Haworthia vs Aloe vera
Side-by-side comparison: mature size, growth habit, colour, light, watering and hardiness.
Haworthia and Aloe are related African genera that both form spiky rosettes, but they differ hugely in scale. Aloe vera grows into a 60–90 cm plant with serrated, sap-filled leaves, while Haworthia stays under 15 cm, has smooth or banded leaves without sharp teeth, and tolerates lower light — making haworthias far better indoor windowsill plants. Care overlaps: both want bright light and infrequent watering, though haworthias prefer gentle morning sun and shade from harsh afternoon rays.
| Feature | Haworthia | Aloe vera |
|---|---|---|
| Mature size | Rosettes 5–15 cm; slow growing | 60–90 cm tall and wide when mature |
| Growth habit | Clumping dwarf rosettes, often offset freely | Large upright rosette with fleshy serrated leaves |
| Leaf colour | Dark green with white raised bands or translucent 'windows' | Grey-green, sometimes reddening in strong sun |
| Light needs | Bright indirect; tolerates lower light than most succulents | Bright light with some direct sun |
| Watering | Every 2–3 weeks; drought-tolerant | Every 2–3 weeks; less in winter |
| Hardiness | USDA 10–11; keep above ~5 °C | USDA 10–12; protect below ~5 °C |
Haworthia profile →
Full identification, care and common problems.
Aloe vera profile →
Full identification, care and common problems.