How many types of aloe vera plants are there?

There are at least five varieties of the aloe vera plant. They include varietals named Dorian Black, Yellow Teeth, Orange Aloe, Red Aloe and Gold Tooth.

Aloe vera is a succulent, which means it stores water in its leaves. The sword-shaped, greenish-gray leaves form rosettes, and some cultivars have leaves tipped with gold, red or orange. If it is to be planted outdoors, aloe vera needs the warm climate of hardiness zones 10-12. Aloe can tolerate poor soils and seaside conditions.

Though known for its medicinal properties, aloe vera can be a houseplant or ground cover. It can also be part of a rock garden.