Aloe is a genus of about 550 species of flowering succulent plants in the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Asphodeloideae.
The plants are native to Africa, and are found from Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, north through Africa, Arabia and India, to Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and northern Australia.
Various aloe species have been widely used as a medicinal herb since ancient times. It is said to be one of the first natural plants from which medicine was made in Pakistan and Egypt.
The most familiar member of this genus is Aloe vera, or “true aloe” although there are many other members that are cultivated as houseplants or outdoor bedding plants in warmer climates.
Are you ready to grow your own? Find growing and care guides for various aloe species down below. Happy gardening!
Have you ever wanted to grow your own aloe vera? This versatile succulent is easy to grow on a sunny windowsill in your home. With your own aloe vera plant you’ll always have first aid on hand for minor burns and bug bites. Learn everything you need to know to grow and care for aloe vera indoors in this guide.
Aloe vera adds natural beauty to the home, offering medicinal properties as an added benefit for healing cuts and scrapes. But did you know there are many different species and cultivars of aloe? Discover 13 of the best aloe varieties to add to your houseplant collection or succulent garden in this guide. Read more now.
Small aloe plants make gorgeous, low-maintenance houseplants, while larger species are popular in water-wise gardens. Did you know that there are hundreds of species, some ideal for cultivating indoors and others suitable for landscapes? Learn about the different types of aloe, and discover which will best suit your needs.
Whether you’ve noticed new developments on an aloe plant or you’re interested in knowing more before you buy one, you may be asking – do aloe plants bloom? Learn all about the flowering process of these plants, how to nurture aloe to encourage blooming, and how to care for plants during and after flowering. Read more.
Tiger aloe is a compact succulent that offers enormous appeal. Learn how to bring it home as a houseplant where it’ll thrive on neglect while still offering beautiful color and an interesting pattern. Or, make it part of a xeriscape where it can spread and fill in a bed or planter. We’ve got the details that you need.
Get serious about succulents and learn the difference between agave and aloe. Don’t let their resemblance fool you anymore! After reading about them individually and discovering their notable differences, it’s simple to tell these stunning drought-tolerant plants apart – and they make a fantastic pair in the garden.
For inexpensive succulent houseplants that grow quickly and are easy to care for, learn to root aloe vera cuttings from single leaves or divide pups from parent plants. The gel from the leaves soothes burns, and the starts you propagate make great gifts for indoor gardeners. Learn how to propagate aloe in this guide.
Aloe vera is an easy-to-grow succulent plant that thrives outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11. It makes an ideal addition to a xeriscape, foundation planting, or window box. If you’re ready to add spiky interest to your garden, learn how to plant and grow aloe out in the garden in this guide. Read more now.
Christmas Carol aloe has green leaves with red accents and is shaped like a star. This easygoing succulent is also suitable for growing outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11. Use the leaves to soothe minor burns, or let it shine as part of your festive holiday decor. Learn how to care for Christmas Carol aloe now.