There are over 250 species of Aloes in the world, mostly native to Africa. They range in size from little one inch miniatures to massive plant colonies consisting of hundreds of 2 foot diameter plants. Although most Aloes have some medicinal or commercial value, the most commonly known is the Aloe barbadensis... better known as Aloe vera.

All Aloes are semitropical succulent plants, and may only be grown outdoors in areas where there is no chance of freezing (USDA zones 10-11) . However, they make excellent house plants when they are given sufficient light. Potted Aloes benefit from spending the summer outdoors. Older specimens may even bloom, producing a tall stock covered with bright colored coral flowers. Aloe flower nectar is a favorite of hummingbirds!

It has a fibrous root system producing long, tapering, stemless leaves. These light green leaves have spiky margins and are blotched with cream. The firm upright stems bear several bell-shaped, fleshy, yellow-orange flowers.

Is there a chance it may have been too cold while you were away and is suffering effects from the cold?

Here is some watering information: During the winter months, the plant will become somewhat dormant, and utilize very little moisture. During this period watering should be minimal. Allow the soil to become completely dry before giving the plant a cup or two of water. During the summer months, the soil should be completely soaked, but then be allowed to dry again before re-watering.

The group of aloes known as the maculate aloes are notorious for tip die back in winter. It is part of their natural cycle. In nature they experience a dry cool season and respond by reducing their foliage. It is as if they were slowly evolving into bulbs. Come spring and warmer weather and they will leaf out with new foliage, which will cover the old dead tipped leaves. Aloe vera is sensitive to cold and wet in winter. Perhaps it would be worth looking into which tipe of Aloe Vera you have, maybe this is your answer, it's hard to help you a whole lot without knowing the specific type, there are over 250 types, the best I can do is keep feeding you information in hope that you will find one or more glitches in your care tatics.

If you are overwatering maybe root rot is contributing to the problem take the time to read this: The Aloe vera is a dandy little plant famously kept in kitchens as first aid for minor burns.But, as a succulent, the aloe stores lots of water in its fleshy stems and doesn't dry out fast at all.

As with many desert plants, the stem's tissue simply prevents evaporation, even in hot weather. So, during the summer, you should water it very moderately, waiting for the soil to dry out completely before watering again. In the winter, it requires even less water; think about it every month or so.

The potting soil you're using may be too rich and moisture-retentive for this plant. The soil should be on the sandy side, drain quickly and not hold water.

Here is some more information regarding Aloe Vera, the end part especailly regarding light:

Plant Form: This plant has green gray fleshy thick sword shaped leaves 4 to 7"long. Leaves are spotted when new and all leaves have soft spines on the leaf margins. Aloe grows in a rosette type growth habit and can reach a height of 24".

Culture: To avoid droopy and pale appearance this plant needs 200 to 250 foot candles of light. It can take drying out of the growing medium in between watering.

In short I'm under the impression that your aloe vera was too cold, without sufficant light, and is being overwatered. The tips I said earlier about regulating the temperature, giving it light, checking the pot and soil, and following the watering rules should help. As for the varying watering rules I discovered, try to determine the exact type of Aloe Vera as there is probably a very specific watering guide, if this is not possible, maybe trial and error is the only way, pick carefully. Sorry I couldn't be of much help and keep us posted!

Rick is right, in the wild they are often found growing behind a rock in partial shade, however considering that your plant had been, 'light starved', I don't think it is the same problem, I think it is more likely that it requires more light, warmth and perhaps a different watering/potting arrangement.

Your very welcome! I'm looking forward to hearing about your progress.