Although aloes and cacti are not botanically related, they have many similarities. Both are succulents, have thorns and are able to survive for long periods without water due to their pronounced water storage organs.
Is Aloe Vera a cactus?
Aloe Vera is not a type of cactus, but belongs to the Aloe genus and the grass tree family (Xanthorrhoeaceae). However, both aloes and cacti are succulents and have similar properties, such as water retention and thorns.
Aloes are a separate genus from the grass tree family (Xanthorrhoeaceae) with a total of around 500 species. The cactus plants form their own family with over 100 genera and between 1,500 and 1,800 species. The cacti are among the so-called stem succulents, i.e. H. they store water in their shoots. The aloes, on the other hand, use their leaves as water storage organs; they are leaf succulents.
Dissemination and use
The gel contained in the leaves of aloe vera is valued for its skin-caring and regenerating active ingredients. While the wild Aloe species grow in the deserts and rocky regions of Africa and on the offshore islands, the cultivation areas for extracting the gel from Aloe vera can be found all over the world. The wild cacti only occur naturally on the American continent.
Easy-care houseplants with an extraordinary appearance
Aloe vera and other aloe species are - like cacti - popular as houseplants because of their bizarre appearance. They are also particularly suitable for people who cannot spare a lot of time for complex plant care. Aloes and cacti don't mind if you forget to water them for a few weeks.
Aloes and cacti have even more things in common:
- like all succulents, they like it warm, light and dry,
- they prefer sunny locations,
- don't like excessive moisture and
- produce beautiful flowers under good conditions,
- Both types of succulents are propagated by cuttings.
Tips & Tricks
There is a great similarity in appearance between aloe and agave. However, aloe plants do not die after flowering, as is the case with agaves.
