Hi-I notice that you're both in zones 8 and 9, so just a word of caution here: a.polyphylla is completely intolerant of temperatures >85° inside the pot--cool roots are a must. Speaking from personal experience, keep the pots themselves shaded completely from direct sun. You might even put a few ice cubes around the edges of the pots if it gets very warm. Here are a few of mine just a couple of hours ago. I don't worry unless the temp goes below 25°, and mild snow is a relief to them: The 2 largest pots are 22", and the other 2 are 17", and in need of larger pots. As a rule of thumb, the pot should be at least 2" wider than the leaf span. Happy growing! Rick in CT

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

Haworthia attenuata var. radula

It looks like a very "messy" example of one type I grew in most places I lived. I was told that it's good for internal pain (among other things), eg bones, mucles... I tried it and it seemed to work on me. So I used it while the kids were still home. Each time we moved I'd find another same Aloe in the area. So I'd break of a branch, from the back if I could, just stuck it in the ground and it always grew. I'm not sure about the "aloin" though, maybe we were just lucky. Better check it before using. For years I've been looking for an online scource for the medicinal uses for the different species of aloe. Those that have those uses anyway. If anyone knows of any I would love for someone to provide a link or a name. Our whole family suffer from sensitive skin ailments. Thanks