The first is Aloe vera v. chinensis. (blooms orange) The 2nd (although that looks like more spots than usual) which is much larger, thicker leaves & yellow blooms, is Aloe vera/barbadensis. I believe it has been reclassified with the latter name, but most people are still calling it by the former (vera), so one or the other is listed as a synonym. See link below for a pic of an Aloe vera/barbadensis ~Rosemarie, who hangs out on the C&S forum, but pops over here on occasion =) Here is a link that might be useful:

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

Hi all, The cat litter is the approved Tesco low dust that is popular with Bonsai growers. It is not clumping. I have received the water soluable Miracle Gro. I will use it once per month during this dormant season rather than the usual two weeks, with one watering every week on the large plant and every two weeks on the pups. Size of the chick flint grit is about 3-5mm on average as is with the rest of the mix. Should the mix continue to stay wet more than expected, I will try some larger stuff I have. @ewwmayo No, though I prefer rain water to any tap water when possible. When it's not plentiful saving it seems ideal. I will stop reusing. Unfortunately two of the oldest leaves have started dying at the base and a few inches up the leaf itself. It's dark at the base and the leaf surface is brown and extremely dry, like a past harvest corn plant(or dead corn plant for that matter). I think more of the oldest leaves will fall away eventually. It may be a sign the plant is trying to get rid of the old and sick parts so it can continue growing.

Aloe vera leaves might grow more horizontal if in lower light conditions. In higher light conditions they typically have a more closed rosette. Also, if under watered a bit their leaves can curl and look canoe-like. I think the curling you're thinking of and reading about online are two different things. A picture of your plant would better help us sort out whats going on.