About Aloes
There are dozens of species of Aloe, from tall trees to dwarf cultivars.
Aloes typically have juicy, triangular leaves that form starfish-like rosettes. Some are smooth, others toothed and prickled. Such spiky protrusions, like hardened wax, are seldom dangerous.
Flowering
Most of the 100+ aloe photos in the gallery below show the plants in gardens and in bloom. Aloes’ tall, vivid flowers are a significant reason to grow these succulents from South Africa. Aloes bloom mainly in winter, but there’s at least one variety in bloom at any time of the year.
The inflorescence (bloom spike) of an aloe consists of numerous tubular flowers that open from the base upward. All shades of red and orange predominate; yellow, cream and pink are less common.
Growing Conditions
Aloes, in general, need well-draining soil. They like regular water but are in danger of rot if overwatered.
Aloe mite on Aloe arborescens 'Variegata'
Pests & Problems
The plants are relatively pest-free, but aloe mite, which causes bumpy, cancerous growth, is a problem in some areas. Should signs of mite appear, don’t let it spread. Cut out the diseased tissue and bag it for the trash.
In the landscape
Most of the aloes shown here I found in Southern CA, but not all are readily available. For those most often used by landscape professionals, see Aloe Superstars: A Landscape Designer’s Favorites.
Resources
Where to Find Aloes
If you're in Southern CA, see my list of succulent nurseries and destinations.
Online:
Videos
See Debra's Aloe Playlist on YouTube
How to Grow Tree Aloes (3:50)
Grow a Terrific Red Succulent: Aloe cameronii (3:01)
Spectacular Aloes in Flower at Desert Theater (3:18)
How to Harvest Aloe Gel and Why You Should Grow Aloe Vera (3:43)
Hannah Jarson's Aloe Eden (4:33)
Aloes in Hybridizer Kelly Griffin's Own Garden (4:47)
Patrick Anderson's Garden: It All Started with Aloes (6:07)
Grow Aloe Ferox! (1:33)
On this site
Which Aloes Are Best for Your Garden?
Midwinter Succulent Show: Big Aloes in Bloom
Books
For more information, see the Aloe sections of my books Succulents Simplified and Designing with Succulents.
Aloe Photo Gallery
Aloes hybridize readily, which can make them tricky to identify. If you disagree with any of my IDs, kindly let me know. Thanks! -- Debra
Aloe aculeata
Aloe acutissima
Aloe alooides
Aloe arborescens 'Lutea'
Aloe arborescens, variegated
Aloe aristata
Aloe arborescens
Aloe barberae (A. bainesii, Aloidendron barbarae)
Aloidendron bainesii (Aloe barberae)
Aloe 'Blizzard'
Aloe 'Blue Elf'
Aloe brevifolia
Aloe 'Bronze Beauty'
Aloe buhrii
Aloe cameronii
Aloe camperi
Aloe 'Carmine' KG
Aloe castanea (cat's tail aloe)
Aloe chabaudii
Aloe ciliaris
Aloe congolensis
Aloe 'Crosby's Prolific'
Aloe cryptopoda
Aloe x 'David's Ladder'
Aloe dawei
Aloe 'Delta Lights'
Aloidendron dichotomum (Aloe dichotoma)
Aloe distans
Aloe 'Doran Black'
Aloe dorotheae
Aloe elgonica
Aloe erinacea
Aloe excelsa
Aloe ferox
Aloe ferox, stressed
Aloe 'Fire Ranch'
Aloe 'Firefly'
Aloe 'Firebird'
Aloe 'Flame Thrower'
Aloe 'Freckles'
Aloe glauca
Aloe hemmingii (A. harlana), mosaic aloe
Aloe 'Hercules'
Aloe hereroensis
Aloe hildebrandtii
Aloe humilis
Aloe juvenna
Aloe karasbergensis
Aloe 'Kelly Blue'
Aloe 'Kelly Griffin'
Aloe linearis
Aloe marlothii in bloom flanks Aloe ferox not in bloom.
Aloe maculata (soap aloe)
Aloe marlothii, stressed
Aloe marlothii
Aloe melanacantha
Aloe microstigma
Aloe mitriformis
Aloe 'Moondance'
Aloe mutabilis hybrid
Aloe nobilis, variegated
Aloe nobilis
Aloe pearsonii
Aloe petricola
Aloidendron pillansii (Aloe pillansii)
Aloe 'Pink'
Aloe 'Pink Blush'
Aloe plicatilis
Aloe pluridens
Aloe polyphylla (sprial aloe)
Aloe porphyrostachys
Aloidendron ramosissimum
Aloe 'Rooikappie' ('Little Gem', A. rudikoppe)
Aloe rupestris (bottlebrush aloe)
Aloidendron sabaeum
Aloe sinkatana
Aloe speciosa (tilt-head aloe)
Aloe spectabilis
Aloe x spinosissima
Aloe striata (Coral aloe)
Aloe striata hybrid
Aloe striatula
Aloe suprafoliata
Aloe tenuoir
Aloe thraskii
Aloe tomentosa
Aloe transvaalensis
Aloe vanbalenii
Aloe vaombe
Aloe variegata (partridge breast aloe)
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe zanzibarica
Aloe zebrina
Related Info on this site
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Types of Succulents from Aeonium to Zebra Plant, Photos & IDs
Debra’s Dozen Easy-Grow Succulent Plants for Beginners
Trying to make sense out of succulents? There are numerous varieties, but these are the most common succulents and those you’ll likely run across. Enjoy growing and discovering these fascinating “plants that drink responsibly!”
Dwarf Aloes Perfect for Pots
If you’re into aloes, you’re probably aware of highly collectible Kelly Griffin hybrids. Kelly, a premier plant breeder, is responsible for dozens of cultivars in the commercial marketplace. Naturally he has a following