em4plants, Hello! My aloe vera was my first houseplant; my mom let me pick out something at the nursery when I was about 12 years old, and that was the one. I still have it, amazingly. It's been through a lot as I've learned how to care for plants. The most important thing my aloe has taught me is to absolutely NEVER overwater it, especially in the wintertime. Mine isn't that thrilled with me because it wants more light, but it's gotten so big and unruly I have to keep it where it fits, which unfortunately is currently in a north window. So, really porous soil that will drain well, minimal watering, and lots of light. As for your growing habit questions, I'm not sure about that. I wish mine would do the upright thing more than it is! We can never be satisifed, can we? lol FF

Certainly not here to dispute the name of the Lowes plant. I bought a couple of the same plants, chuckling to myself that ALL of the aloes were labeled Aloe vera. Mine are PIG, growing well and curiously have lost their spots. You can see some of the spots remain on the bottom, oldest leaves. So I'm pondering the label again. Of course it hasn't flowered yet (about 3 years old), which will add to the info. I guess I wonder if Aloe vera pups start with spots. I have no pups to compare. My plant does not look like the OP's first plants. This post was edited by Crenda on Thu, Aug 7, 14 at 10:23

SUNBURN! The leaves are bleaching. You can see from your picture, that any portion of the leaf that is getting some shade, is still vivid green. This particular species could take some protection from the hottest sun, unless acclimated, but I prefer the greener color you get with more shading. New growth should be fine but older, bleached leaves will not revert. Even a fine curtain may be enough shading for it.

Ignore the bit about the sand, but you're good to go if you follow the advice laden out here Aloe FAQ