Aloe aristata, the lace aloe, is a compact succulent forming a tight rosette of dark green leaves stippled with raised white flecks and finished with soft, bristly tips. It stays small and symmetrical, a natural for windowsills and succulent dishes.

Give it bright light with some direct sun, a gritty succulent mix, and water only when the soil has dried through; go especially light in winter. Happy plants produce offsets around the base that you can pot up and share.