It sounds more like an agave than an aloe vera, although aloe vera could be tough on a small child. Agave is definitely not good to have around a little one. You could use hibiscus, and there are a multitude to choose from. This is 'Moy Grande', and it is fantastic! A small aloe vera is always good to have around tho. The leaves are full of a jelly like pulp that is great for doctoring kids scrapes and cuts and especially burns. Janie

It just may need it's roots trimmed a bit, and new soil, there is really nothing that I can see wrong with the plant, it may be leaning that way as a way to the sun. Zone 6B may be a bit too cold for this species? It is warm enough now to remove the offsets, let they dry a day before plants, put then in a shady spot and where they will get good air circulation, do not water until you know they are rooted, if they have roots you may water and tap down to settle the soil. Does this help? I use clay pots so they don't get over damp and rots, clay pots dry out faster. Norma

It was definitely sticks. And, this morning our "Mom" returned. At least I'm convinced it's our original "Mom" as she looks identical. I'll know better when I can get some good pictures and if I can identify her. I'm pretty sure you are right as we've seen the babies bathing in the bird bath having a blast so they are still around! I was so excited to see her. And, I know we they don't have emotions, but do we really know for sure?!? :) We'll check on the other house and remove the sticks again. We've got lots of bird books and are pretty sure it is a House Wren. Plus my husband knows just about every bird, plant, tree, bug, etc. on the planet -- and probably off as well. I'm just a newbie!

transplant shock..interrupting the roots ability to move water.. and then you put it in the sun and heat ... put it in full shade outdoors.. or back in the house.. and let it settle down and the roots recover ... what will be.. will be.. as to long term damage ... when you make changes ... you need to let the plant adjust to each individual cultural change .... outdoor gardeners call it hardening off .... [the cultural variables of a plant would include sun, heat, water, wind, humidity.. etc ...] ken