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Aloe Vera woes

duffykatieduffykatie Posts: 10
in Problem solving
Hi 
my aloe has been flopping over for a good while now but keep producing new shoots.
My issue is the flop, definitely not over water as I rarely water it (could be under watered).
do you think it needs repotting? And if I’m to repot to the same depth but as the ‘stalk’ is pretty long wont it just flop again?  
All ideas welcomed
thanks
kate

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 11,941
    *Bump* Any aloe vera experts about? 
     :) 
  • Mike AllenMike Allen Posts: 208
    I'd take a chance at repotting it. Use a more courser gritty compost and bring the compost level upto almost the rim of the pot.

    The length of stem to the first leaves has become IMO a bit too much, and as the compost appears to be light support has dwindled, perhaps allowing the whole plant to move.  As with most succulents.  Even damaged leaves and stem portions can be used as cuttings.  Well worth the effort.
  • duffykatieduffykatie Posts: 10
    Thanks mike, so I shouldn’t repot the aloe with the stalk any lower right? In theory could support it better but I’ve read not to....
  • madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,523
    If you feel very brave you could cut off the top part,let the cut callous over for a few days and then re-pot in a gritty compost and don't water until new roots form.
    “Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
  • duffykatieduffykatie Posts: 10
    Oo you mean cut just below the greenery wait then repot to shorten the stalk, interesting idea, question is am I brave enough  :D
  • madpenguinmadpenguin Posts: 2,523
    Yes,possibly a couple of inches below the greenery so you have something to stick in the soil!
    But do let the cut dry off first or it may rot.Two or three days should be OK.
    Good luck!
    “Every day is ordinary, until it isn't.” - Bernard Cornwell-Death of Kings
  • mrtjformanmrtjforman Posts: 331
    edited June 2020
    I am no expert with Aloes as I don't provide them with enough light in Winter but they survive and keep outgrowing my pot.

    So I would say your woes are down to 3 factors:

    1. Badly draining soil - too little watering
    2. Too little light
    3. Too low Winter Temperatures

    Aloes should be treated like cactuses - they hate soggy soil however at the same time if you cut a leaf of an aloe it is 90% water - it drips out, they love storing water.

    So they need lots of water yet no soggy soil. You could keep it as it is and carry on watering as you are, or you improve drainage which will help but you will have to water more and if you don't you could cause more damage than good so be aware what you want to do.

    The most common way to add drainage to an Aloe is to mix in sand to the soil. I am not really a fan of sand as it is the cheapest most basic way of adding drainage. You can also add clay pebbles which might be a bit better as it will add aeration.

    Give it the most amount of light you can possibly give it in our UK climate - especially in Winter you will need to place it in the brightest spot in your house.

    It can tolerate lowish house temperatures but it will look healthier if yuo can provide it heat too, I can't say which is more important, winter sun or winter heat but if you can provide both the better.

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