Types of Aloe Plants: Aloe Vera Varieties & Popular Aloe Species

Aloe plants are some of the most well-known and widely grown succulents in the world. They are admired for their bold, sculptural leaves, low-maintenance nature, and their ability to thrive in sunny windowsills, patios, and dry gardens. When people search for types of aloe plants or types of aloe vera, they often assume there is only one true aloe variety. In reality, there are hundreds of aloe species and aloe vera varieties, ranging from small indoor plants to large, tree-like aloes used in landscaping.

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If you live in the UK or USA, aloe plants are a great option for indoor growing, and many types can also be grown outdoors in warm climates (especially in parts of the southern USA). This article explains the most popular types of aloe vera plants, the differences between aloe species, and how to identify aloe plant varieties based on shape, colour, texture, and growth habits.

Understanding Aloe Plants and Aloe Vera

Before looking at aloe vera plant varieties, it helps to understand what aloe is as a plant group.

What are aloe plants?

Aloe is a genus of succulent plants in the Asphodelaceae family, known for thick, moisture-storing leaves. Most aloe species originate from Africa, Madagascar, the Arabian Peninsula, and surrounding dry regions. Their leaves often form a rosette shape and may feature:

Toothed edges
White spots or stripes
Waxy coating
Red or bronze tones in sun stress

What is aloe vera exactly?

Aloe vera is one specific species (most commonly Aloe barbadensis Miller). It’s famous for the gel-like substance inside the leaves, widely used in skincare and wellness products. However, many other aloe species look similar, which leads to confusion when people search for different types of aloe vera.

In simple terms:

Aloe vera = one species
Aloe = a whole group with many species and cultivars

This is why the keyword “types of aloe vera plant” often includes aloe species that are not technically aloe vera, but are closely related and grown in similar ways.

Why There Are So Many Types of Aloe Plants

There are many aloe varieties because aloe plants naturally adapt to different climates and environments. Some grow in rocky deserts, some in grasslands, and others on coastal slopes. Over time, growers and botanists have also developed hybrids and cultivars for:

Colour variations (green, red, bronze, blue-green)
Compact indoor growth
Spotted leaf patterns
Stronger cold tolerance
Decorative flowers

So when you look up types aloe, you might find:

true species (natural plants)
hybrids (crossbreeds)
cultivars (selected varieties with stable traits)

Most Popular Types of Aloe Vera (and Close Lookalikes)

Below are some of the most recognised aloe vera varieties and aloe species that are commonly sold as houseplants in the UK and USA.

1) Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller)

This is the classic aloe vera plant most people imagine.

Key features

Thick, smooth green leaves
Slight serrated edges
Gel-rich interior
Mature plants can produce offsets (“pups”)

Growth habit

Medium-sized rosette
Grows well in pots indoors
Outdoors in warm regions (USDA zones 9–11), or in sheltered microclimates

Why it’s popular

Easy to care for
Widely available in garden centres
A familiar “aloe vera plant varieties” reference point

2) Lace Aloe (Aloe aristata)

(Often also labelled as Aristaloe aristata)

Lace aloe is one of the best choices for indoor growers.

How to identify it

Slim triangular leaves
White raised bumps
Thread-like “hair” on leaf tips
Tight rosette shape

Why people love it

Compact, tidy growth
Tolerates indoor conditions better than many large aloes
Produces orange-red flowers in season

This is one of the most popular plants when people search types of aloe plant for small spaces.

3) Tiger Tooth Aloe (Aloe juvenna)

This aloe has a stacked, column-like shape and a spiky personality.

Key features

Upright, clumping growth
Small leaves with soft spikes (“teeth”)
Green leaves that can turn reddish in bright light

Best for

Small pots
Desk plants
Succulent arrangements

Tiger Tooth Aloe is commonly included in lists of aloe plant varieties because it stays small and looks dramatic.

4) Soap Aloe (Aloe maculata)

Soap aloe is a tough, outdoor-friendly aloe species known for its spotted leaves.

Identification signs

Broad leaves with white speckles
Leaf edges with teeth
Flower spikes with orange-red blooms

Why it stands out

Excellent drought tolerance
More landscape-friendly than standard aloe vera
Often grown in xeriscaping

In warmer areas of the USA, Soap Aloe is one of the best types of aloe plants for gardens.

5) Short-Leaf Aloe (Aloe brevifolia)

This aloe looks like a dense cluster of thick, chunky leaves.

Key characteristics

Blue-green leaves, often with a dusty look
Compact rosette clusters
Turns pinkish under sun stress
Strong geometric appearance

Why it’s popular

Beautiful in decorative pots
Great for rock gardens in warm climates
Looks like a “living sculpture”

Short-leaf aloe is often listed under types of aloe vera plants, even though it’s a different species.

6) Hedgehog Aloe (Aloe humilis)

Hedgehog aloe is a small aloe that grows into spiky clumps.

What it looks like

Compact rosette
Thick leaves with raised white bumps
Strong texture and symmetry

Best use

Small indoor containers
Outdoor succulent bowls
Rock gardens in mild climates

It’s a favourite among collectors looking for unique types aloe beyond classic aloe vera.

7) Red Aloe (Aloe cameronii)

If you want colour, Red Aloe is one of the most striking aloe species available.

Colour notes

Green in shade
Copper-red to deep orange in strong sun
Colour shifts depending on light and water

Growth habit

Larger rosette than many small house aloes
Great for outdoor landscaping in hot climates

This aloe is a strong choice for people searching for colourful aloe vera varieties.

8) Spiral Aloe (Aloe polyphylla)

Spiral aloe is one of the most visually famous aloe species.

How to identify it

Perfect spiral leaf pattern
Symmetrical rosette form
Thick, pointed leaves

Important care note
This plant can be challenging. It prefers:

cool nights
excellent drainage
careful watering
stable growing conditions

In the UK, it’s usually grown in controlled conditions rather than as an easy windowsill plant.

9) Aloe ‘Christmas Carol’ (Hybrid)

This is a popular hybrid aloe, often grown for colour and leaf texture.

Visual features

Dark green leaves
Bright red edges and teeth
Compact rosette

Why it’s a favourite

Strong colour contrast
Ideal for succulent collections
Looks decorative year-round

Hybrids like this are part of why people search types of aloe vera plant varieties—they look like aloe vera but have different colours and patterns.

10) Aloe ‘Blue Elf’ (Compact Variety)

‘Blue Elf’ is a well-loved aloe variety for pots and patios.

Main traits

Blue-green leaves
Compact and tidy growth
Orange flowers with maturity

This is a great option for UK indoor growers or USA apartment gardeners who want types of aloe plants that stay manageable.

Larger Aloe Plants (Tree-Like or Landscape Types)

Not all aloes are small. Some become very large and are more common outdoors.

11) Aloe Ferox (Aloe ferox) – Cape Aloe

Aloe ferox is a strong, bold aloe species that forms a tall structure over time.

Features

Thick trunk as it matures
Large rosette
Spiny leaf edges
Tall flower spikes

Where it grows best

Outdoor landscapes in warm states (USA)
Conservatories or greenhouses in cooler climates (UK)

It’s often compared with aloe vera due to gel use in traditional applications, but it’s a different species.

12) Aloe Arborescens (Aloe arborescens) – Candelabra Aloe

This aloe grows in branching clumps and looks more like a shrub.

Key characteristics

Multiple stems
Curved narrow leaves
Bright red-orange flowers in winter/spring

Why it matters
It’s one of the most important ornamental aloe species used in:

drought-tolerant gardens
slope stabilisation
pollinator-friendly landscapes (where climate allows)

13) Aloe Dichotoma – Quiver Tree

This is one of the most iconic tall aloes, although it is not commonly grown as a houseplant.

What makes it special

Tree form with branching trunk
Smooth bark
Tight rosettes at the branch tips

This type is usually found in botanical collections and warm-climate landscapes rather than typical home gardens.

Rare and Unusual Aloe Plant Varieties for Collectors

Some aloe species are less common but are popular in succulent communities across the USA and UK.

14) Aloe Peglerae

Aloe peglerae is known for tight rosettes and beautiful symmetry.

Look

Compact size
Rosette shape close to the ground
Leaf tips may curl inward slightly
Often shows red or pink tones under strong light

This one is prized for its neat form and is often featured in “rare aloe plant varieties” lists.

15) Aloe Descoingsii (Mini Aloe)

If you want truly small types of aloe plants, this is a miniature option.

Traits

Tiny rosettes
Spotted leaves
Clumps easily

It’s perfect for:

small pots
terrariums (open-style only, not humid closed ones)
collectors who love miniature succulents

16) Aloe Rauhii (‘Snowflake Aloe’)

This is sometimes called Snowflake Aloe because of its white leaf pattern.

How it looks

Dark green leaf base
Bright white speckling
Compact shape

It’s often grown as an ornamental indoor succulent in the UK and USA.

How to Identify Different Types of Aloe Plants

Many aloe plants look similar at first, especially when they are young. Here are simple ways to tell aloe varieties apart.

1) Leaf shape

Wide, thick leaves: often aloe vera or larger species
Thin, pointed leaves: lace aloe, compact hybrids
Stacked leaves: tiger tooth types

2) Leaf markings

Plain green: common aloe vera forms
White speckles: soap aloe, rauhii types
Raised bumps: hedgehog aloe, lace aloe

3) Colour changes

Many aloe species “blush” when exposed to strong sunlight:

green → red/orange
blue-green → pinkish tones

This is not always a sign of poor health. It’s often a natural stress colouration in succulents.

4) Offsets (pups)

Some varieties produce pups freely:

aloe vera
lace aloe
many clumping hybrids

Others stay solitary longer and are slower to spread.

Aloe Vera Varieties vs Aloe Species: What’s the Difference?

People often search for types of aloe vera plants when they actually mean any aloe suitable for home growing.

Here’s a clear way to understand the terms:

Aloe vera varieties often means different forms of aloe vera sold commercially.
Aloe species are different aloes like Aloe ferox, Aloe aristata, or Aloe maculata.
Hybrids/cultivars are cross-bred plants like ‘Christmas Carol’ or ‘Blue Elf’.

From a practical home-growing perspective, many of these have similar care needs, which is why they get grouped together online.

Best Types of Aloe Plants for Indoors (UK and USA Homes)

If you are choosing aloe plant varieties for indoor growing, look for these traits:

compact growth
tolerance of lower sunlight
easy watering needs

Great indoor-friendly picks include:

Aloe vera
Lace aloe (Aloe aristata)
Tiger tooth aloe (Aloe juvenna)
Aloe ‘Blue Elf’
Aloe rauhii

These types handle container life well and can stay attractive even in smaller spaces.

Best Types of Aloe for Outdoor Growing (Warmer USA Areas)

For outdoor landscapes and drought-tolerant planting, larger and tougher species are often better than standard aloe vera.

Popular outdoor options include:

Soap aloe (Aloe maculata)
Aloe arborescens
Aloe ferox
Red aloe (Aloe cameronii)
Short-leaf aloe (Aloe brevifolia)

In the USA, these are commonly used in low-water gardens, desert landscaping, and sunny borders.

Common Aloe Plant Problems (Across Most Varieties)

Even though aloe plants are low-maintenance, they can still struggle if conditions are wrong.

Overwatering

The most common issue with all types of aloe plants is too much water. Signs include:

mushy leaves
blackened base
leaf drop
unpleasant smell from soil

Poor drainage

Aloe needs air around its roots. Without drainage, root rot becomes likely, especially in cooler UK homes during winter.

Low light

Aloe plants may stretch or become pale if they don’t get enough light:

longer weak leaves
rosette opens too much
slower growth

Cold stress

Most aloe plant varieties dislike frost. In the UK, aloe is typically grown indoors or brought inside when temperatures fall.

Indoor Aloe Plant Care Basics (Simple and Reliable)

Although this article isn’t a “how-to guide,” it’s helpful to know what conditions suit most aloe vera varieties.

Light

bright light is best
a south-facing window works well in many UK/USA homes

Soil

cactus/succulent mix
gritty, fast-draining texture

Water

allow soil to dry before watering again
water less in winter

Pot choice

pots with drainage holes are ideal
terracotta helps soil dry faster

These basics apply to most types of aloe plant grown indoors.

Aloe Plants and Flowers: What to Expect

Many people don’t realise aloe plants can flower.

Aloe flowers usually appear as:

tall spikes
tubular blooms
orange, yellow, or red colours

Flowering depends on:

plant maturity
light levels
seasonal patterns
stable care

Some varieties are more likely to bloom than others, such as:

lace aloe
soap aloe
aloe arborescens

Quick List: Aloe Plant Varieties by Appearance

Here’s a simple way to group common types of aloe plants:

Smooth green aloe types

Aloe vera
Aloe ferox (larger, spiny)

Spotted aloe types

Aloe maculata
Aloe rauhii
Aloe descoingsii

Compact, textured aloe types

Aloe aristata
Aloe humilis
Aloe ‘Christmas Carol’

Colour-changing aloe types

Aloe cameronii
Aloe brevifolia (pink tones)

Tall and tree-like aloes

Aloe dichotoma
Aloe arborescens

Choosing the Right Aloe for Your Space

With so many types of aloe vera plants and aloe species available, the best choice depends on where you plan to grow it.

If you want a classic windowsill plant, aloe vera is still a top option. If you want something decorative and compact, lace aloe or a colourful hybrid is often a better fit. For outdoor growing in warmer parts of the USA, larger landscape aloes can deliver structure, texture, and drought resistance.

No matter which aloe plant varieties you choose, they all share a similar charm: bold leaves, easy care, and the ability to thrive with minimal attention. That’s exactly why aloe remains one of the most popular succulents for homes and gardens in both the UK and USA.