Expert: Greg Simpson - 2/4/2007

Question
I received a very large (approx. 2 ft.) aloe vera plant form an elderly woman about a year ago.  She claims she purchased it in California in the late 1960's.  It's had many pups this poast year, and now is starting to flower! It's very healthy, faces the south window, and appears to be happy.  I want to keep it that way, so can you tell me: is it possible that this aloe vera plant is really 40 years old? How long can they live under ideal conditions? I can't seem to find this informaiton anywhere ont he internet.

Answer
Dear Tina,

I really do not know. However, many succulent plants can live for a very long time, some in the thousands of years. Most Aloes probably can live at least 100 years and some of the larger tree Aloes can live into the multiples of hundreds.

Just don't overwater and keep it fro extensive cold and it should be fine. If the woman gave you instructions on how to care for it, she obviously knew what she was talking about!

Sorry I could not be of more help.

Sincerely,

Greg