Expert: Greg Simpson - 8/16/2006

Question
Hi,

My aloe vera plant is getting HUGE!  This is the first one I've ever owned, and I wondered if it would be OK for me to cut it back at all, and how to go about doing that if it is.  I already potted it up once, and don't want to let it get much bigger.

Thanks!

Answer
Dear Jenn,

You can cut it back, but without knowing the type of Aloe, I can't give you a better answer. Some Aloes may not branch where they have been cut and will simply die. If you talking about cutting the leaves, it will really take away from the look of the plant.

You can also slow down the growth by watering less. Water only when the soil is dry and it should start to slow down a bit. Sorry I couldn't give you a better answer.

Sincerely,

Greg