, fleshy leaves are a pretty, turquoise color and curve upward to create a large bowl-shaped structure. This is a large and lovely ornamental variety.

Rubble

Close up of a succulent growing in the shape of a sphere. The succulent has stout thick green triangular-shaped leaves that grow in a rosette pattern and curve slightly upward. Each of the leaves has sharp tooth edges and some of them have a few white spots on the backside. The tips of the leaves have a reddish tint to them. There are other succulent plants growing in a blurred background, including a few of the same variety and another one is a sedum plant. The succulent the right has a long stem protruding from the center of it. — Rubble Aloe can creep out of control, so it is best planted in a container.

	botanical name Aloe mitriformis/perfoliata
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Red
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height up to 6 feet
	hardiness zones 9-10
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

One of the very few species with a creeping habit, Rubble Aloe also has the less common habit of blooming in the summer. As they grow, these aloes creep along the ground, over rocks and only the leaf-bearing head stands up away from the earth, facing toward the sun. The summer blooming flowers are bright red pom poms of tubular flowers atop long branching flower spikes.

Sand

Close up of two cone-shaped flower heads, the one on the left is blurred and more in the background and the one the right is in focus. Each flower head has tubular shaped flowers that start as bright orange and turn to a yellowish green toward the tips. Some of the flowers on the bottom have opened up but the rest of the flowers are still buds. — These spectacular flowers bloom during the winter from Sand Aloe.

	botanical name Aloe hereroensis
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Brownish-Orange, Pink
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 12-24 inches
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

Sand Aloe is a medium to large-sized plant that grows in sandy, rocky terrain. The long tapering leaves form a loose rosette and curve upward. The leaves can vary in color depending on the climate and sun exposure from a pale green to bronze.

This species has a truly wonderful flowering habit. It is a winter bloomer, and a single plant sends up a many-branched inflorescence. Each branch is topped with a ball-shaped cluster of large, red, tubular flowers.

Short-Leaf

Close up of a several small succulents with short thick solid green leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. The green leaves have sharp white pointed teeth along the edges. — The short, triangular-shaped leaves of this type of aloe grow in a tight rosette pattern.

	botanical name Aloe brevifolia
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Red
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 12-24 inches
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

This pretty, clumping aloe is prized for its colorful nature and neat, attractive leaf formation. The short, broad leaves form a tight rosette which is pale blue in light shade, and full sun turns the tips and edges shades of yellow and coral while the center maintains its blue shade, creating a wonderful rainbow of colors.

The margins of the leaves are edged with curved white teeth and a row of these teeth travels up the back of each leaf as well.

One plant can quickly turn into a neat little mound of rosettes, each one sending up a flower spike in spring. The flowers are a burst of tubular, coral-colored blooms. This is a very colorful and highly sought-after species.

Snake

Large succulent plant with yellow green leaves that are long and pointed at the end growing in a rosette pattern with shorter leaves toward the inside of the plant and longer leaves on the outside. There are small reddish teeth that border the edges of the leaves. The sun shines on the plant and the rest of the garden. — The teeth on Snake Aloe line the edges of the leaves and have a reddish color to them.

	botanical name Aloe broomii
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Yellow-Orange
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 3-4 feet
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

This species is highly coveted as an ornamental plant, and it’s not hard to see why. Its neatly organized rosette of short, bright green leaves looks very intentional, and clean. The leaves are edged with deep red, curved teeth which create a nice, stitched appearance all over the plant. Snake Aloe is frost resistant and can tolerate both arid and semi-arid regions.

Snake Aloe is generally solitary but occasionally will send out an offset or two. The most noteworthy characteristic of these plants, as well as where they get their name, are their inflorescences. The flowers are yellow but completely obscured by extended bracts, which have a snake-like appearance.

Soap

Close up of succulent growing in a garden with other smaller succulents of the same variety. The succulent has long green pointed leaves with white speckles throughout and reddish sharp tooth edges that grow in a rosette pattern. The leaves are shorter to the center of the plants and get longer toward the outside. — Soap Aloe’s leaves grow to be a blueish-green when it grows in the shade.

	botanical name Aloe maculata
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Coral Orange
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 10-12 inches
	hardiness zones 8-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

While Snake Aloe hides its flowers, Soap Aloe brandishes them, and they make quite a statement. Its thick leaves are covered in white spots and have white toothy edges. When given shade, the leaves are a deep bluish-green, and in full sun they take on a pink blush.

In spring, the plant sends up a tall (up to 3 feet) branched inflorescence, topped by large sprays of tubular red flowers. The flowers can last from late winter until the end of spring and are very attractive to hummingbirds.

Spider

Close up of succulent leaves against a green background. The green leaves are long and triangular shaped, curving slightly upward. The leaves have raised white bumps throughout and short spiky teeth on the edges. — This type of aloe is a dwarf aloe, growing to be no more than 20 inches tall.

	botanical name Aloe humilis
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Red-Orange
	sun requirements Full Sun to Part Shade
	water needs Low
	height 12-20 inches
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

Spider Aloe is a dwarf species that makes a nice houseplant, as it will remain rather small. From above it has a pretty starburst shape to its neatly organized, slender leaves.

The leaves are blue-green and covered with white speckles and have a tendency to curve upward a bit at the ends. Each plant sends up multiple stems topped with a sprinkling of bright reddish-orange flowers.

Spiral

	botanical name Aloe polyphylla
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Red, Salmon Pink
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 10-12 inches
	hardiness zones 7-10
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

Another aloe that is prized for its ornamental value, Spiral Aloe is positively captivating. Its thick, blue-green leaves are tipped with a purple-to-brown color and grow in a tight, very organized spiral. Growing to about 2 feet wide, each spiral contains between 15 and 30 leaves, and the spirals can run clockwise, or counterclockwise.

It has become difficult to find and expensive due to high demand, so if you come across one, consider yourself fortunate.

The flower spike grows from the edges of this species, which is nice as it doesn’t dislodge the tight inner leaves. It is branching and topped with sprays of tubular, pink, and orange flowers in the springtime.

Stone

Large succulent growing in a garden at the end of a sunny day. The succulent itself is a dusty green color. The leaves have sharp toothed deep-red edges that are pointed and they grow in a rosette pattern, curving upward toward the sky. Other succulents of the same variety grow in the garden. — This type of aloe is an evergreen succulent that is perfect for rocky areas or gardens.

Scientific Name: Aloe petricola

	botanical name Aloe petricola
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Red, Orange, and Greenish-White
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 18-24 inches
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

Stone Aloe is a slow-growing and slow-spreading species that has an interesting bowl-shaped growth habit, making it a nice, well-contained specimen for planting in the ground in a succulent garden or in xeriscaping.

The long, pointed leaves are grayish-green and take on a blush color at the tips. They have some teeth along the edges, but they are not dense or uniform.

This species sends up multiple flower spikes in the summertime, which, in bud, are bright yellow to red at the ends. The buds open to reveal pale yellow to green flowers that bear fruit when they drop. This is another type of aloe that is used in cosmetic and medicinal preparations.

Sunset

Close up of a succulent plants growing from a small round black plastic container. There are at least four thick clumps of leaves that grow wildly from the container. Each of the clumps of leaves grows in a rosette pattern. The leaves are thick and triangular shaped that grow longer from the outside and shorter to the center of the plant. They are bright green toward the center and grow to red, and there are white speckles throughout the leaves that curve upward. The sharp tooth edges are also red. The background is a white wall. — Bright red and orange hues give this aloe its name, Sunset Aloe.

	botanical name Aloe dorotheae
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Salmon Orange
	sun requirements Full Sun to Part Sun
	water needs Low
	height 10-12 inches
	hardiness zones 10-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

Bright and beautiful, Sunset Aloe gets its name from the blend of bright colors that show up when it is exposed to lots of sunlight.

So this is an aloe that you will want to place in a sunny space. The leaves are shiny, curved, toothy, and bright yellowish green in part shade. When exposed to lots of light, they turn a brilliant ombre of green to gold to red at the ends.

This aloe creates lots of offsets and quickly forms a bright, cheerful colony. Single, unbranched flower spikes pop up in winter and are topped with salmon-colored flowers that fade to yellowish green at the ends.

Tiger

	botanical name Gonialoe variegata
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Orange
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 8-10 inches
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

This member of the genus Gonialoe was formerly considered an aloe, so I include it for its appearance and similarity to the genus and its name, even though it is not, technically, an aloe.

Also known as Partridge Breast Aloe, this medium-sized plant grows in an organized rosette and dark green leaves with a pretty, variegated striped pattern in white.

Each plant can send up multiple, single-branched flower spikes. It will bloom in summer outside. However, when kept as a houseplant, it is more likely to bloom in winter. The spikes are short and peppered, and this succulent blooms with orange tubular flowers.

Tiger Tooth

Close up of succulent growing next to a blurred brick wall in the background. The succulent has triangular shaped thick leaves that curves slightly outward away from the center. The leaves are true green with white linear spots throughout. There are spiky teeth that border the edges. The leaves grow in a rosette pattern in towering stacks. There is a thin arm of a cactus peeking through from the right side of the garden. — Tiger Tooth Aloe looks similar to Jemen aloe, but they are from different parts of the world.

	botanical name Aloe juvenna
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Coral Pink
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 10-12 inches
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

The stunning Tiger Tooth Aloe has a fun, towering growth habit. It is a clumping aloe that will send out offshoots, creating a cluster of these tall, thin towers of short, plump, toothy leaves.

The leaves are bright green with white speckling, and they will blush when exposed to full sun. Tiger Tooth rarely blooms. But when it does bloom, the flowers are coral-colored and appear in late summer.

Tilt-Head

Upward view of a large tree succulent against a bright blue sky on a sunny day. The succulent has several large thick and long yellowish-green leaves growing in a rosette pattern. The leaves are pointed and grow outward and slightly upward. There are five cone-shaped flower stamens, four of which are yellow or mostly yellow and the fifth one is red, and the tallest. — This large type of aloe grows to be up to 10 feet tall.

	botanical name Aloe speciosa
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Green and White
	sun requirements Full Sun to Part Sun
	water needs Low
	height 8-10 feet
	hardiness zones 8-10
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

Large and impressive are words to describe this species. It is a member of the group known as “Tree Aloes” as it grows up to 10 feet tall and forms a thick trunk that holds the large, silvery green head. This head is a rosette of long convex leaves that tilts to the side making it more visible to onlookers.

Tilt-head is cold hardy to 20°. In spring it produces 2-feet flower spikes covered in buds that open into green and white striped flowers. The flower’s bright red stamens make this plant very attractive to hummingbirds.

Tree Aloe

Upward view of the top most part of a tree. The trunk is grayish brown with several branches coming from the top part of it. Each branch has several long outward curving thick bright green leaves growing in a rosette pattern at the end. Some of the leaves are dried out and brown. The background is a sunny bright blue sky. — Reaching heights of 30+ feet high, this is one of the tallest growing types of aloe.

	botanical name Aloe barberae
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Yellow-Red, Salmon Pink
	sun requirements Full Sun
	water needs Low
	height 60 feet
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

This is the official Tree Aloe. With the ability to grow up to 30 feet tall, it is the largest of the aloes. A central trunk gives way to gracefully sloping, gray-barked branches.

The tops of the branches each hold a convex rosette of long, narrow green leaves. This is an exotic-looking aloe that does well in gardens where other succulents thrive.

The tree grows into a nice rounded, sculptural shape, and in winter, each rosette produces a short flower spike. The cone-shaped inflorescences are pink in bud and bloom to bright orange making this a beautiful, ornamental tree.

Van Balen’s Aloe

Several succulent plants growing in the wild. Each of the succulents has long green toothed leaves that are reddish on the borders that grow in a rosette pattern. Most of the plants have a very long stem tipped with tubular-shaped yellow and orange flowers forming a cone-shaped flower head. The sun shines brightly on the plants. — The flower spikes of Van Balen’s Aloe bloom in the springtime.

	botanical name Aloe vanbalenii
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Yellow, Orange-Yellow
	sun requirements Full Sun to Part Sun
	water needs Low
	height 12-24 inches
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

This low-maintenance aloe resembles everyone’s favorite marine mollusk, the octopus! It is easy to grow and readily puts out offsets. The rosettes are made up of deeply channeled, outward-curving leaves in bright yellow-green that blush at the ends in full sun.

In early spring, unbranched flower spikes pop up and clusters of yellow to orange flowers bloom, attracting nectar-loving birds and pollinators.

White Fox

Close up of a small succulent growing in a round terra cotta pot. The succulent has long dark green pointed leaves with white linear speckles throughout that make the plant look almost white. There are also white sharp tooth edges and the leaves grow in a rosette pattern. The leaves are shorter and thinner at the center of the plant and get longer toward the outside. — This tiny aloe plant is mostly white and grows to be no more than a mere 6 inches high.

	botanical name Aloe rauhii
	plant type Succulent
	bloom colors Coral Pink
	sun requirements Full Sun to Part Shade
	water needs Low
	height 2-6 inches
	hardiness zones 9-11
	soil needs Loose, Well-draining

White Fox, also called Snowflake Aloe, is a dwarf species of aloe. It makes a wonderful, low-maintenance house plant. Its green leaves are stippled with white markings which become more pronounced with lots of light.

This species has sap that people use medicinally to treat burns. White Fox is not a frequent bloomer. But when it does bloom, the flowers are yellow to orange and show up in the late spring.

Final Thoughts

These wonderful succulents with their habit of blushing in the sun and sending up big, brilliant inflorescences that draw nectar-loving birds are a joy to have and behold. Whether nestled in the garden or perched on a sunny windowsill, Aloes are a terrific group of plants that are easy to grow and maintain.