Expert: Chris Saddler - 4/12/2003

Question
Good morning sir.
I recently aqquired an aloe vera plant, and I repotted it in December because the pot was very, very small. However, since the repotting, all it has done is spread the 'leaves' more. When we got it, the 'leaves' were almost all verticle. Now, they have spread out more, but that's it. There haven't been any growths. Is this normal? How fast do aloes grow?
Also, I caught my kitten chewing on a leaf yesterday. I moved the plant, but will it hurt the kitten?
Thank you very much for your time and patience,
Amanda

Answer
HI Amanda,

Everything is relative LOL.

Aloes grow quickly here in the desert during the winter and spring then pretty much just sit during summer. By growing quickly I mean an individual plant will grow 3 or four new leaves in a season that will get steadily longer or will produces "pups".

Also if they have more space they try to fill it with roots.  Aloes propagate by sending up "pups" from the roots of the mother plant.  You may begin to see some of those in time.  

Aloe also responds to weather conditions by being more upright or more open.  When there is a lack of sun it becomes more open and prostrate.  In full sun it becomes more upright.  

If the leaves color is staying healthy and firm and fleshy, its fine.

I eat Aloe leaves nightly for my digestion.  I can't imagine it hurting the kitten but I would check a vet website to ask that one.  In my experience cats don't eat what ain't good for em.....but theres always the curious cat.

Take care
Chris