Succulents That Look Like Aloe

If you love the look of aloe vera but want to expand your plant collection, there are many wonderful succulents that look like aloe. These plants offer similar spiky, architectural forms and are often just as easy to care for, giving you more variety without sacrificing that classic aesthetic you enjoy.

This group of plants shares traits like rosette shapes, toothed margins, and fleshy leaves. While they may resemble aloe vera, each has its own unique features and care requirements. Knowing the differences helps you choose the right one for your space and care routine.

Haworthia

Haworthias are perhaps the most common aloe look-alikes. They form tight rosettes and many have white, bumpy stripes or ridges. They stay relatively small, making them perfect for windowsills.

Haworthia attenuata (Zebra Plant): Dark green leaves with pronounced horizontal white bands.
Haworthia fasciata: Similar to the Zebra Plant but with smoother inner leaf surfaces.
Haworthia cooperi: Has plump, translucent leaf tips that let in light.

They prefer bright, indirect light and are more tolerant of lower light than some aloes. Water them thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry.

Gasteria

Gasterias have a distinct, tongue-like leaf shape. They often grow in a distichous pattern (leaves arranged in two opposite rows) when young, later becoming more rosette-shaped. Their flowers are unique, resembling a stomach’s shape.

Gasteria ‘Little Warty’: A popular hybrid with bumpy, textured leaves and a compact form.
Gasteria batesiana: Features dark green, rough leaves with small white spots.
Gasteria armstrongii: Has very short, stubby leaves that grow almost flat to the ground.

These are exceptionally forgiving plants. They handle lower light and occasional forgetful watering very well.

Agave

Agaves are larger and more dramatic than typical aloe plants. They form impressive, symmetrical rosettes and their leaves are often stiffer and end in a sharp spine. They are monocarpic, meaning they flower once and then die, but they usually produce offsets before then.

Agave parviflora: A small agave with beautiful white markings and curling filaments on its leaves.
Agave victoriae-reginae: Known for its stunning geometric form and white leaf margins.
Agave filifera: Produces thin, thread-like fibers along it’s leaf edges.

Agaves need full sun and excellent drainage. They are drought-tolerant but require ample space to reach their full size.

Astroloba

Astrolobas are closely related to Haworthias and have similarly arranged, triangular leaves. The leaves are often heavily textured with bumps or ridges and grow in tall, columnar rosettes.

Astroloba spiralis: Its leaves twist spirally around the stem, giving it a corkscrew appearance.
Astroloba foliolosa: Has densely packed, smooth leaves in a precise columnar shape.

Care is similar to Haworthia. Provide bright, indirect light and be cautious not to overwater, especially in winter.

Bulbine

Bulbine species, like aloe, can have grass-like or fleshy leaves. Some form clumping rosettes that closely mimic aloe growth. They produce tall, slender flower spikes with yellow or orange blooms.

Bulbine frutescens: Often called “Stalked Bulbine,” it has succulent, aloe-like leaves and spreads to form a clump.
Bulbine mesembryanthoides: A smaller, clumping species with windowed leaf tips.

They enjoy full sun to partial shade and are quite drought-resistant once established. They can be grown outdoors in mild climates.

Aloe Cousins (Other Aloe Species)

Of course, many plants that look like aloe vera are simply other species of aloe! The genus is vast and diverse.

Aloe aristata (Lace Aloe): A small, stemless aloe with white speckles and soft spines. It’s very cold-hardy.
Aloe brevifolia (Short-Leaved Aloe): Forms compact blue-green rosettes and offsets freely to create a clump.
Aloe polyphylla (Spiral Aloe): A stunning species whose leaves grow in a perfect, geometric spiral. It is challenging to grow.

Care for these is generally the same as for Aloe vera: plenty of light and careful watering.

How to Care for Aloe-Like Succulents

While each genus has specific needs, most succulents that resemble aloe vera share core care principles. Following these steps will keep your plants healthy.

1. Provide the Right Light

Most of these plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. A south or east-facing window is ideal. Some, like agave, can handle and even prefer full, direct sun. Haworthias and Gasterias will tolerate lower light but may lose their compact form if it’s too dim.

Watch for color changes. Leaves turning brown or crispy often indicate too much direct sun. Stretching or etiolation, where the plant becomes leggy, signals insufficient light.

2. Master the Watering Schedule

Overwatering is the most common mistake. These plants store water in there leaves and are adapted to dry periods.

Use the “soak and dry” method: Water deeply until it runs out the drainage hole, then let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
In summer, this might be every 2-3 weeks. In winter, it could be once a month or less.
Always use a pot with a drainage hole. Never let the plant sit in standing water.

3. Choose a Well-Draining Soil Mix

Regular potting soil holds too much moisture. You need a fast-draining mix.

Use a commercial cactus & succulent mix.
For better drainage, amend it with 50% perlite or pumice.
This ensures roots get air and don’t rot.

4. Potting and Repotting Tips

Select a pot that is just slightly larger than the root ball. Terracotta pots are excellent because they are porous and help soil dry faster. Repot every 2-3 years in spring to refresh the soil and provide a little more room for growth.

When handling spiky plants, wear gloves and wrap the plant in a folded towel to protect your hands and the plant’s leaves.

5. Understand Fertilizing Needs

These plants are not heavy feeders. Fertilizing too much can cause weak, leggy growth.

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Apply it only during the active growing season (spring and summer).
Fertilize once at the beginning of the season, that’s often enough.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with good care, issues can arise. Here’s how to identify and fix them.

Soft, Mushy Leaves or Black Stem: This is root rot from overwatering. You must act quickly. Remove the plant from its pot, cut away any black, mushy roots and leaves, and repot in fresh, dry soil. Wait a week before watering.
Brown, Dry Leaf Tips: Usually caused by underwatering or low humidity. Give the plant a thorough drink and trim the dry tips for aesthetics if desired.
Pale, Stretched Growth: The plant is not getting enough light. Move it gradually to a brighter location.
Pests: Mealybugs and scale can be a problem. Look for white cottony masses or small brown bumps. Treat by dabbing pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Design Ideas for Your Collection

Grouping different aloe-like succulents together creates a striking display. Their varied textures, colors, and forms complement each other beautifully. Create a themed dish garden with Haworthias, Gasterias, and a small Aloe aristata. The contrasting leaf patterns will be fascinating.

For a modern look, plant a single, architectural Agave or large Aloe in a simple, neutral pot. This makes a bold statement. Remember to group plants with similar light and water needs together to simplify your care routine.

FAQ

What are some plants similar to aloe vera?
Haworthia, Gasteria, Agave, and Astroloba are the main genera that share a similar appearance. Many other Aloe species also look like aloe vera.

How can I tell if my plant is an aloe or a Haworthia?
Aloe leaves are typically thicker and gel-filled, often with softer teeth. Haworthias are usually smaller, have firmer leaves, and many feature raised white stripes or bumps. Haworthia flowers are also different, growing on a slender, often unbranched stalk.

Are these aloe-like plants also medicinal?
While Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing gel, the sap or gel of look-alike plants is not generally recommended for medicinal use. Some, like certain Agaves, can have irritating sap. It’s best to admire them for their beauty and not use them topically.

Which succulents that look like aloe are best for low light?
Haworthias and Gasterias are your best choices for lower light conditions, such as an office desk or a north-facing window. They won’t grow as quickly but will maintain there health better than an aloe or agave in the same spot.

Why is my aloe-look alike turning red or purple?
This is often a sign of “stress coloring,” usually from strong sunlight or cool temperatures. While not necessarily harmful, it indicates the plant is at its maximum light tolerance. If the leaves also look crispy, consider providing slighty more shade.