Aloe Care: 4 Species for Beginners

A round-up of 4 Aloe varieties worth growing, with the key care difference between them.

These all belong to Aloe. They share a love of bright indirect light, with a little gentle morning or evening sun.

The Species

  • Aloe Vera (Aloe vera) -- Pups around the base are free plants -- separate in spring.
  • Lace Aloe (Aloe aristata) -- Soft white spots and toothed edges; very cold-hardy for an aloe.
  • Climbing Aloe (Aloe ciliaris) -- A vining aloe -- give it a small trellis or let it trail.
  • Soap Aloe (Aloe maculata) -- Spotted leaves; the sap lathers like soap when rubbed.

Shared Care

  • Light: bright indirect light, with a little gentle morning or evening sun.
  • Water: let the soil dry fully between drinks.
  • Soil: a gritty, free-draining mix and a pot with a drainage hole.
  • Propagate: mostly with a pup separated from the mother or an offset pup pulled from the base.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which is easiest to start with?

A:

The one whose look you like most -- they are all beginner-friendly.

Q: Can they share a pot?

A:

Yes, if they share the same light and water needs, which these do.

Q: Why are the leaves losing colour?

A:

Usually too little light; move them somewhere brighter.

Collecting a genus is a fun way to learn one plant family deeply. Pair your favourites with the light calculator to place them well.