40 gardener saves
Aloe: the varieties gardeners actually grow
We track 12 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Aloe varieties
Of 12 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedAloe Black Gem
Aloe Aloe black gem
#2 most savedCompton's Aloe
Aloe comptonii
#3 most savedCooper's Aloe
Aloe cooperi
Safari Rose Aloe
Aloe vera 'Safari Rose'
Coral Aloe
Aloe striata
Tilt-Head Aloe
Aloe speciosa 'Tilt-Head Aloe'
Wickens' Aloe
Aloe wickensii
Mountain Aloe
Aloe marlothii 'Flat Flowered Aloe'
Fence Aloe
Aloe tenuior 'Fence Aloe'
Black Gem Aloe
Aloe aethiopica 'Black Gem'
Spiral Aloe
Aloe polyphylla
Hardy Aloe
Aloe striatula
How to grow Aloe
What the Aloe varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 12 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Aloe year
- FertilizeApril and June100% of varieties
Apply diluted, low-nitrogen succulent fertilizer monthly during active growth.
- Winter PrepSeptember and October100% of varieties
Move containerized plant indoors before temperatures drop below 35°F.
- PlantMarch–May92% of varieties
Repot container specimens every 2-3 years in spring using well-draining mix.
- Check for PestsMay–September58% of varieties
Monitor for mealybugs and scale, especially before moving indoors.
- PruneFebruary, March and September33% of varieties
Remove spent flower stalks and any dead or damaged lower leaves.
- DeadheadApril and May33% of varieties
Cut spent flower stalks near the base once blooming is complete
Do
- Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Apply cactus fertilizer during the growing season
- Protect from frost by bringing indoors in colder months
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight for healthy growth
- Water only when soil is completely dry
Avoid
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Expose to frost or freezing temperatures
- Avoid using heavy, clay soils that retain moisture
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Aloe
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses on leaves and stems | Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted new growth | Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. |
| Scale insects | Hard, brown or black bumps on plant surface | Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage, reduce watering, and remove affected parts. |
| Root Rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage, reduce watering, and repot if needed |
| Fungal leaf spots | Dark spots on leaves | Apply a fungicide and avoid overhead watering |
Making more Aloe
Offsets
- Remove offsets from the mother plant (2 weeks)
- Allow offsets to callous over for 1–2 days
- Plant in well-draining soil
- Water lightly after planting
- Keep in bright, indirect sunlight for 2–4 weeks
Seeds
- Tuck seeds into moist, gritty soil (2 weeks)
- Maintain warmth and light for germination
- Keep soil barely moist during germination period
- Transplant seedlings once they are large enough
Aloe questions
How many types of Aloe are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 12 distinct Aloe varieties. The most popular — ranked by 40 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Aloe grow in?
Across its varieties, Aloe covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Aloe bloom?
Most Aloe varieties bloom in late winter to early spring, late winter to spring, late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Aloe should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
By hardiness zone
Related genera
Design with Aloe in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
