Expert: Greg Simpson - 7/24/2007

Question
Greg,

I have an Aloe that is ~8 years old.  Unfortunately, it was not taken care of for a couple of years.  The bottom leaves are all dried and fallen off.  The plant has what is becoming a trunk to it, but I don't think it should...  It seems like it eventually will be to top heavy and break.  I'm not sure what action to take, if any.  

Luckily there are a number of pups that seem to be doing great, so even if I loose the big guy, there are a bunch of little survivors there.

Thanks for your help.
Nicole


Answer
Nicole,

I am sorry for the delay in answering you, have had some computer issues that are now resolved. Sounds like you have an Aloe vera, which will develop a trunk after a few years. Unfortunately, its trunk will not support it weight. In the wild, this plant will creep along the ground and the "pups" will take root on their own.

You can try staking the plant to keep it upright or cut off the main plant if you want to keep it short. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg