plants that look like aloe vera but aren't

Is there a plant that looks like aloe vera?

Succulents. Succulents in general resemble aloe vera through the shared trait of fleshy leaves. The University of Minnesota Extension lists kalanchoe and ground-hugging hen and chicks among the many varieties of succulents. The list also includes jade plants, which bear fleshy lobes in place of the sword-shaped leaves.

What is the difference between aloe and agave?

Aloe typically have thicker, more fleshy leaves than Agave. Their leaves may feel softer and almost spongy in texture. You can almost feel the gel contained within the leaves. By contrast, the leaves of an Agave plant are generally thinner and more fibrous.

What is the difference between Aloe and haworthia?

Haworthia flowers tend to be quite petite and are always white in color. Depending on the individual species, they may also have small green or brown striations. They are somewhat tubular with wide, open ends. The flowers of Aloe plants, however, are generally larger and more tubular in shape than those of Haworthia.

Is Yucca the same as aloe vera?

Yucca is an interesting one in the world of plant science. Although plants in the Aloe genus and plants in the Agave genus can appear very similar, the two plants are not closely related. In fact, they are not even in the same plant family.

How can you tell if aloe vera is edible?

The leaves are also green or grey-green in colour. With Aloe vera var. chinensis the spotted leaves will not change as they mature, the young and the mature leaves look the same, with the only difference being in their size. The leaves are a different colour, more of a blue-green.

Do all aloe plants bloom?

Aloe plant blooms rise from an inflorescence which soars above the attractive rosettes. Only mature plants of at least 4 years of age will bloom, so if you see no flowers on Aloe plants, it may simply be due to the plant's age. ... Flowering Aloe vera plants need the same cultural care as those not in bloom.

Why agave is bad for you?

Your body is well equipped to handle the small amounts of fructose found in fruit. Because agave syrup is much higher in fructose than plain sugar, it has greater potential to cause adverse health effects, such as increased belly fat and fatty liver disease.

Is there a difference between Aloe and Aloe Vera?

The main difference between aloe and aloe vera is their scientific classification or taxonomy. Aloe is ranked as a genus, while aloe vera is a species. As a genus, aloe is ranked higher than aloe vera. ... Aloe has 400 species, and aloe vera is only one of these species.

Is agave plant poisonous to humans?

University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources characterizes agave as being mildly toxic. It describes the plant as having oxalate crystals in its leaves, which can cause extreme irritation.

Are all types of aloe vera good for skin?

The aloe vera we use on our skin in over-the-counter (OTC) gels is derived from plants of the same name. In fact, there's more than one kind of aloe, with an estimated 420 different species. The most commonly used form for skin conditions is a plant called aloe barbadensis Miller.

Is gasteria aloe vera?

Gasteria (Gasteria spp.) is a genus of relatively rare, aloe-like succulents. It sometimes goes by the common name of "ox tongue" because it typically has long leaves with a rough texture. Depending on the species, gasteria leaves also are often marked with interesting patterns and colors.

How do you identify haworthia?

Special Characteristics. The raised, white, leaf bands are the most conspicuous identifying markings on zebra plants, but they also can be identified by their slender, stiff, leathery leaves that are sharply pointed. ...
Different from Aloes. ...
Different from Gasterias. ...
Similar Haworthias.

Where do yucca plants come from?

The yucca plant is native to the high deserts of the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is also found less commonly in parts of the eastern United States and West Indies. Extracts from the plant's root are used in alternative medicine as a soap and as an herbal dietary supplement.

Is Yucca healthy to eat?

Yucca is a healthy, fat-free & gluten-free root vegetable that has a brown outer skin and is white on the inside. Yucca is high in Vitamins C, B & A as well as calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron, and it's higher in fiber and potassium than potatoes!

What does a yucca tree look like?

Some yucca plants can look like trees because their leaves grow on thick cane stems. Other yucca varieties look like shrubs. Yuccas can be identified by their distinctive sword-like spiky leaves and their white or whitish flowers growing on stems. Yuccas have foliage ranging in color from green to bluish-green.

What are the side effects of aloe vera?

Common side effects of aloe include:

blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Burning and itching of the skin (infrequent)
Stomach pain and cramps (high doses)
Diarrhea, kidney problems, blood in the urine, low potassium, muscle weakness, weight loss, and heart disturbances (long-term use at high doses)
Liver problems (rare)

Is the yellow liquid in aloe vera poisonous?

The yellow substance in aloe vera is a latex which contains the anthraquinone glycoside 'Aloin'. In a small amount, this substance is not toxic but can potentially cause skin sensitivity. If ingested, however, it can cause intestinal pain and severe laxative effect.

Is aloe vera poisonous?

Aloe vera has potential toxicity, with side effects occurring at some dose levels both when ingested and when applied topically. Although toxicity may be less when aloin is removed by processing, Aloe vera ingested in high amounts may induce side effects, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea or hepatitis.

Do aloe vera plants need a lot of sun?

Before you buy an aloe, note that you'll need a location that offers bright, indirect sunlight (or, artificial sunlight). However, the plant doesn't appreciate sustained direct sunlight, as this tends to dry out the plant too much and turn its leaves yellow, rendering them subpar for use.

How often do aloe vera plants bloom?

The aloe family (Aloe spp.) contains more than 400 species, the most well-known of which is aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), noted for its ability to soothe dry or sunburned skin. Many aloes grow well in rock gardens or arid landscapes in warm climates, and most bloom at least once a year.

How long do aloe plants live?

Aloe vera plants can live for up to twelve years. That's a decent amount of time for a plant! That also means that it takes some time before your aloe vera pups reach the stage where you can harvest their leaves for gel. Keep in mind that aloe vera doesn't need much in the way of fertilizing.