Aloe species: overview of the most beautiful species

Most people know that above all Aloe vera as a representative of the aloes. We show you an overview of other beautiful aloe species.

The genus of aloe consists of many more species than just that Aloe vera. We'll tell you how many species there are and give you a brief overview of some of the most beautiful aloe species.

Aloe species: how many aloes are there?

The aloe genus includes over 500 species of plants. But how can you determine the type of aloe? As a rule, they can be easily distinguished by optical characteristics such as leaf color and shape, toothing of the leaves, height of growth or by their flowers. The species can be roughly divided into three groups: the tree aloes, the shrub aloes and the stemless aloes. In principle, all types of aloe can be cultivated as houseplants, the right location conditions, sufficient space and the right care are crucial. The right substrate is also a prerequisite for healthy growth. Since all species belong to the succulents, there are small peculiarities when watering and fertilizing aloes.

Aloe species: overview of the most beautiful species

The variety of aloe species is almost limitless. The spectrum ranges from dwarf forms to high-growing tree aloe species, as well as color variations of the leaves. We present you the most beautiful species in a short overview.

1. Aloe vera

The best-known representative of the aloe genus is the Aloe vera. "La vera" means "the real one", which is why it is also called real aloe. From a botanical point of view, the name is too Aloe barbadensis correct, but could hardly prevail. The leaves of the Aloe vera Plant species are around 30 to 40 cm long, while the inflorescence can be up to 90 cm high. It forms showy yellow to orange flowers. Are you interested in the origin, properties or use of the Aloe vera? You can find information on this in our special article on Real aloe.

2. Aloe arborescens

the Aloe arborescens is also often referred to as Eternal Aloe because it can get very old and up to two meters high. It belongs to the group of tree aloe species and forms several, glabrous pseudo-trunks with rosettes of leaves at the ends. The leaves are noticeably serrated on the edge. When it comes to bloom, an inflorescence is formed from the heart of the leaf rosette, which is crowned by scarlet flowers. the Aloe arborescens is less common than that Aloe vera, but is still one of the most beautiful types of aloe. After three years at the latest, side rungs are formed through which the Aloe arborescens spread. What is special is that the Aloe arborescens is tolerant of short freezing temperatures. Similar to that Aloe vera it is one of the types of aloe with healing properties. the Aloe arborescens can relieve itching when applied to the skin. The consumption of the ornamental plants is not recommended by the medical side, as their harmlessness depends on the correct processing.
The Miller ’variety, which is characterized by its striking, bright red inflorescence, is particularly widespread.

Tip: Aloes belong to the monocotyledons - the monocotyledonous plants - therefore a stem formation in the classical sense is not possible. For some species, however, a false stem is formed from old leaf sheaths.

3. Aloe aristata

the Aloe aristata is also called spherical aloe because of its growth. The dwarf form grows completely stemless and forms up to 15 cm long leaves with a conspicuous, white edge toothing. In late spring the Aloe aristata an orange bloom. Older plants produce numerous side shoots, so-called kindels, for reproduction. Like some other species of aloe, this is Aloe aristata toxic and has no health-promoting effect. The well-known varieties include ‘Cosmo’ and ‘Magic’.

4. Aloe polyphylla

Because of the spirally arranged leaves, the Aloe polyphylla also called spiral aloe. The short, oval-elongated leaves taper towards a point and are arranged in five rows that spiral in the same direction. The tip of the leaf is often particularly noticeable because of its purple color. Older ones Aloe polyphyllaPlants form a distinctive rosette, which is not yet so clearly recognizable in younger plants. The sap of the Aloe polyphylla is poisonous and should therefore not be applied to the skin or consumed.

5. Aloe ferox

the Aloe ferox originally from South Africa, which gave it the name Cape Aloe. The tree aloe species is also called wild aloe and can form a false trunk up to three meters high. The dull green, sometimes reddish, spreading leaves are up to 100 cm long. Its wrinkled edges are lined with brown, hard teeth. As Aloe vera also, has the Aloe ferox a healing effect on skin problems. It is often used for the production of aloe juice because it forms a lot of gel in its thick-fleshed leaves. Its flower cluster grows up to 130 cm high and forms showy, bright red or orange flowers.

6. Aloe variegata

One of the most beautiful dwarf aloes is that Aloe variegata, which is also called tiger aloe because of its piebald leaves. It grows only 10 to 15 cm high and forms lanceolate, toothless leaves on a small trunk. With increasing age, the leaves curl up a little. The striking, irregular drawing with white transverse bands on the leaves is the distinguishing feature of the Aloe variegata. Particularly beautiful is the red flower formed by young plants, which grows on an inflorescence that is up to 40 cm long. the Aloe variegata is also one of the poisonous aloe species. A popular variety is, for example Aloe variegata 'Magic'.

tip: Only with sufficient nutrients is it possible for the plant to form healthy and strong leaves. A high-quality green plant fertilizer such as ours is suitable for this Plantura organic indoor and green plant fertilizer. Our organic liquid fertilizer contains microorganisms that promote root formation and nutrient uptake, and does not contain any animal ingredients.

7. Aloe mitriformis

Aloe mitriformis Although it is one of the small-stature aloe species, it can develop a false trunk up to two meters long that only grows lying down. Its 20 cm long leaves have noticeable teeth on the leaf edge and can be colored red towards the tip. the Aloe mitriformis forms a small rosette of leaves. In good location conditions, it bears small, scarlet flowers. The juice of the Aloe mitriformis has a positive effect on skin problems.

8. Aloe plicatilis

The is one of the largest types of aloe Aloe plicatiliswhose pseudo trunk can grow up to five meters high and forms a branched crown. Several false trunks can be formed at the same time. As well as that Aloe ferox she comes from South Africa. Because of its expansive, fan-like growth, it is also called the fan aloe. The leaves are very slender in relation to the size of the plant and usually have no teeth on the edge. The inflorescence of the Aloe plicatilis grows up to 50 cm high and forms bright red flowers. Because of the substances contained in the milk sap, the Aloe plicatilis poisonous.

9. Aloe aculeata

the Aloe aculeata is a stemless Aloe species, the leaves of which are arranged in a large rosette of leaves. The up to 60 cm long, thickly fleshed leaves form conspicuous, often red teeth on the leaf edges and spines on the leaf surface. The name "aculeata" comes from Latin and means "prickly". A special feature of the Aloe aculeata is the lemon-yellow flower that grows at the end of an inflorescence that is up to 100 cm high. The most famous variety of the Aloe aculeata is the ‘Jurassic Dragon’.

Are you looking for other, domestic or exotic, evergreen plants for the garden? Then also read our article on popular evergreen and hardy shrubs and trees.