Expert: Greg Simpson - 6/15/2007

Question
I inherited an old aloe "Mexican master plant" my friend called it. It is huge about 2' tall. the bottom has no "leaves" and it is very top heavy. Now, it is all drooped over and sad looking. It used to send up babies, but I started new plants with them and it no longer sends up new plants. It went for a long time with now water and then I really gave it lots of water. It has also been in artificial light in my office. I'm taking it home. We live in zone 6 and I have very sandy good dirt. I'm wondering if planting deep outside for the summer might get it to set on new roots so I can cut off the bottom. Any advice you can give me would be great. The friend who gave it to me has died and I promised I would take good care of it! Thanks!!

Answer
Karen,

Sorry for the delay, I have had no internet service for almost a week. It sounds like your Aloe is acting normally. You can try what you suggest, however if you get too much rain it may rot. You will want to keep it relatively dry and protect from any excessive cold. I have included a webpage that might help. Take a look and see what you think.

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/ornamentals/airlayer/airlayer.html

Hope this helps and good luck!

Sincerely,

Greg