What Are the Different Varieties of Aloe Vera? - Plant Care Guide

Aloe Vera is a well-known succulent with a rich history of medicinal use and decorative appeal. Although most people are familiar with the traditional Aloe Vera plant, there are actually numerous varieties of Aloe Vera, each with unique characteristics. These different types not only vary in size, shape, and color but also offer distinct aesthetic qualities that can complement any indoor or outdoor garden. Understanding the various Aloe Vera varieties can help you choose the perfect type for your needs, whether for indoor growing, medicinal use, or ornamental purposes.

In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and intriguing Aloe Vera varieties, including their distinguishing features, care requirements, and uses. Whether you are a seasoned plant enthusiast or new to succulents, there is a type of Aloe Vera for everyone.

1. Aloe Barbadensis Miller

Aloe Barbadensis Miller is the most common and widely recognized Aloe Vera variety. It is the type typically referred to when people mention Aloe Vera and is well-known for its medicinal and healing properties. The gel inside its leaves is often used in skincare products, wound healing, and burn treatment.

Characteristics

• Size: This variety can grow up to 2-3 feet tall, with thick, fleshy leaves that taper to a point.
• Leaf color: The leaves are green with occasional white flecks, and they contain a thick gel-like substance.
• Growth pattern: It forms a rosette shape with leaves that curve outward.

Uses

• Medicinal purposes: The gel from Aloe Barbadensis Miller is highly prized for its soothing and healing properties, commonly used in lotions, gels, and juices.
• Indoor and outdoor growing: This variety can thrive both indoors and outdoors, making it versatile for different environments. For tips on how to grow this type indoors, visit our Aloe Vera indoor growing guide.

Get an Aloe Barbadensis Miller to enjoy its numerous health benefits.

2. Aloe Arborescens

Aloe Arborescens, also known as the Krantz Aloe or Candelabra Aloe, is another popular variety known for its striking appearance and medicinal qualities. This variety is larger than Aloe Barbadensis Miller, making it an excellent choice for outdoor landscapes or as a large indoor plant.

Characteristics

• Size: It can grow up to 10 feet tall, with multiple branching stems.
• Leaf color: The leaves are dark green with a bluish tint and have serrated edges with small white teeth.
• Flowering: It produces bright red or orange tubular flowers, usually in the winter months.

Uses

• Medicinal and cosmetic: The gel inside the leaves has similar benefits to Aloe Vera, commonly used for burns and skin irritation.
• Ornamental purposes: Its tall, branching growth and vibrant flowers make it a stunning addition to outdoor gardens.

Choose an Aloe Arborescens to add a unique touch to your garden.

3. Aloe Polyphylla

Aloe Polyphylla, commonly known as the Spiral Aloe, is a fascinating variety famous for its unique spiral leaf arrangement. This succulent is native to the mountains of Lesotho, South Africa, and has a mesmerizing growth pattern that forms a perfectly symmetrical spiral.

Characteristics

• Size: The plant usually grows up to 12-24 inches tall and wide.
• Leaf arrangement: The leaves form a distinctive spiral, which can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.
• Leaf texture: The leaves are thick, fleshy, and lined with small teeth along the edges.

Uses

• Ornamental plant: The Spiral Aloe is highly sought after for its unique and stunning appearance, making it an attractive choice for succulent collectors.
• Drought-tolerant landscapes: Its resilience to dry conditions makes it suitable for rock gardens and xeriscaping.

Add an Aloe Polyphylla to your collection for a captivating visual display.

4. Aloe Maculata

Also known as the Soap Aloe, Aloe Maculata is a versatile and hardy variety that is well-adapted to different environments. It is named for the soapy texture of the gel found in its leaves, which has historically been used as a natural soap substitute.

Characteristics

• Size: Grows up to 18-24 inches tall, with a similar width.
• Leaf color: The leaves are green with white spots and reddish-brown teeth along the edges.
• Flowering: It produces bright red, yellow, or orange flowers, which are known to attract hummingbirds.

Uses

• Soap substitute: The gel from Aloe Maculata has been traditionally used for washing and cleaning.
• Wildlife attraction: Its vibrant flowers attract pollinators, such as bees and hummingbirds.
• Ground cover: This variety can be used as ground cover in dry landscapes due to its clumping growth habit.

Purchase an Aloe Maculata to add a splash of color to your garden.

5. Aloe Ferox

Aloe Ferox, also known as the Bitter Aloe or Cape Aloe, is a large species native to South Africa. It is recognized for its medicinal properties and tall flower stalks, making it one of the more striking and beneficial varieties of Aloe Vera.

Characteristics

• Size: This plant can reach heights of up to 10 feet, with a single stem.
• Leaf color: The leaves are thick, fleshy, and bluish-green in color, often turning reddish in full sun.
• Flowering: Produces a tall, spiky flower stalk with orange or red tubular flowers.

Uses

• Medicinal applications: The gel and bitter sap from Aloe Ferox are commonly used in laxatives and skincare products.
• Landscaping: Its large size and stunning flowers make it an excellent focal point for xeriscapes or rock gardens.

Shop for Aloe Ferox to enjoy its therapeutic benefits.

6. Aloe Juvenna

Aloe Juvenna, also known as Tiger Tooth Aloe, is a compact variety that features small, triangular leaves with spiny edges. Its unique appearance and manageable size make it suitable for indoor growing, especially for people who prefer small succulents.

Characteristics

• Size: Typically grows up to 12 inches tall and forms clumps.
• Leaf color: The leaves are bright green with white markings and sharp, tooth-like edges.
• Growth habit: The plant forms clusters of rosettes, which can eventually spill over the sides of containers.

Uses

• Indoor decoration: Due to its small size, Tiger Tooth Aloe is perfect for desktop arrangements or succulent gardens.
• Gift plant: Its cute and compact appearance makes it a great choice for gifting to plant lovers.

Pick an Aloe Juvenna for a charming addition to your succulent collection.

7. Aloe Crosby's Prolific

Aloe Crosby's Prolific is a hybrid variety known for its prolific growth and beautiful red-orange flowers. It is a cross between Aloe Nobilis and Aloe Humilis, and it retains the best qualities of both parent species.

Characteristics

• Size: Grows up to 12-18 inches tall and spreads quickly.
• Leaf color: The leaves are green with soft teeth along the edges and can turn reddish when exposed to full sunlight.
• Flowering: Blooms with vibrant red-orange flowers, typically in late winter to early spring.

Uses

• Ground cover: Its ability to spread rapidly makes it a good choice for ground cover in sunny landscapes.
• Attracting pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators.

Add Aloe Crosby's Prolific to your outdoor garden for a burst of color.

8. Aloe Plicatilis

Aloe Plicatilis, commonly known as the Fan Aloe, is an unusual variety that stands out due to its fan-shaped leaves. This species is native to South Africa and is sometimes classified as a separate genus, Kumara.

Characteristics

• Size: It can grow up to 5-8 feet tall, with branching stems.
• Leaf arrangement: The leaves are long, narrow, and arranged in a fan shape.
• Flowering: Produces bright red tubular flowers on tall stalks, usually in late winter to early spring.

Uses

• Sculptural plant: The unique fan shape adds a striking visual element to landscapes and container gardens.
• Drought-resistant: Its resilience to dry conditions makes it an ideal choice for low-water gardens.

Get an Aloe Plicatilis for a dramatic addition to your plant collection.

9. Aloe Brevifolia

Also known as Short-leaved Aloe, Aloe Brevifolia is a compact succulent that grows in a clumping pattern, making it suitable for rock gardens and small container arrangements.

Characteristics

• Size: Grows up to 4-6 inches tall, with a spread of 8-12 inches.
• Leaf color: The leaves are blue-green and have serrated edges with small teeth.
• Flowering: Produces red or orange tubular flowers, usually in spring.

Uses

• Border plant: Its small size and spreading habit make it an excellent choice for borders and edges.
• Indoor succulent gardens: Its manageable size is perfect for miniature gardens and dish gardens.

Add Aloe Brevifolia to your indoor or outdoor succulent garden.

10. Aloe Marlothii

Known as Mountain Aloe, Aloe Marlothii is a large, tree-like variety that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It is native to the mountainous regions of Southern Africa and features thick, broad leaves with spiny teeth.

Characteristics

• Size: Can reach heights of 10-20 feet, with a similar spread.
• Leaf color: The leaves are thick, blue-green, and densely covered with sharp spines.
• Flowering: Blooms with dense clusters of tubular orange or yellow flowers.

Uses

• Feature plant: Its large size and unique appearance make it an ideal focal point for large gardens.
• Erosion control: The extensive root system helps prevent soil erosion on slopes.

Purchase Aloe Marlothii for a dramatic and functional addition to your landscape.

These different varieties of Aloe Vera offer a range of options for both indoor and outdoor gardening enthusiasts. Whether you are looking for a medicinal plant, a decorative succulent, or a large focal point for your garden, there is an Aloe Vera variety that can meet your needs.