Expert: Greg Simpson - 3/15/2004

Question
Dear Greg,
   I have two aloe vera plants that I've been growing for about 7 years. Since I live on the East Coast they are indoors almost all year, unless we have steady dry weather in the summer and I am sure they won't get too much rain.I have re-potted them several times, always going to larger pots, but these aloe are now HUGE! I do use the leaves from time to time of course, but I don't know if I should 'trim' them in any way. The bases of these plants are roughly 3-4 inches thick and the lower (outer) leaves are quite heavy. Should I restrain the plants in any way ( banding the leaves)  so they grow straight and tall, or allow the leaves to spread wide. Also, do I HAVE to keep replanting them into larger pots? They are beginning to take over the sill of a huge bay window, but I am so proud of how beautiful they are I would'nt want to jeopardize their health.  Sorry for being so chatty, but I really look forward to your advice.

Sincerely,
Maryann

Answer
Dear Maryann,

Eventually, your plants will grow a stem and fall over. Unfortunately, there is no way I know of (short of bonsai) to curtail the growth of a plant. Keeping them replanted in larger pots will entice the plants to stay shorter longer, but they will continue to grow.

Eventually, your plant will produce "pups" which can be broken off and planted. They are direct descendents of the "mother plant" and should grow up to be almost identical. By raising the "pups", you are in affect starting over without losing what is best about the plants you have now.

I hope this answered your questions. Good luck.

Sincerely,

Greg