Quite a few of the questions we receive from our customers are submitted with a picture asking us “what plant is this?” Sometimes the answer is relatively easy to give but there are plants where this is not always the case. This challenge is particularly true with drought-resistant plants such as Aloe and Agave. These are actually plants that are from very different areas of the globe but have adapted to life in dry, arid climates. As a result over time, they have grown to look very similar to one another and it can be difficult to tell them apart.

Both plants are succulents which have fleshy leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. This means that the leaves form a circle and are all of a similar height. The leaves of a Dandelion or Cabbage are other examples of a rosette pattern. While Agave is native to Mexico and the Southern United States Aloe is actually a non-native species that is indigenous to portions of Africa and the Saudi Arabian peninsula. Today, they grow side by side in areas from Utah to the Northern part of South America in USDA garden zones 9 through 11. 

Agave tends to be a tougher species most likely due to its native origins. It can tolerate greater variations in cold and heat than Aloe and will also grow in full sun conditions while Aloe prefers some shade in the sunnier portions of the day. They both grow best in sandy or even rocky soil as long as it drains well which make them ideal candidates for xeriscaping, rock gardens or any other landscape technique designed to flourish without extra watering. Although it is drought tolerant Agave is related to the Yucca plant and not to Cacti while Aloe is actually a relative of the Lily family which includes Garlic and Onions.

These plants are also similar in that they are very useful to human beings. Aloe is used in many skin care products including shaving lotion, hand sanitizer, and makeup remover. It is also widely known for its ability to soothe burns. Agave is used as a substitute for syrups and sweeteners as well as an ingredient in the manufacturing of tequila. They are also both resistant to Deer and make good houseplants too!

Although they have a lot of similar traits there are differences between the two plants that can assist you in determining which one you are looking at. First, Aloe leaves can be easily broken and will ooze a clear gel. Agave leaves are quite fibrous and not as easy to break. These fibers are so strong in fact that they can be and often are used as cord or rope; particularly in desert survival shows.

Both plants bloom flowers atop extremely long stalks in colors that include white, yellow, orange, red and even purple. However, after it flowers Aloe will continue to live to flower again but Agave expends so much energy when it blooms that the plant dies! As a consequence of this Agaves can typically take up to 30 years to bloom and some Agave bloom once during a 100-year span which is how the plant has become known as “century plant”. Fear not, however, as shortly after the Agave dies small plants, known as pups, will emerge to take its place!

Regardless of whether you are looking at an Aloe or Agave plant they both are interesting and unique in their own way! 

Agave photo courtesy of Jill Mazur.

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