When it comes to aloe plants, the first one to come to most gardeners’ minds is aloe vera.
However, there are actually over 500 different species and varieties of aloe plants, each offering its own unique appearance. Some are small, while others grow to be trees, like the Aloidendron barberae, which reaches up to 60 feet high!
Of the many aloe varieties, there are plenty that are happy to grow indoors in the comfort of your home. So long as they have well-draining soil, plenty of sunshine, and regular watering, they thrive happily! Now the question becomes, which aloe plant will you choose?
Take a look at these five types of aloe plants that you can grow at home!
Aloe Vera
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One of the most commonly known aloe plants is, of course, 'Aloe Vera!'
'Aloe Vera' brings numerous benefits to the home, including purifying the air and helping to heal wounds and burns. It is easy to care for, and thanks to its water-filled leaves, is drought tolerant. Perfect for the forgetful plant parent!
Like most aloe varieties, only water your plant when the soil starts to dry. However, it is important not to wait until the soil is bone dry. Underwatered aloe plants struggle just as much as overwatered ones!
To determine if water is needed, lift the pot to see if it is light. Another strategy is to stick your finger into the soil to determine if it is wet or dry.
Water only when necessary, and reduce watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant. Doing so prevents the plant from becoming overwatered and developing diseases such as root rot.
Aloe Guido
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The 'Aloe Guido' is a hybrid that features leaves with patterned dashes in various shades of green. The leaves on this plant do not grow more than 8 inches tall, making it the perfect indoor plant!
With enough sunlight (six to eight hours each day) and occasional watering (roughly once every two or three weeks), your plant may reward you with blooms! 'Aloe Guido' is even known to bloom in the summer months, producing vibrant red/orange, bell-shaped flowers.
Want more aloe plants? When it comes to easy-to-propagate plants, aloes are near the top of the list. Through the method of cuttings or plant division, grow a whole new 'Aloe Guido!' Put new plants in other rooms or share with friends and family!
Lace Aloe
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'Lace Aloe,' or Aloe aristata, is a variety of aloe from South Africa. It grows with its leaves close together in a rosette arrangement. Its deep green leaves are detailed with tiny white spikes along the entirety of the foliage.
This low-maintenance aloe grows to about 6 to 8 inches, though is larger if grown outdoors. This small aloe variety is content to live in a pot somewhere with plenty of indirect sunlight. Find a spot in your home that has bright morning light to help this aloe thrive!
Like most other aloe varieties, 'Lace Aloe' requires well-draining soil. Overwatering is a common issue, which leads to root rot and the plant displaying soggy or drooping leaves.
To help an overwatered aloe plant, remove it from the pot to let it dry. Once dried, clear away the dead or rotting roots before repotting in fresh, well-draining soil. And don’t forget to use a pot with excellent drainage holes!
Tiger Tooth Aloe
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The 'Tiger Tooth Aloe,' or Aloe juvenna, displays leaves that have plenty of sharp ‘teeth,’ hence the name. What makes this variety distinctive is the way the small leaves seem to pile on top of one another.
If your 'Tiger Tooth Aloe' turns slightly brown or red, this is an indication it is receiving significant sunlight. But don’t worry! This change is fine as long as additional water is given to ensure your plant’s wellness during increased temperatures.
Because this variety of aloe has sharp needles on the leaves. Place it somewhere safe in your home where it will not get bumped. For the safety of your littles, always keep your 'Tiger Tooth Aloe' plant somewhere out of reach of pets and children.
Mitre Aloe
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Aloe perfoliata, or 'Mitre Aloe' is another type of aloe plant that is happy to live indoors. This specific variety displays those vibrant plump leaves as well as spikes along the outer edges of the leaf.
Like other aloe plants, the 'Mitre Aloe' prefers full sun to partial shade. If grown with enough sunlight, this plant even takes on a blue hue, whereas those with less sunlight remain green.
The amount of sunlight also determines how widely spaced the leaves grow. Those plants with access to more sun create a tighter formation. On the other hand, those with less sunlight tend to expand outwards.
Say, 'Aloe' to Your New Plant!
There are many unique and stunning aloe plants to pick from. Each and every one happy to grow in the comfort of your home.
Choose from the common 'Aloe Vera' or select a variety like the 'Lace Aloe' or 'Tiger Tooth Aloe!' Whatever variety you choose to grow, just remember to offer it well-draining soil, regular watering, and plenty of sunlight.
Which aloe plant interests you the most? Share this article with your aloe-loving friends and comment below with your favorite variety!