Introduction
There are many different aloe types, so it can be hard to choose which to grow.
As a result, the growers at Sun Spot Nursery have taken into consideration dozens of species and narrowed down the list to a handful of awesome plants.
Each type of aloe has its own benefits and uses. Some are medicinal, others have unique patterns, and all of them look amazing.
Here are four one-of-a-kind aloe plants to choose from with brief overview and care guides.
Click on their images or the included links to find out more about each variety.
Aloe Vera
The Classic Variety
Aloe vera is probably the first succulent people find and start to grow at home, and for good reasons.
These plants are particularly hardy and withstand a wide range of conditions.
Additionally, they produce a gel used to sooth sunburns, sterilize cuts, and as an antioxidant found in foods and drinks.
Description:
Aloe vera is short-stemmed and grows thick and fleshy leaves that spiral out from the center.
The leaves have tooth-like spines running along their edges. Unlike some varieties, this aloe type has smaller and less sharp spikes.
Most plants are light green to grey-green in color and dotted with white spots along the leaves.
General Care Instruction:
Similar to most succulents, Aloe vera prefers warm temperatures and little water.
Specifically, they thrive in temperatures around 70°F (21°C) and like to be watered once every week or so.
However, they will tolerate cooler and warmer temperatures. They can also survive extended periods of drought as long as they don’t get too hot.
Also, these plants do well in just about any cactus soil and do not need fertilizer to grow.
They should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Just make sure they have good drainage and replace the soil every year or two and they will happy grow anywhere with enough sun.
For more care information on Aloe vera, visit our webpage: Aloe Vera Plant Care Guide
Blizzard Aloe
The Snowy (looking) Variety
Out of all the aloe types listed here, blizzard aloe is the most unique and probably the most difficult to come across.
Its appearance resembles a snowy evergreen tree and looks like it should grow on another planet.
Description:
Blizzard aloe has the same basic shape as aloe vera and other varieties.
It has thick fleshy leaves that spiral out of the center and grows low to the ground.
The plant has a white-green color and is banded with deep-green stripes that run horizontal cross the leaves.
Additionally, the skin of the leaves it less smooth than other aloes and has a scaly texture.
Also, blizzard aloe does not have large spikes and instead has thin paper-like ridges along its leaves.
General Care Instruction:
Similar to other aloe types, blizzard aloe thrives in warm and dry conditions.
However, this variety is a little more fragile than others and needs more attentive care.
These succulents do best in temperatures around 70°F (21°C) and need water once every 1 to 2 weeks.
Make sure they have plenty of drainage and do not sit in water or they will rot. It’s always best to keep this variety on the dry side if possible.
They require a fast draining cactus soil and do not need fertilizer, although it will help them grow if used sparingly during the spring.
Lastly, provide them with 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
They also do fine in areas with bright, indirect sunlight for most of the day. Partial shade is also acceptable.
Additionally, blizzard aloe is prone to sunburn because of its white-light greenish flesh.
This plant also photosynthesizes less than other varieties because it has less chloroplasts (which is why they aren’t as green). This results in slower growth and a higher risk of sunburn.
Above all, keep a close eye on this aloe type and be careful introducing too much light.
For more care information on Blizzard aloe, visit our webpage: Blizzard Aloe Variety Care Guide
Tiger Tooth Aloe
The Spiky Variety
Out of all the aloes types we are covering, this variety has the largest spikes and more aggressive appearance.
It resembles aloe vera but has larger spines and grows taller rather than wider.
Description:
Tiger tooth aloe is scientifically known as Aloe juvenna and is an entirely different species than aloe vera.
It grows upwards like a column and looks like spiny stars stacked ontop of eachother.
The plant’s leaves are usually shorter and thicker than other aloes, and they are lined with large backwards-pointing spikes.
Aloe juvenna has similar colors to aloe vera. It’s usually a light or deep green with white spots scattered along the plant.
General Care Instruction:
This succulents are no different from the others on this list, and they prefer warm and dry temperatures all year.
Keep them around 70°F (21°C) and give them water once every 1 to 2 weeks.
As with other aloe types, they need a lot of drainage and cannot sit in water. Make sure pots have drainage holes.
Additionally, try to use a cactus/citrus soil mix if possible.
They do not need fertilizer to grow, but it can help boost new growth if used sparingly during the spring.
Aim for giving them 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Bright indirect light can work as well.
Don’t forget to change the soil once every year or two. Watch the plant closely to make sure it doesn’t receive too much light and become sunburned.
For more care information on Tiger tooth aloe, visit our webpage: Tiger Tooth Aloe Care Guide
Aloe Variegata
The smooth variety
Unlike most aloe types, aloe variegata is smooth and does not have spines.
They reach a similar size and shape of most other aloes and enjoy the same environments.
Description:
Aloe variegata isn’t like the other aloes on this list. It’s actually in a different genus of plants and its scientific name is Gonialoe varigata.
This genus only has three species, and all of them are pretty similar in appearance and care.
However, aloe variegata thrives in conditions similar to other aloes anyway.
This plant does not have any spikes on its leaves, and the leaves themselves grow shorter and thicker than other species.
It has a green color with white spots, although some plants are lined with yellow or white edges on the leaves.
General Care Instruction:
Similar to the other aloe types listen, aloe variegata enjoys the same warm and dry environments.
They thrive in temperatures at and around 70°F (21°C).
They should be watered once every 1 to 2 weeks.
Make sure the succulents have enough drainage and use a cactus/citrus potting mix to ensure healthy growth.
As with the other plants on this list, aloe variegata does not need fertilizer to survive. However, it can help them grow or even flower if used in the spring.
Give plants a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Always change out soil once every year or two.
For more care information on Aloe variegata, visit our webpage: Aloe Variegata Care Guide
Other Notes:
If you’re interested in purchasing some of these varieties or others, they can be found from sellers on Amazon.