As I stumbled onto this forum I learned there are many types of Aloes out there. I've only heard mine called an Aloe Vera though and shall be doing farther research into it. I've come across a problem with my plant though which is what has brought me here. My Aloe is quite large, some of the leaves reaching nearly two feet long. I haven't had this plant for that long really, about three months perhaps. I've had Aloes before though. I had the plant through the summer and it did very well outside. But I recently returned to college and as I only go home occassionally, had to take it with me. It had been doing ok, I've made sure to let the dirt dry between waterings, but recently the leaves near the bottom have been seemingly rotting off. The rest of it seems to be doing fine, but those few leaves. I was thinking this could possibly be root rot, but since it hasn't been watered that much, wasn't sure. Those same leaves also seem to be... becoming wet I guess is a way to put it. They are wet to the touch. Any ideas or answers with how to fix this? As I said, the plant is very large and being at college makes it a bit difficult. I'm not sure if it's getting enough light as my window faces a direction where it doesn't get direct sunlight. Ideas? Anything might help.

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"I consider the day misspent that I am not either charged with a crime, or arrested for one." -- "Ratsy" Tourbillon

I suppose you could try getting one of those full spectrum lights for it. It's an option if you can't get sunlight in there. You also might want to get cactus soil and pot it in that rather than the soil you have it in now. That soil is very fast draining. Also make sure that the pot you chose has plenty of drainage.

Also you aloe may be entering one of it's dormant periods where it will require almost no water at all for long periods. Before watering check that the soil is dry down to at least 2 inches into the soil.

Good luck with your plant and your studies.

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Hmm... is it possible that this could be from underwatering instead of over?

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"I consider the day misspent that I am not either charged with a crime, or arrested for one." -- "Ratsy" Tourbillon

I'll take a look. And thank you all for your help. Hopefully soon I can let you know how it goes.

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"I consider the day misspent that I am not either charged with a crime, or arrested for one." -- "Ratsy" Tourbillon

give it a good drink and then expect to wait awhile before you have to water it again.

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IMHO If it's a true Aloe vera (A.barbadensis) it's going dormant for the winter. Don't try to make it look good now, just get it through. Good comes in March. Take off all dead leaves, water sparingly (ok, what does that mean? Mine, which is healthy, underpotted in an 8" pot, full of offsets, in very quickly draining soil, I will water once in Nov, Dec, Jan, maybe twice in Feb, definately twice in March, and see what happens then), and give it as much sun as you can. Always, as much sun as you can. Mostly, pay attention to your other plants and leave it alone. Aloe thrive on sun and neglect. Look where they come from! Good luck and happy Thanksgiving! MEP

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may God bless the WHOLE world!

That's a beautiful plant! My guess is it needs more light. Could be the picture, but it looks like the new growth and the bottoms of the 'middle-aged' leaves are a lot paler than the old leaves. Full spectrum lights have to be very close to the plant to do any good. Mine, fluorescent tubes in one of those shop light fixtures, are 6-8 inches from the tops of the plants. My A. vera is in a big south window all winter, and yes, it puts out a new leaf every now and then. I just say, thank you, go back to sleep. It's impossible to give these plants too much sun. They just love sun.

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may God bless the WHOLE world!