If the buds had been fertilized they would have become seed pods. If they dry and fall off, they are done. You don't need to cut off the stalk, it will dry up as the moisture is resorbed by the plant. After a while, you can puck it out with no resistance. It will bloom when it's genes tell it too, starting in late Spring, and continuing through the summer. It is possible for a large mature rosette to make several inflorescences. The best way to encourage blooming is to grow a happy plant. Happy growing! Brad

They usually are in the mix of 2" and 3" succulents you can buy at the big box stores for $3-$4 apiece. I like buying the very small ones because they are likely not to have mite infections. Also remember some sold lately as A. striata are hybrids, which can by identified by their marginal teeth--A. striata does not have marginal teeth. Saw a whole lot of the striata hybris yesterday at an Armstrong's, labeled as Aloe noblis(!)

Hi David, I am in Tucson too! I have aloes outside as well, but they are in a bark/dirt mixture and never get too dry. i don't think yours is dying. It just needs a really good drink. Can you give it a good hosing? remember: monsoon season is upon us, so all things will get the watering they need soon! eta: you said it was doing well until recently-- the temps have shot up over the last two weeks, and all of my indoor plants have started to dry out very quickly. Perhaps you need to step up the watering because of the rise in temps? Aloes need a good thorough drink, and they will be fine for some time after that. The plant will store the water in this heat because it knows water isn't coming for a while again....mine get their big drinks during monsoon and occasional rains. I don't even use the drip irrigation on them.

Hi, ive been trying to source a 'Hercules aloe' which is a hybrid between aloe barberae and aloe dichotoma. I've found it's fairly easy to source over seas however I haven't found anything in Australia and in months and I'm beginning to think they don't exist here in Australia or are not for sale ?? I've also contacted nurseries and growers but no one seems to have them. I have found some aloe dichotoma but I've been told they have issues growing in Queensland. The Hercules apparently doesn't have these issues and is a very fast grower. Would love to get a hold of one for my garden is anyone any to shed some light on this ??