Hi there, my friend recently gave me some of her aloe vera plants and none of them were too healthy to begin with (one was on the verge of death completely brown and yellow), so anyway I almost drowned it by watering it too much, but I soon learnt and it's now green again. Seeing my success with these, she gave me another aloe vera plant. She claims that it has not been watered for about a year. The entire bottom section of the plant has gone yellow and the leaves have all fallen off. The top of the plant is still green and I think will make it, however all the remaining leaves are completely flat (not suprising really considering the lack of water) and all curl inwards on themselves. I changed the soil it was in to fresh compost and watered it. That was two days ago and I don't plan to water it until next sunday (I have learnt about root rot it seems). So my question really, is, what can I possibly do to help it become healthy again and fill out the leaves so they are "fatter" and more succulent looking?

Thanks very much
Blaise xx

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I just used straight compost, I know I'm meant to mix it, but there wasn't anything in the house unfortunately. But they are all on south facing windows and as it is very sunny atm they are completely dry after a week, so I don't think that is a problem.

One of the first Aloes I saved has recently had a "baby". I know this is relatively simple as aloes thrive on neglect, but I found it quite exciting anyhows!!

Love
Blaise xxxx

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Hi Blaise,

PAR is right about not using just compost. Compost does not have enough of the tiny air pockets in its structure to provide a source of oxygen to the roots. It may work OK for a while, but eventually the roots will suffocate from lack of oxygen. YOu can add 1 part perlite to 2 or 3 parts of compost for a better mix.

Some of the shriveled lower leaves may never recover because the tissue has been irreparably damaged from the long drought. If they have not recovered within a few weeks, then trim them off.

Newlife,

You are doing the right thing. Water it only after the soil is nearly dry. If the root is still viable then there is a good chance it will revive, but slowly. Good light will help the recovery process.

i am also inteerested in planting aloe. i have a friend who is wiiling to give me a cutting but we arent sure what kind of cutting i need in order to grow a new plant. a leaf or more than that? and if i get a leaf should i root it in water?!! or just starigh into dirt. i have found with other cuttings hat if i keep them in thehouse for a while til they are establshed they fare better than thte ones i plant outside ....thanks for your help.
i think that succulents are great - you can neglect them and they grow anywayand if you give them a little TLC they thrive!

TK is right. It is best to use baby plants or offsets that have some root attached. Cuttings must heal over night before they are inserted in damp perlite (no soil) to root.