Aloe is a genus of more than 500 succulent species in the Asphodelaceae, according to NC State Extension. Most form rosettes of thick leaves, spread by offsets and range from small succulents to tree forms. Aloe vera is the best known, but it is not the only one that does well on a sunny windowsill.

Some popular “aloes” have new botanical names. Molecular studies split several species out of Aloe, and SANBI and the RHS now list them under Aristaloe, Gonialoe and Kumara. They are still sold as aloes, and their care is the same.

8 indoor aloes at a glance

Descriptions are from NC State Extension, SANBI (PlantZAfrica) and the RHS. Sizes are given where the source gives them.

AloeLeafSizeLightNotes
Aloe veraThick, grey-green, small white teeth, up to 45 cm (18 in) longSpreads by offsetsFull sun to partial shadeThe medicinal aloe; RHS Award of Garden Merit
Aloe ‘Delta Lights’Wide, grey, white-striped; may turn pinkish in bright lightSmall hybridFull sun or very bright indirectListed by NC State
Aloe ‘Minnie Belle’Dark green, spotted, lance-shaped, white teethRosette-formingFull sun or very bright indirectListed by NC State
Aloe arborescens (krantz or candelabra aloe)Grey-green rosettes with conspicuous pale teethMulti-headed shrub, 2–3 m (6.5–10 ft) in the wildFull sunFast-growing; the largest here
Aloe juvenna (tiger tooth aloe)Green, toothed, white-flecked, in starry rows around the stems10–50 cm (4–20 in)Full sunBranching, mound-forming
Aristaloe aristata (lace aloe; syn. Aloe aristata)Lance-shaped, white-spotted, tipped with a soft white spineSmall: to 20 cm (8 in)Full sunOrange-red flowers in autumn
Gonialoe variegata (partridge-breast aloe; formerly Aloe variegata)V-shaped in section, three ranks, white bands, no spinesDwarf: up to 25 cm (10 in)Partial shade in the wildRots easily if overwatered
Kumara plicatilis (fan aloe; formerly Aloe plicatilis)Grey-green straps about 30 cm (12 in) long, in flat fansShrub or small tree, 3–5 m (10–16 ft) in the wildSun, but cool and airySlow-growing

Aloe vera and its hybrids

NC State describes Aloe vera as an evergreen succulent native to the Arabian Peninsula. Its thick leaves grow in a rosette, reach up to 45 cm (18 in) long and have a margin of small white teeth. Once a plant is at least three years old, it can send up a flower stalk of orange to yellowish tubular flowers. It spreads by offsets, which is the easiest way to propagate it.

NC State lists two compact hybrids:

  • ‘Delta Lights’: a small hybrid with wide grey leaves and white stripes that may turn pinkish in bright light.
  • ‘Minnie Belle’: dark green, spotted, lance-shaped leaves with white teeth.

If your aloe vera turns red or orange, see why aloe vera turns red. If it stretches and leans, see aloe vera etiolation. Our aloe vera hub collects the rest.

Aloe arborescens (krantz aloe)

SANBI describes the krantz aloe as a multi-headed shrub 2–3 m (6.5–10 ft) tall, with grey-green rosettes and conspicuous pale teeth on the leaf edges. It flowers in winter, usually deep orange. It is fast-growing and enjoys full sun and well-drained soil.

At that size, it is the aloe here most likely to outgrow a pot. Give it the brightest spot you have, or a pot that summers outdoors. SANBI notes it propagates easily from a branch cutting left to dry for a day or so before planting, and that cuttings rot if watered too heavily. See Aloe arborescens vs aloe vera for how to tell the two apart.

Aloe juvenna (tiger tooth aloe)

The RHS describes Aloe juvenna as a branching, mound-forming succulent. Its fleshy green leaves have toothed margins and white flecks and are arranged in a starry pattern around the stems. In summer it carries tubular orange-red flowers on slender stalks to 25 cm (10 in).

The RHS gives it a height and spread of 10–50 cm (4–20 in), a full-sun position and a range in Kenya and Tanzania. Propagate it from stem cuttings or by division.

Lace aloe (Aristaloe aristata)

The RHS lists lace aloe as Aristaloe aristata, with Aloe aristata as a synonym. It is an evergreen to 20 cm (8 in) that forms rosettes of lance-shaped leaves spotted with white. Each leaf ends in a soft white spine. In autumn it sends up panicles to 50 cm (20 in) of orange-red flowers about 4 cm (1.5 in) long.

It comes from South Africa and Lesotho. The RHS suggests propagating it by separating offsets in spring or early summer and rooting them in cactus compost.

Partridge-breast aloe (Gonialoe variegata)

SANBI says this plant was previously called Aloe variegata. It is a dwarf, no more than 250 mm (10 in) tall, usually growing in small groups. The leaves are 150–200 mm (6–8 in) long, in three ranks, and V-shaped in cross-section. White spots form irregular bands across both surfaces. They have no spines, only small teeth on a white horny edge.

SANBI notes it has long been grown on windowsills in Europe and the UK. It also warns that it is adapted to arid conditions and is very easy to kill through overwatering and poor drainage. In drought the leaves can turn chocolate brown. Mature plants can attract scale and aphids.

Fan aloe (Kumara plicatilis)

SANBI says the fan aloe was previously known as Aloe plicatilis. Its grey-green, strap-shaped leaves, about 30 cm (12 in) long and 4 cm (1.5 in) wide, grow in two opposite rows that open like a fan. In the wild it becomes a branched shrub or small tree of 3–5 m (10–16 ft).

SANBI calls it an attractive pot plant. It needs a sunny but cool, breezy spot and well-drained soil. In a container, protect it from hot afternoon sun. It is slow-growing from seed but roots from branch cuttings.

Care that applies to every indoor aloe

From NC State Extension and the RHS:

  • Light: a south or west window. NC State says most aloes need at least 6 hours of sun and grow best in full sun or very bright, indirect light.
  • Moving outdoors: acclimatize gradually to partial sun first.
  • Water: let the mix dry between waterings, then water well and let it drain. Water less in winter; the RHS says very sparingly while dormant.
  • Mix and pot: a coarse, well-draining succulent or cactus mix in a pot with several drainage holes. NC State calls clay pots ideal. The RHS suggests peat-free cactus compost, or loam-based compost with added grit.
  • Feeding: the RHS suggests a general liquid fertiliser monthly from May to August.
  • Problems: NC State lists mealybugs, aphids, scale, leaf spot, aloe rust and sooty mould. Overwatering causes root rot.

When an aloe outgrows its pot, see aloe vera repotting stress before you move it.

Pets and people

The ASPCA lists aloe (Aloe vera) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Saponins and anthraquinones cause vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea. The ASPCA notes that the gel itself is considered edible. NC State lists the genus as low severity for people, with abdominal cramping and diarrhea if eaten and skin irritation from the latex. Our aloe latex guide explains the difference between gel and latex. Keep any aloe out of reach of pets.

References