Aloe varieties are not only striking succulents but also some of the most rewarding plants to grow in containers.
While aloe vera is famous for its medicinal and cosmetic uses, there are many other aloe types with stunning shapes, colors, and patterns that make them perfect for decorating your home or garden.
These aloes adapt well to pots, require little care, and thrive with bright light and occasional watering. Each variety has its own charm; some display spiral rosettes, others turn fiery red in the sun, and many produce vibrant blooms that attract pollinators.
By choosing the right mix, you can create a collection that’s both beautiful and practical. Let’s explore the best aloe plants you can enjoy in containers.
#1 Lace Aloe (Aloe Aristata)
Lace Aloe shows off fleshy green leaves with raised white dots and spiny tips. It stays compact, reaching 6–10 inches, making it perfect for a tabletop pot.
Place it in bright indirect light and allow the soil to dry before watering. During late summer, you may see orange-red blooms that contrast beautifully with its patterned leaves.
#2 Red Aloe (Aloe Cameronii)
Red Aloe is prized for its copper-red foliage that deepens in full sun. This variety is slow-growing and does well with minimal watering.
Give it a terracotta container and keep it in a sunny spot for the richest color. Its dramatic hue brings warmth to patios and indoor corners alike.
#3 Cape Aloe (Aloe Ferox)
Cape Aloe is a tall, statuesque variety that can grow into a centerpiece plant outdoors in frost-free zones. Its fleshy leaves with spiny edges create strong architectural interest.
For containers, choose a large, sturdy pot to support its size. With full sun and little water, it develops tall spikes of fiery orange flowers.
#4 Guido Aloe (Aloe ‘Guido’)
Guido Aloe is a small hybrid that displays a rosette patterned in green and creamy-white. It thrives in decorative containers and makes a charming desk plant.
Place it where it gets plenty of light, and water sparingly to avoid root rot. Its neat growth habit and mottled leaves make it a favorite for modern interiors.
#5 Tiger Tooth Aloe (Aloe Juvenna)
Tiger Tooth Aloe is a clump-forming succulent with triangular leaves lined with tiny teeth. It stays small, so you can grow it in shallow pots on windowsills.
Bright sun keeps its foliage vibrant, sometimes flushing reddish tones. Its playful look makes it an eye-catching accent for small spaces.
#6 Tiger Aloe (Gonialoe Variegata)
Tiger Aloe features sword-shaped leaves marked with bold white bands, giving it a zebra-like pattern. It stays compact and grows well in small pots.
Bright, filtered sunlight enhances its markings, and occasional watering is all it needs. With its unique striping, it’s often used as a living piece of décor.
#7 Candelabra Aloe (Krantz Aloe) (Aloe Arborescens)
Candelabra Aloe is a shrub-like succulent that produces clusters of vivid red-orange flowers. It tolerates partial shade, making it versatile for patios and bright indoor corners.
Provide a deep pot and well-drained soil for steady growth. Its striking blooms often attract butterflies and hummingbirds outdoors.
#8 Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis)
Aloe Vera is the most popular of the genus, valued for both its soothing gel and ornamental appeal. It thrives in bright, indirect light and sandy soil.
Water lightly, letting the soil dry before the next soak. Keep a pot in your kitchen for both beauty and quick access to its medicinal leaves.
#9 Sunset Aloe (Aloe Dorotheae)
Sunset Aloe changes color dramatically with light. In shade, its leaves are green, but in full sun, they turn glossy red.
Small spikes line the leaf edges, and in winter, yellow-green flowers appear. Grow it in a sunny container and watch it transform into a living piece of art.
#10 Fan Aloe (Aloe Plicatilis)
Fan Aloe is unique for its fan-shaped leaves arranged in flat rows. It works well in large pots where its sculptural form can shine.
Place it in a warm spot with several hours of sunlight daily. In colder climates, move it indoors during winter to protect it from frost damage.
#11 Coral Aloe (Aloe Striata)
Coral Aloe stands out with smooth, toothless leaves that flush pink in strong sunlight. It remains evergreen and produces rosy-pink shades when grown outdoors in full sun.
Use a wide pot to highlight its broad rosettes. In spring, coral-pink flowers appear, adding even more charm.
#12 Short Leaf Aloe (Aloe Brevifolia)
Short Leaf Aloe forms tight rosettes of blue-green leaves that turn pinkish-red in full sun. It’s a hardy little plant, ideal for container displays or rock gardens.
Keep it in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. Its compact clusters look especially striking in shallow bowls.
#13 Soap Aloe (Aloe Maculata)
Soap Aloe produces bluish-green foliage with spotted patterns and blooms in bright coral-red. It grows year-round in part shade or full sun.
The plant is tough and adaptable, making it great for indoor pots or outdoor patios. Its sap was traditionally used as a natural soap, hence the name.
#14 Aloe Caesia (Aloe x Principis)
Aloe Caesia, a hybrid of Aloe ferox and Aloe arborescens, combines orderly growth with tall stature. It thrives in large pots under full sun.
Provide a sandy soil mix and occasional watering. Its bold foliage and upright form make it a statement plant for spacious patios.
#15 Spiral Aloe (Aloe Polyphylla)
Spiral Aloe is one of the most fascinating varieties, with leaves forming a perfect spiral pattern. It requires cool conditions and excellent drainage, so use a gritty soil mix in pots.
Place it in partial sun and avoid waterlogging. Its mesmerizing design makes it a collector’s favorite.
#16 Somalian Aloe (Aloe Somaliensis)
Somalian Aloe has mottled green and white leaves with serrated edges. In summer, it produces red-pink tubular flowers that attract pollinators.
For best results, give it bright sunlight and occasional watering. Its patterned foliage brings a wild, exotic look to your container collection.
#17 Aloe Descoingsii (Aloe Descoingsii)
This miniature aloe produces tiny rosettes with dark green, white-spotted leaves. It’s perfect for terrariums or small decorative pots.
Place it in bright but indirect light and water sparingly. In spring and summer, it delights with yellow-orange flowers despite its small size.
#18 Crosby’s Prolific (Aloe ‘Crosby’s Prolific’)
Crosby’s Prolific is a compact hybrid with green leaves speckled in white, often flushing red in the sun. It’s excellent for beginners, as it grows easily in small containers.
Keep it in a sunny window or balcony. Its petite size and bold colors make it ideal for mixed succulent displays.
#19 Aloe Capitata (Aloe Capitata var. Quartziticola)
Aloe Capitata produces fleshy leaves splashed with bluish-pink shades that intensify in full sun. Sharp red-edged teeth line its margins.
Plant it in a wide, shallow pot and give it plenty of light. In bloom, it offers bell-shaped flowers in striking orange hues.
#20 Spider Aloe (Aloe Humilis)
Spider Aloe grows low to the ground with dense rosettes covered in white spines. It stays small and looks fantastic grouped in wide bowls.
It thrives in bright light with minimal watering. When in bloom, it sends up clusters of orange, red, or yellow flowers.
#21 Carmine Aloe (Aloe ‘Carmine‘)
Carmine Aloe displays dark green leaves edged with orange-red teeth. The color deepens in sunlight, creating a dramatic look.
Plant it in a decorative container for contrast against neutral backdrops. With minimal care, it will brighten your home with its bold tones.
