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Aloe Vera Comments and Questions

From the lens Growing Aloe Vera.

Do you keep aloe vera plants too? Let me know how yours are doing! I'm also open to questions about aloes, but understand I'm just a houseplant-tender and not a plant care professional...

  • JeanJohnson May 22, 2012 @ 9:54 pm | delete
    Just bought one today for my front yard. Can't wait for the little one to grow. Thanks, enjoyed reading your lens.
  • ognjent Apr 18, 2012 @ 11:52 am | delete
    This is very interesteing lens! I am also interested in Aloe Vera prodiucts.
  • Thrinsdream Apr 9, 2012 @ 11:06 am | delete
    Thank you for this article! I have been happily growing one on my bathroom window sill in the UK over the winter and as soon as it got warm I put it outside and got very worried at it starting to turn red. Brought it in and it is back to its happy self, but you have answered my WHY? question for me. I am bookmarking this as I love my Aloe. With thanks and appreciation. Cathi x
  • miaponzo Apr 1, 2012 @ 5:01 am | delete
    I absolutely adore growing and using aloe vera! Blessed!
  • Beautiful-Bridal Mar 29, 2012 @ 8:20 am | delete
    After reading this I want to grow some aloe vera, thanks for sharing!
  • bloomingrose Mar 21, 2012 @ 11:21 pm | delete
    Oh and I forgot, my doctor had me use aloe vera on my skin when I had radiation treatment for breast cancer.
  • bloomingrose Mar 21, 2012 @ 11:19 pm | delete
    Excellent lens - angel blessed for the combination of great how to information and personal examples. I loved your photos!
  • hwag Mar 19, 2012 @ 9:19 pm | delete
    Help! Aloe was going to bloom but the buds are withering before it has chance to flower!
  • Euryale Mar 22, 2012 @ 4:07 pm | delete
    Hmmm, your plant might need more water if the buds are withering. Also, when was the last time you fertilized it?
  • SheSha Mar 17, 2012 @ 10:36 pm | delete
    I got a mini aloe plant from a friend, it's about 4" from the tallest leaf including all the roots. I transplanted it, but the leaves are all limp and two of them are starting to look a little bit yellow-green (might just be a little paranoia, since I've been reading aloe plant care for about three hours). How should/can I fix it? I can't find much, so I decided to ask for help.
  • Euryale Mar 22, 2012 @ 4:06 pm | delete
    Your aloe sounds like it needs a bit more water and sunshine. Read the section on "stoplight" growing for more tips.
  • DonVito Feb 25, 2012 @ 5:31 pm | delete
    My wife taught me to eat aloe vera, it has many health benefits!
  • ilike2create Feb 25, 2012 @ 4:39 pm | delete
    I had an Aloe Vera plant once and it grew very fast. But as I moved to another place I gave it away. Interesting leins.
  • pyngthyngs Feb 25, 2012 @ 10:55 am | delete
    Has that bud bloomed yet? I would love to see it's beauty.
  • Euryale Mar 22, 2012 @ 4:06 pm | delete
    In 2012, I did not get a bloom. But in 2011, it was a lovely cascade of tiny yellow flowers that dripped a ton of sticky nectar.
  • fullofshoes Feb 25, 2012 @ 8:07 am | delete
    Great lens. Very impressed with your layout and of course the content is great!
  • charlino Feb 25, 2012 @ 12:19 am | delete
    Hurray! You are the first person I've found to have a flowering aloe like mine! I have a huge aloe (well, several now). 25 years ago it was a sized aloe in a 6" pot, purchased from the local grocery store. Over the years, the aloe grew to be a very large plant that has flowered many times, and shared the sprouts with friends. However, two years ago a couple of her bigger kids kicked Big Mama out of the pot (literally). I thought the big, heavy mother plant was going to die due to a lack of a decent root system after finding it on the floor. So, I put her in an empty pot on the deck - no dirt. Other than what appeared to be a lack of roots, the leaves remained healthy. I kept the plant by the back door in the empty pot for two months. Then it began to flower without dirt. I planted it in the pot she decided to flower in, but it was the wrong container for a plant like this. At this time, have at least three monster aloes with sprouts in two different containers that need to be repotted. Your transplant recommendatins are definitely helpful, and apreciated. Thank you for sharing your information about this wonderful plant.
  • A-Redneck Feb 24, 2012 @ 8:33 am | delete
    I bought a little tiny aloe vera plant for my husband who said he really wanted one. Ha...it is now a monster who is indeed a very great baby maker and my husband wants it banished from the house as he is afraid it is going to tip over it's pot. Fortunately I love our aloe plant and so it remains happily in our home. Mine also sprouted out a flower last year.
  • madoc Feb 23, 2012 @ 10:31 pm | delete
    We might try it, if Wisconsin is not too far north.
  • Steve_Kaye Feb 23, 2012 @ 4:59 pm | delete
    We have them growing in our yard. Thanks for making this lens.
  • MelonyVaughan Feb 23, 2012 @ 4:48 pm | delete
    Thank you for a very helpful and informative lens.
  • Theycallmedramaqueen Feb 23, 2012 @ 11:58 am | delete
    Great lens. I've never grown aloe vera because I didn't want to kill the poor plant. Now I'll try it using your tips. Thanks;)
  • scraps2treasures Feb 23, 2012 @ 11:38 am | delete
    I have always wanted to try growing aloe vera just to have around for sunburns, etc. Thanks for such an informative lens!
  • TennesseeWoodShop Feb 22, 2012 @ 6:51 pm | delete
    Aloe is so good for you
  • peachplanet Feb 22, 2012 @ 4:15 pm | delete
    I may have to get one
  • SecondHandJoe Feb 22, 2012 @ 2:48 pm | delete
    I have used aloe vera ever since I can remember. It was always available around my house for sunburn, bruises, broken bones , and other indignities! Congratulations for being on the Front Page, and for this wonderful article!
  • mommafox Feb 22, 2012 @ 1:35 pm | delete
    I've kept them in the past and need to get another one. Nothing heals faster than a blob of Aloe.
  • greenlungsofpoland Feb 21, 2012 @ 9:13 am | delete
    I always love growing aloe vera great for cuts and bruises - nice lens
  • lasertek Feb 21, 2012 @ 3:47 am | delete
    My mother has aloe vera plants but it isn't like on this lens. She has those bonsai aloe vera.
  • cajkovska Feb 21, 2012 @ 3:12 am | delete
    Thank you for all this informations. Nice lens.
  • Lagniappe Feb 20, 2012 @ 9:13 pm | delete
    I love Aloe plants, but I have never been able to keep one alive long enough to enjoy it. I will get another one this Spring and try what you have recommended.
  • shermanmorrison Feb 20, 2012 @ 4:32 pm | delete
    Yes, we usually have a couple of these around the house. Good to have on hand for treating light burns as well. Great lens!
  • jimbarnes Feb 20, 2012 @ 12:05 pm | delete
    great info, thanks for taking the time.
  • blackspanielgallery Feb 20, 2012 @ 11:21 am | delete
    Nice lens
  • Michey Feb 20, 2012 @ 10:13 am | delete
    Thanks, this is an informational lens for me, learn a lot. It is amusing how little care aloe needs to grow... This is a plant used in medicine and cosmetics with great success.
  • Steph_Tietjen Feb 20, 2012 @ 1:48 am | delete
    I have had one for many years that has never bloomed, but I love it anyway. Yet I have other aloes that bloom often. This is a great lens with good info. Thank you!
  • Image_Girl Feb 13, 2012 @ 8:06 pm | delete
    My Uncle's bloomed after 10 years! We were so shocked an thrilled too!
  • mavarbor Jan 31, 2012 @ 2:16 pm | delete
    glad you saw your first blossom, here in hawaii i grow aloe to eat and use on my skin, hair, etc. I have around 40 large med and small plants and am continually harvesting from the larger ones. I cut the blossom stems as soon as I see them start to form in order that the plant will grow faster. If we had hummingbirds i might let some go for them. I also tend some of my neighbors aloe's because i use more than I can grow(over 400 mature leaves /year!!) good luck
  • Ron Dec 30, 2011 @ 10:39 am | delete
    Did the 15 year old aloe blossom open? Was it a green flower?
  • Cinnamonbite Oct 25, 2011 @ 7:16 pm | delete
    They're weeds in my backyard. Want some? LOL
  • veryirie Jul 21, 2011 @ 3:18 am | delete
    We have a huge aloe plant outside that keeps growing and growing. I've never tried to grow aloe inside but luckily our weather is perfect all year for growing outside. Great aloe tips for newbies for sure!
  • GonnaFly May 11, 2011 @ 5:56 pm | delete
    What a fabulous lens! Thanks for all this great info.
  • TacTac May 22, 2010 @ 10:13 am | delete
    Excellent lens, favorited for future reference. Thanks for writing it.
  • Demaw Apr 7, 2010 @ 8:13 am | delete
    I started with one plant and replanted the off shoots. Some died from over watering, too much shade or being near an open window in the cold. I still have a couple of large plants in direct sun on a window sill that need to be pruned. I will have to give some more away, they can take over.
  • Euryale Jun 29, 2009 @ 5:30 pm | in reply to Steve | delete
    When you look at my largest plant, it's apparent that you could easily take three or four of those big leaves and not hurt the plant. However, if you really want to produce your own aloe, I'd suggest growing multiple plants to as large a size as possible. I'd also suggest not harvesting heavily during the aloe's dormant phase.
  • Steve Jun 29, 2009 @ 5:22 pm | delete
    Speaking of medicinal usage of aloe, I'm curious how much of a plant can be sacrificed for usage before the plant is negatively affected. Or could an occasional trimming actually benefit the plant?
  • Merryweather Apr 6, 2009 @ 12:52 pm | delete
    I live in Central California, in Fresno, as a matter of fact. I currently have an Aloe plant that is getting ready to bloom. It seems the variety I have blooms every 5 years. I've got mine planted outside where it gets mostly afternoon sun. Our soil is sandy, we live in the middle of raisin vineyards. My plant is about 10 years old and this is the second time it has bloomed. Our winter nights get pretty cool, anywhere from 25 to 35 degrees. This Aloe seems to take the frost pretty well. The tips of the leaves get frost bit, turn black, and shrivel up. And I just cut the dead tips off and the plant takes over. These are the most amazing plants. THEY LIVE FOREVER!
  • BeccaB Feb 24, 2009 @ 2:04 am | delete
    Very nice lens, I need more indoor plants and wasn't sure what to choose. This really helped! I am adding this to my lensroll
  • Frankster Jan 21, 2009 @ 4:36 pm | delete
    Great lens. I love plants and like you, many die. I've never seen an aloe bloom either so I'll be back to check out your bloom. 5 stars, favorite. Bear hugs, Frankster aka Bearmeister aka Cat-Woman
  • Euryale Nov 14, 2008 @ 8:20 pm | in reply to steve | delete
    In all my years of growing aloes, I've never had a variety that flowered. If the stalks seem to wither up once they are done, I'd let them naturally detach from the plant when they are ready.
  • steve Nov 14, 2008 @ 6:22 am | delete
    once my aloes have flowered, and the petals drop, the stalks look healthy and gradually wither. should they be cut or left alone, and will another stalk grow?
  • Euryale Oct 19, 2008 @ 9:00 pm | delete
    Mary, selling plants in spring or summer, when they are actively growing would probably work best. In winter, when they hibernate and need to be ignored the most (i.e. not watered) it's often hard to explain to people to leave them alone.
  • marymc Oct 19, 2008 @ 10:09 am | delete
    Glad I found you. I have a balcony full of 'climbing aloe', most of them have numerous shoots. I'm glad you gave me care instructions here, I am over watering them and will now let them have a quiet summer. Thanks for this. I hope to be able to sell the offshoots. Should I wait until spring?
  • TacTac Oct 8, 2008 @ 11:03 pm | delete
    Love the lens. The stoplight guide to aloe is brilliant. Thanks for the info and happy gardening.

    TacTac
  • Euryale Oct 2, 2008 @ 3:35 pm | delete
    Charanne, I've seen plants stop growing once they reach the max they can get in their present pot. Come springtime, try repotting your aloe into a pot that is a little bit larger around and a little bit taller. Then pick off any baby plants it might be trying to start and see if the mother plant gets bigger then.
  • windowbox Oct 2, 2008 @ 2:25 am | delete
    hmmmmm really good tips abt growing aloe vera such a good herbal medicine people in urban are can grow the aloe vera and other herbs or mushroom in Window Boxes if they do not have space .......
  • Charanne Oct 1, 2008 @ 12:54 pm | delete
    The problem I have with my aloe vera plant is that it is so busy producing new plants, that is does not grow... then again I get new plants every so often.
  • spirituality Sep 9, 2008 @ 5:59 am | delete
    great lens. Thanks for the tips. I recently bought an Aloe and have no intention of killing it :)
  • clouda9 Jul 24, 2008 @ 9:01 pm | delete
    Good info here about one of my favorite plants. A friend of mine had the most drop-dead gorgeous aloe's that actually cascaded out of their pots with new sprouts. Thanks for sharing!
  • beachbum_gabby Jul 15, 2008 @ 2:49 am | delete
    we had some of these at our grandparents house, this is a very very helpful medicinal plant.
  • charlino Jul 10, 2008 @ 9:21 am | delete
    Hello - This is a very nice site. I have an aloe that is more than 20 years old, and is huge in size. It has flowered at least a half a dozen times over the years, and yes - she has pups, too!. This site reminds me of how my baby needs s shot of top soil on her. I've had aloes around me for a long time, and do not want to be without one.
  • Euryale Jun 27, 2008 @ 3:23 pm | delete
    Wow! Thanks for letting me know, rms, and thanks to everyone who voted for my lens.
  • rms Jun 27, 2008 @ 2:18 pm | delete
    Congratulations! Growing Aloe Vera is this week's winner of the Choose Your Favorite Giant Lens contest and is now being featured at the Giant Squid Community Showcase.
  • totalhealth Apr 30, 2008 @ 4:19 pm | delete
    great lens. aloe has many uses. I can still remember when we were small we used aloe to treat small burns and minor cuts.
  • Piksychick Feb 11, 2008 @ 10:19 am | delete
    This lens has given me inspiration to try and grow an aloe! With the fail-proof tips that you have provided I am sure to succeed. Thanks.
  • Euryale Jan 22, 2008 @ 12:13 pm | delete
    Somedays I think my aloes taught me how to take care of houseplants. I've expanded my plant repertoire beyond succulents now.
  • GypsyPirate Jan 22, 2008 @ 11:05 am | delete
    I too am generally the harbinger of doom to house plants, but my aloe always sticks with me. And, you are right on the money about growing one in the kitchen - indispensable for small burns. What a great page.

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Euryale

In myth, Euryale was an immortal Gorgon. I'm a gardener and Giant Squid, growing things via Lenses. I have a wide range of interests including playing... more »

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