Over watering problem: can I still revive my aloe vera?
Pamela Gaerlan
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
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Aloe vera or aloe vera
Comments (4)The first is Aloe vera v. chinensis. (blooms orange) The 2nd (although that looks like more spots than usual) which is much larger, thicker leaves & yellow blooms, is Aloe vera/barbadensis. I believe it has been reclassified with the latter name, but most people are still calling it by the former (vera), so one or the other is listed as a synonym. See link below for a pic of an Aloe vera/barbadensis ~Rosemarie, who hangs out on the C&S forum, but pops over here on occasion =) Here is a link that might be useful:...See MoreAloe Vera Replant Problem
Comments (2)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...See MoreHow do I care for my Aloe Vera plant?
Comments (0)Growing an Aloe Vera (or most other Aloe species - there are more than 300 of them!) is not a difficult matter, if a few basic rules are followed: If grown in a pot, allow the root ball plenty of room to grow; aloes are voracious growers, and having space to do so is necessary. When you repot, allow a growing area three to five times the size of the root ball. Use a well-draining soil. The number of soils A. vera will grow in is quite large, but a basic cactus mix available at home improvement centers is quite suitable. You may wish to experiment with other soils, but one thing it needs is to be well draining, so even a home-made concoction of 1/3 sand, 1/3 soil, and 1/3 pumice/gravel is better than straight potting soil. Aloes don't like to be cold and they don't like wet feet. Pot up your aloe in soil up to the root ball. Use top dressing (gravel/pebbles) on top of the soil to give it a finished look, hold down the dirt, and reduce evaporation. Do not water a newly repotted aloe for a few days. This gives it a chance to get used to its new home, as well as allowing time for any roots that have broken to seal themselves. After a few days, a light watering, perhaps with some B-1 in the water, is recommended. Most aloes grow vegetatively from April to October so water regularly with that in mind. The rest of the year, watering twice a month is sufficient. Water when the soil is dry - rainwater is the best - so that may mean twice a month, or once a week, or some combination thereof. Aloes are very forgiving and they can go a long time without water, but they grow best with it. If in doubt about watering, don't water. Don't forget - they shouldn't be cold and wet. Some aloes will withstand a freeze, but many will turn to mush. No one wants a mushy aloe! Fertilize from April through Septrember, twice a month, with a low-nitrogen fertilizer, heavily diluted. You can try Miracle-Gro 15-30-15, diluted to about 1 to 5. Many aloes produce 'pups'. When the pup is fully formed, detach it from the mother plant, let it callus over for a few days in a cool, dry area, and pot it up. If it has roots, pot as you would a regular aloe, allowing for the fact that it is smaller and should be in a suitably sized pot for its size. If it has no roots, let it callus over, place the cut/broken end ON the soil, and support it with top dressing. DO NOT WATER IT-it has no roots, so watering the soil will likely cause rot. Instead, mist it every few days. Roots should start forming within a month. When growth is evident, it can be watered. Aloe vera flowers are yellow, but others flower in hues of pink/red/orange/white/gray. They start as a spike that gradually gets larger and finally opens, lasting a long time. Aloe flowers are beacons for hummingbirds, so be prepared to be buzzed by these lovely creatures if you are amongst your aloes when they are flowering. For more information, seek out fellow succulent plant people, join your local/national society, and take advantage of the advice and experience they are able to offer. Stop by our Cacti and Succulents forum for tips and friendly conversation. Lastly, these are not ironclad rules. What works for others may not work for you. Experiment a little if you think that's what is needed as your growing conditions are likely different. Aloes are very adaptable creatures, within limits, of course....See MoreAloe Vera bug problem
Comments (3)Hi Dave, Thanks for your response. The camera on my phone isn't great for close pictures, but I found this online that resembles the bugs I see on my aloe. They don't move around and they almost look like little bumps on the plant. Il'l try the alcohol tip. Has anyone have any success actually irradiating those or will it forever be an ongoing battle? Cheers, Mark...See MorePamela Gaerlan
8 years agoewwmayo
8 years agolaticauda
8 years agocactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
8 years agolaticauda
8 years agorina_Ontario,Canada 5a
8 years agocactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
8 years agorina_Ontario,Canada 5a
8 years ago
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