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EmailBotanical name: Aloe barbadensis
Plant type: Houseplant
Sun exposure: Full Sun
Aloe Vera has variegated leaves that flow out from its center base. Aloe can be kept in a pot in the kitchen near a window for every day use. The juice from its leaves will relieve pain from scrapes and burns.
Planting
- Plant in wide containers with a well-draining potting mix, such as for cacti/succulents.
- Place in indirect sunlight or artificial light.
Care
- Water aloe deeply but then allow the soil to dry at least 1 to 2 inches deep between waterings, in order to discourage rot; water even less in winter.
- To propagate by leaf cuttings, cut off the upper part of a leaf (3 or more inches) and set it aside in a warm, dry location for a few days for the cut to form a callus. Then, dip the cut end of the leaf in rooting hormone and bury the leaf (cut end down) halfway in a new pot filled with cacti potting mix. Keep the soil lightly moist but not wet. After a few weeks, the cutting should form roots.
Pests
Aloes are prone to mealybugs and scale. Some common diseases are root rot, soft rot, fungal stem, and leaf rot.
Recommended Varieties
Other especially attractive aloes include the Tiger or Partridge Breasted Aloe (Aloe variegata) and Lace Aloe (A. aristata).
Wit & Wisdom
To reduce dandruff, massage your scalp with aloe vera.
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Comments
By Anonymous
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For the last 3 years my aloe has sprouted a flower. But the flower doesn't open. I don't change the watering habits or lighting or temperature but it won't open. Why? Also, for the last 2 years I have needed to take the babies out but that's at the same time it's flowering. Can I still remove the babies even though it's flowering or should I wait?
By Almanac Staff
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It's rare that an aloe will bloom in the house. You could try moving your pot outdoors during the summer as long as you remember to bring them back indoors prior to the first fall freeze. If you wish to remove the "babies" or pups, the best time is to wait until they have roots (about 2 inches tall). Then use a clean knife to cut at their base.
By Anonymous
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help,my aloe vera has long thin (leaves?)instead of the broad plump leaves. It is in indirect bright light, watered only when the soil dries and well drained. What am I doing wrong?
ps I bought it at walmart as a 4 inch and it has grown well
By Almanac Staff
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When aloe leaves appear limp and/or thin, it means the plant needs to be watered more frequently. This a sign that the plant is using up its own inner moisture stores.
By Anonymous
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i am not anonymous, I am deb
By butterkup37
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I have a very large aloe with many babies, do I have to let the parent plant wither before separating? I would hate to lose te parent aloe, it's so big and beautiful even though I've used it regularly. Is November a bad time to repot? They've run out of rm.
By Almanac Staff
- reply
We have revised the "Care" text of this article re: leaf cuttings to avoid confusion.
For the mother plant, by all means continue to care for it; it should live a long, healthy life. You can leave the babies (called pups, offshoots, or offsets) with the mom; they should not harm a healthy mom, unless the pot becomes overcrowded. Or, you can separate the pups from the mom when the pups grow to about 3 inches or more. Each pup may be connected to the mother plant by an underground stem called a stolon. Use a knife to cut the stolon, separating the pup from the mother plant and leaving as much stolon attached to the pup as possible. With some pups, you can just gently pull them up out of the soil. Make sure you keep any of the pup's roots and leaves intact.
At this stage, some gardeners like to set the pups aside for a day or two to let the cut end callus over, which can help deter diseases. Then, place the pup in a pot filled with cacti/succulent potting mix, covering the stolon with soil and letting the leaves rest just on the soil surface. Water the plant and place the pot in part sun. Allow the soil to dry between waterings.
As to repotting, early spring is best, although fall is OK, too. It may be harder on the plant in winter, when the plant is dormant.
By Anonymous
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My aloe vera is about 10" with 6 tall leaves & 1 new shoot. 2 of the leaves slipped right off the root & the bases were shrivelled, black & the juice had turned red at the bottoms. I tried repotting them but they continued to rot. I have them in indirect but bright, filtered ambient lighted area. Whats wrong with my plant? How do I prevent the whole thing from dying?
By Almanac Staff
- reply
It sounds like the plant is receiving the correct light. Black leaves may be due to exposure to cold or freezing temperatures, such as if it is near a drafty window when it is below 40 degrees F outside. But a more common problem is overwatering, which can cause root rot. This can appear as yellow, brown, or black leaves, and dark brown to black roots. To prevent, let the soil dry out between waterings. Aloes, being succulents, do not require a lot of water. Check the soil about 1 to 2 inches deep; if it is dry, then water deeply. You may not need to water again until 2 or 3 weeks have passed; in winter, water it even less frequently. Also make sure that you are using a potting mix that is good for succulents/cacti, which allows plenty of drainage. Clay pots are ideal because they allow the potting mix to dry faster; aloes have shallow roots and appreciate a wide pot.
To help your plant recover, place it in a warm area in indirect light, away from drafts, and let it dry out. Remove any roots that are dark brown or black. Remove any leaves that are black or brown. If the crown of the plant still seems healthy, firm, and green, then once you remove the damaged tissue, it might recover. If the crown is damaged, then the plant may not recover. In this case, you can try taking a cutting of a healthy leaf to start another plant. Good luck!
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