Expert: Greg Simpson - 7/19/2006

Question
Hello,

I have a 6 year old aloe plant which for all I can tell, is healthy. My question is, what is the normal growth pattern for aloes?  My plant and all its pups grow really tall without making a supportive base and thus eventually flop over.  From what I understand, aloes are supposed to have a flattened rosette growth.  Is this type of growth a problem?

Also, my plant has never bloomed.  What can I do to get it to bloom?

Thanks so much for your help!
~Sarah

Answer
Dear Sarah,

There 3 types of Aloe growth. Stemless, which always stay on the ground and never develop an above ground stem. Trailing, which initially have a stem then fall over and grow along the ground rooting as they go. And finally tree Aloes, which develop a stem similar to a tree trunk.

Aloe Vera, which is the most common Aloe out there, is a trailing Aloe. As far as blooming goes, it may be tough if your plant is indoors. Indoor cacti & succulents have a problem with being indoors, as they don't get enough hours per day of light. Direct sunlight is not the answer, as it will sun burn a plant that isn't used to it.

If the plant is outside, it could be that is not mature enough just yet. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg