10 Difference Between Agave And Aloe Plants

Agave Plants

Agave is a genus of plants that contains over 200 succulent and xerophytic species. Agaves are characterized by a rosette of succulent or leathery leaves that range in size from a few centimeters to more than 2.5 meters (8 feet) in length, depending on the species. Most bear spines along the edges and the tip of the leaf, for which they are occasionally confused with unrelated cacti.

The leaves range in color from pale green to blue-grey and can be variegated or striped. Many species are able to reproduce vegetatively and generate clonal rosettes at the base of the main stem or nearby via underground rhizomes; some species produce bulbils (bulblike structures that can form new plants) on the inflorescence.

The plants are generally monocarpic—meaning that each rosette dies after flowering and fruiting—and most do not live longer than 30 years. The yellow, pale green, or red flowers are borne in tall branching or unbranching inflorescences that can reach more than 9 meters (30 feet) in height in some species.

Each flower consists of six petals and an inferior ovary (i.e., the other flower parts are attached above the ovary) and produces copious amounts of nectar. The flowers are pollinated by bats, insects such as bees and hawk moths, or birds, depending on the species. The flowers produce capsule fruits.

Characteristics Of Agave

• Agaves are native to the hot, dry and arid regions of the Mexico and United States.
• Agaves are generally larger than aloe plants, and it ranges from about 6 inches to 10 feet tall.
• Agave is a member of the family Asparagaceae. Members of this genus have fleshy leaves arranged in a rosette.
• Agave grows just like other succulents, by growing in the warmer summer months and then becoming dormant in the winter.
• Agave does not need to be watered in the winter.
• Agave is mostly used as an ornamental plant.
• Agaves are Monocarpic, which means they only bloom once in their lifetime. Though it takes between 8 and 25 years for the plant to bloom. In other words, an Agave bloom can is a rare occurrence.
• Agave generally live up to 15 years, but some agave varieties can live longer, even up to 100 years.
• Agave plants leaves have sharp spines.
• An Agave leaf does not break easily because the inside is full of fibers. In fact, one variety of Agave (Agave sisalana) is harvested for fibers to weave sisal rugs.

Aloe Plants

Aloe is a genus of plants that contains over 400 species. The most widely known species is Aloe vera, which is grown for its unusual shape as well as for medicinal purposes. Although many think of aloes as a plant for hot, dry climates, these tough plants thrive in alpine, grassland, dessert and coastal regions. Although individual species vary in size, shape and color, they all have some common characteristics.

Aloes produce a rosette of fleshy leaves that may be either spined or smooth, depending on the variety. Most, however, have spines that line the outer edges of the leaves, and some have spines in the center of the leaf. Spines vary in size and shape according to the variety of aloe. Colors range from green to blue-green, with some aloes sporting reddish-colored foliage. Some aloes have blotches, spots or stripes on the leaves.

Aloes produce flowers on a tall slender spike, which may be branched, that grows from the center of the rosette of leaves. Flowers vary in size but are generally tubular. Flower colors range from white to brightly colored red, yellow and orange. Seeds form in dry capsules once the flowers fade.

Characteristics Of Aloe Vera

• Aloes evolved on the African continent South of Sahara Desert.
• Aloes are generally smaller and can exist as houseplants. However, there are some aloe species like aloe bainesii that can reach over 20 feet.
• Aloe is a genus in the family Asphodelaceae. Members of this genus have fleshy leaves arranged in a rosette.
• Aloe grows in the cool winter and then flowers in late winter or early spring.
• Aloe plants need to be watered in the winter.
• Aloe is most often used for medicinal purposes especially aloe vera.
• Aloes are Polycarpic, meaning they can bloom repeatedly. They bloom throughout the life of the aloe plant. Some of them even bloom year round. Aloe plants typically have flowers that are purple, red, orange, yellow or white in color.
• The aloe plant typically lives for averagely 14 years.
• Aloe leaves have spines (serrated), but they are not as sharp as those of Agave.
• An Aloe leaf breaks easy and is filled with clear gel in the inside.

Difference Between Agave And Aloe Vera In Tabular Form