Expert: Greg Simpson - 4/10/2006

Question
Dear Greg,
We figure it must be due to freezing, or root damage is there anyway that the plant will be able to come back from this? Or is it too late?
Thank you again
Linda



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Followup To
Question -
Greg,
My mom has just recently brought a Aloe Vera plant up from San Fransisco (we live in Edmonton Alberta) and she has noticed that it's leaves have gone really soft. There are no brownish or blackish color on the leaves. A friend of ours told us it was from over watering so she hasn't water it for a few weeks. Could there be another reason that the leaves have gone so soft?
Thanks
Linda
Answer -
Dear Linda,

Other than over watering, freezing and root death are the only other ways for Aloe leaves to go soft like that in a very short period of time. Some types of Aloes are very sensitive to cold and if they are greenhouse grown, even the hardy varieties can be damaged. If the root system dies, the leaves will “wilt”, but usually that takes a while to occur. Tug on the leaves in the very center of the plant. If they pull out without any effort, the plant is rotting, typically from over watering. If they won't pull out, then freezing is more likely the cause. Hopefully, this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg


Answer
Dear Linda,

If the center leaves won't pull out, then it may survive. Water minimally (and only when the soil is dry), hopefully in a few weeks up to a couple of months you will see some new growth. As long as the stem didn't freeze, it should probably make it. Just be patient.

Sincerely,

Greg