Aloe Succulent Plants - identification chart

Aloe is spiky and fleshy-leaved, grown mainly for the foliage effects of the speckled, splashed, and spotted leaves with typical soft teeth along the edges of them

In the right conditions, they’ll surprise you with their flowers which form on an excessively long stalk.

They generally bloom at the same time every year, once they reach blooming size.

Plant these reliable plants in combination in a great patio container such as a strawberry pot, or singly in terracotta pots so you can mix and match the textures and colors.

These plants are not generally cold-hardy, so need to be kept indoors in the winter. Hold off on the water to let them toughen up, and, as usual, check for any pests that may be hitchhiking on them if they’ve been outdoors for the summer.

They require bright light for the winter months, in either a sunny window or under fluorescent grow lights on a timer. Sunny windows, unless you’re near the equator, won’t be enough to keep them happy.

Outside for the summer months, they’ll love full sun on your patio or deck but don’t mind a bit of shade in the afternoon.

Get ready to be swarmed by hummingbirds if you’re lucky enough to have them bloom as they’re one of the best plants for hummingbirds.

Use well-drained soil (cactus soil is best), and water thoroughly but infrequently, even less in winter.

Don’t let them sit in a saucer of water – ever!

With their fleshy roots, they have no defense against excess moisture.

Water with lukewarm (tempered) water, preferable rainwater, allow it to percolate through the soil, water again, and let it drain out the bottom of the pot.

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