Best 8 Aloe Vera Companion Plants and 6 to Avoid

I’m excited to share my insights on the best and worst companion plants for aloe vera, a succulent that not only beautifies your space but also offers medicinal benefits. With its thick, fleshy leaves filled with a soothing gel, aloe vera is more than just an attractive plant—it’s a garden ally that, when paired with the right companions, can significantly boost your garden’s health and biodiversity.

Good Aloe Vera Companion Plants

Lavender

Lavender, with its delightful fragrance and beautiful purple blooms, is a fantastic companion for aloe vera. This pairing not only creates a visually appealing contrast in your garden but also promotes a healthy ecosystem by attracting pollinators. Lavender’s drought-tolerant nature complements aloe vera’s low water needs, making them an ideal match for water-wise gardens.

• Planting Instructions:
  • Choose a location that receives full sun.
  • Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Space lavender plants about 18 inches apart from aloe vera to provide ample airflow.
  • Water sparingly, as both plants thrive in dry conditions.

Interested in learning more? Dive deeper into the world of lavender companion plants here.

Cactus Varieties

Cacti and aloe vera share similar requirements for sunlight, water, and soil, making them natural garden companions. This pairing not only enhances the desert vibe of your landscape but also forms a symbiotic relationship where both plants thrive with minimal care.

• Planting Tips:
  • Select cacti that complement the size and shape of your aloe vera.
  • Plant in a sunny spot where they can both enjoy full sunlight.
  • Use a cactus mix or add sand to improve soil drainage.
  • Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.

Stonecrop Sedum

Stonecrop sedum brings a splash of color to your garden with its vibrant leaves and star-shaped flowers. It’s an excellent companion for aloe vera due to its similar care requirements and the added benefit of attracting beneficial insects.

• How to Plant Together:
  • Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
  • Plant sedum near your aloe vera, allowing for at least 12 inches of space between them.
  • Water lightly, as both plants prefer drier conditions.

Rosemary

Rosemary and aloe vera together create a fragrant and resilient duo. Both plants love the sun and have similar watering needs, making them easy to care for side by side. Rosemary’s ability to repel pests is an added bonus, providing natural protection for your aloe vera.

• Planting Guide:
  • Select a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
  • Space rosemary plants at least 18 inches from aloe vera to ensure room for growth.
  • Water sparingly, as overwatering can harm both plants.

Learn all about rosemary companion planting here.

Yucca

The architectural beauty of yucca complements the sculptural form of aloe vera, offering a striking visual contrast. Both plants are drought-tolerant and thrive in similar environmental conditions, making them perfect garden companions.

• How to Co-Plant:
  • Choose a location with full sun exposure.
  • Ensure the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging.
  • Plant yucca and aloe vera at least 2 feet apart to accommodate their growth.

Agave

Agave, with its bold silhouette, makes an excellent companion for aloe vera. These plants share a love for sun and sparse watering, allowing them to coexist harmoniously in the same garden space.

• Co-Planting Instructions:
  • Select a sunny area with well-draining soil.
  • Space agave plants at least 3 feet from aloe vera, considering their potential size.
  • Water infrequently, mimicking their natural desert habitat.

For more insights, check out agave companion plants here.

Zinnias

Zinnias add a pop of color to your garden and attract pollinators, benefiting both your aloe vera and the ecosystem. Their tolerance for dry conditions makes them compatible companions for aloe vera.

• Planting Alongside Aloe Vera:
  • Opt for a location that receives plenty of sunlight.
  • Plant zinnias at least 12 inches away from your aloe vera to ensure adequate space for growth.
  • Water moderately, as zinnias appreciate a bit more moisture than aloe vera.

Explore the colorful world of zinnia companions here.

Snapdragon

Snapdragons bring height and color to your garden, creating a stunning backdrop for aloe vera. Their preference for well-draining soil and moderate water aligns perfectly with the needs of aloe vera, making them great companions.

• How to Plant:
  • Choose a sunny to partially shaded spot.
  • Plant snapdragons at least 12 inches from aloe vera to allow room for growth.
  • Maintain moist soil, adjusting waterings for aloe vera’s needs.

Plants to Avoid Planting with Aloe Vera

Water-Loving Plants

Plants that require frequent watering, such as ferns or hostas, are not suitable companions for aloe vera. The succulent’s need for dry, well-draining soil contrasts sharply with the moist conditions preferred by these plants, risking overwatering and root rot for your aloe vera.

Large Shrubs or Trees

Large shrubs or trees can overshadow aloe vera, depriving it of the full sun it thrives in. Additionally, their extensive root systems might compete with aloe vera for nutrients and water, stunting its growth.

Invasive Species

Invasive species, such as bamboo or mint, can quickly overrun a garden, encroaching on the space and resources needed by aloe vera. Their aggressive growth can smother and stress your aloe vera, hindering its development.

Heavy Feeders

Vegetables and flowers that are heavy feeders, like tomatoes or roses, can deplete the soil of essential nutrients, leaving little behind for aloe vera. These plants might also require more water and different care, making them incompatible with aloe vera’s needs.

Cold-Sensitive Plants

Plants that are sensitive to cold may require different winter care than aloe vera, which is relatively hardy in cooler temperatures. Mixing plants with vastly different wintering needs can complicate garden maintenance.

Highly Acidic or Alkaline Soil Lovers

Plants that prefer highly acidic or alkaline soils do not fare well with aloe vera, which thrives in neutral to slightly acidic soil. Pairing it with such plants could lead to nutrient uptake issues.

Aloe Vera Companion Planting Chart

Here’s a quick reference chart to help you visualize the best companion plants for aloe vera and understand why they’re beneficial:

Good Companions	Why They’re Beneficial
Lavender	Drought-tolerant, attracts pollinators, and offers contrasting beauty.
Cactus Varieties	Share similar care needs, enhancing the desert vibe.
Stonecrop Sedum	Attracts beneficial insects and thrives in similar conditions.
Rosemary	Pest repellent, drought-tolerant, and requires similar care.
Yucca	Architectural contrast, drought-tolerant, and easy care.
Agave	Bold silhouette, similar water, and sun requirements.
Zinnias	Adds color, attracts pollinators, tolerates dry conditions.
Snapdragon	Adds height and color, prefers well-draining soil.

In companion planting, the goal is to create a garden where plants support each other, leading to a healthier, more vibrant garden ecosystem. By choosing the right companions for your aloe vera, you’ll not only enhance its growth but also contribute to a more diverse and sustainable garden environment.