Aloe Identification

[Kirstie Love]

I purchased this un-titled succulent from Trader Joes a few months ago. It's always been a little wild and never grew completely upright, but over time the part that grew to the side has become a little unruly. Is the horizontal piece a pup that needs to be removed and replanted? And would anyone know what kind of succulent this is? I'm thinking Aloe due to its fleshy leaves and little spikes all over.

 

[NatalieW]

yes, it's an aloe and yes, you can repot those plants growing up the shoots ... aloes like a lot of sunlight and not so much water.

 

[Marck]

This is likely Aloe officinalis, which is commonly sold as 'Aloe Vera', though the true species, Aloe vera, is a different plant with larger leaves, that lack spots. Aloe officinalis was also formerly known as Aloe vera var. chinensis.
There is often much confusion and uncertainty about which plant is being referred to by the common name, 'Aloe Vera'.

Both Aloe officinalis and Aloe vera are likely native to the southern Arabian peninsula, and both have been used as a salve and medicine for centuries.