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Cactus/Aloe Vera Plants

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Question
I have a very tall aloe vera grown indoors it is becoming to heavy and falling over is there a safe way to split the large stalk without killing the plant. If so would you advise on this procedure please.

Thank you for your time.

Answer
Your best bet is to cut most of the stalk off, remove the lower leaves so that there is about a 4-5 in. leafless portion of stalk.  Let that callous for about a week or two and pot it in a mixture of sand or perlite and peat. If the plant is still to heavy just cut it to the size that you can manage. Don't water until you see roots developing.  In addition, if you leave some leaves on the mother plant, that will develop new plantlets that can later be transplanted.

Good luck.
Maureen

Cactus

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Maureen

Expertise

I can answer questions regarding the care and propagation of cactus and succulents and would actually group these together as folks often mistake one for the other and often their care is quite different. I also have a cold hardy cactus and succulent garden that has been quite successful. The subject in regard to classification of type is enormous and I wouldn't be able to answer all questions by any means. It is really IMPORTANT TO INCLUDE A PHOTO if at all possible and LET ME KNOW WHERE YOU ARE FROM, especially in terms of climate.

Experience

I have learned by reading books, by trial and error and by consulting with folks with much more knowledge. I have primarily grown C&S for the last 20 years.

Organizations
Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts.

Education/Credentials
No formal training. See experience.

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