LoveToKnow Garden:AllComments

From LoveToKnow Garden

Comments

You are very welcome. Thank you for stopping by.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

Thank you mis Roberts! i will do that as soon as i can, thank you again ^^

-- Contributed by: lillyana

If you have been waiting for your aloe to dry out for a year now, it is probably not going to recover. Try to gently dig it out of the soil and see if it still has roots.

If there are no roots, the plant can not be saved. If it does have roots, try to repot it in new potting soil. A blend for cactus is usually best for growing aloes.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

I have an aloe plant. I belive i over watered it, but i tired and is still trying to get it back to the green instead of the brown look it has, but i dont know how, it has been brown with a faint green look for about a year now, what am i doing wrong? also, the tips of the leaves are dring out and are becoming bridle so i can just pull it off, but i dont understand whats going on, help??

-- Contributed by: lillyana

Often if you just allow your overwatered aloe to dry out, it will come back. However, if all the leaves have fallen off, this may not work with your aloe. Unfortunately, you cannot grow an aloe plant from just a leaf. You may just have to get a new plant, but see if it comes back by just letting it dry out. You may be surprised.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

my aloe vera plant was over water and the leaves fell off how can i replant them because some of them are good and hardy.

-- Contributed by: sharon barrett

i have a aloe vera plant that i think i have over watered can i startanother one from the large leaves i love my aloe vera plant and do not want to lose it

-- Contributed by: sharon barrett

Aloe grows best in a loose, sandy soil. You can find a potting mix for cactus at any garden center and your aloe will love it. One I recommend if you want to make you own is a mixture of one part peat moss, two parts vermiculite and two parts perlite.

There are many brands of iron that you can mix with water to give your plants. In this case however, you might try Greensand iron supplement. This can be mixed in as part of your potting mix and it is organic, which is an important consideration if you are using the aloe medicinally.

One brand that is very popular is called Flourish. Typically, it is used for aquatic plants, but if you dilute it, it should give you the desired results. Actino-iron may work as well. Really, you can experiment and see what gives you the best results.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

My Dermatologist treated my plantar wart with Aloe Vera that looks just like your picture of Aloe Vera Aloe Barbadensis in this article. He scraped the wart and gave me a large leaf of the plant to use to put on the wart two or three times a day. It worked like magic. He told me that he had great success with this treatment and he later gave me several plants that I have potted at home.

He told me that the original plants that he had were grown in deep South Texas near Harlingen in a soil that had a high iron content. The sap of the plants was red due to the iron. The plants that he gave me a few years later were grown in pots with planting soil in his back yard. The sap is clear. Unfortunately, my Dermatologist passed away last year.

I would like to add iron to the soil that my plants are grown in to redden the sap and I would like to mix it in with the best type of soil possible to try to recreate the optimal healing properties of the plants. My new Dermatologist would like to try using the plants on his patients. He trained under the doctor that passed away.

I have heard of a product called Actinoiron. I would greatly appreciate it if you would suggest an iron supplement and a soil mixture for me to use.

Thank you.

Jim Han...

-- Contributed by: James M. Han..., Jr.

Most aloe plants are native to Africa. There are well over 200 varieties and they can be found all over the world. They can only grow outside in warm climates that do not freeze. otherwise, they make a nice houseplant.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

where it is found mostly

-- Contributed by: anonymous

Thank you Paul for sharing this with everyone. You are right. Aloe is wonderful for your skin and as a healing agent. You can read more about Aloe's healing properties by visiting one of our other channels, LoveToKnow Herbs. Read Medicinal Uses of Aloe Vera and How to Make Your Own Aloe Gel.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

I began using aloe vera for sunburns about 20 years ago. Soon after I also began to use it as an after shower moisturizer, for my face in particular. Skin tends to feel rather tight and dry following a shower. This became part of my routine and I haven't looked back.

For 20+ years now following every shower ... occasionally at other times during the day I have been using aloe. I have always liked the fact that it was natural, non-greasy and essentially disappeared about five minutes after using with no residue leaving your skin properly moisturized. Evidence suggests that aloe provides significant benefits far exceeding simple sunburn treatments. This seems to be backed up by the fact that island residents where aloe is prevalent and used regularly tend to have skin looking years younger than the user's true age.

My preference is towards the more natural. Aloe from the plant is a clear gel - not green as many products show it. I suppose some manufacturers have made it green because that color is either expected or more pleasing in some way but if you are looking for natural you want it clear and as close to 100% aloe vera as is possible. Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera fills the bill on all fronts. 100% aloe vera, no added color, no added alcohol etc. It has become our house favorite.

Side note: at the time I began using it I was not seeking a youth potion, just a way of getting rid of that tight dry feeling following a shower. I don't know if credit belongs with the aloe, heridity, luck or some combination but my skin appears quite a bit younger than my age should dictate. Take that for what it is.

-- Contributed by: paul

The aloe will be fine after it produces seed. However, you can still remove the pods once they have dried and save them for future plantings.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

does the aloe dry off when its in bloom, should I cut off the pods that hold the seed, so that it will stay alive

-- Contributed by: steven

If you would like to grow more aloe from seed (which should be fairly simple), wait until the pods dry out. Then you will be able to remove the seeds and plant them in a cactus potting mix.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

If the substance is black, this indicates that your aloe is getting too much water. Allow it to dry out between waterings. Aloe are very sensitive to too much water and prefer to be a bit dry.

If it is not black, perhaps the hummingbirds have discovered the blooms of your aloe. They love the nectar--which could be dripped onto the leaves.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

My aloe vera plant has a tall stalk with pods/seeds - what do I do with that?

-- Contributed by: Michelle

I have an aloe vera plant which is currently in bloom. I have noticed on a few leaves a sticky substance in a few places. I have not cut any of the leaves? Can you explain what this is and what I need to do please?

-- Contributed by: Kathy

Hi Cheri, you can trim back the dead leaves.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

so should i remove the dead leaves first?

-- Contributed by: cheri

Hi Cheri, Unless you live in a very mild climate, the aloe plant should be brought indoors. It sounds like the frost has killed some of the plant leaves. If you're able, and the plant is in a pot, bring it indoors. Otherwise it may not make it through the winter. Aloe plants are about 95 percent water- the plant will freeze when water freezes.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

I have two aloe plants. They were thriving 'till the snow and frost hit. Now the leaves are laying down and drooping. I don't know how to fix them.

-- Contributed by: cheri

Hi Elizabeth, These spots are usually caused by humidity and condensation. These spots won't spread, and it is the plant's way of sealing off the fungal infection. Move your plant to an area that is a little cooler and less humid.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

Hi Kathleen, Unless it produces "babies," there isn't much you can do, other than periodically remove a few of the bottom leaves to make room for the newer leaves.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

I have had an aloe plant for years and it has always done well. However, this year I put it outside in its usual place and it now has brown/black spots that are going thru the leaves. This has spread to most of the plant. Any suggestions as to what it might be?

-- Contributed by: Elizabeth

My aloe vera is huge! My mother passed it on to me and I can't replant it into anything bigger. It produces a stalk every year with white/yellow flowers. I live in Maine and it stays inside during the winter and goes out in the summer. Is there anyway to trim the roots? There is no way to replant it into something bigger. I need help!

-- Contributed by: Kathleen

Hi Dorothy, The plant "babies" can be separated from the main plant and potted, being careful to remove a few roots along with them. If you somehow divided the larger plant, it probably wouldn't survive.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

I love these plants,they're great for everything!

-- Contributed by: clara

I would like to know if a aloe plant could be separated & made into 2 separate plants?

-- Contributed by: Dorothy

Hi Karim, try entering "aloe soft drink" in your browser's search. This will give you a list of the available aloe soft drinks on the market.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

Aloe-vera is very bitter, how can I use it as a soft drink.

-- Contributed by: Karim Amani

Hi Rey, Check out the following link: Wikipedia Aloe and page down to the images. There are many aloe varieties; perhaps these photos could help you identify which plant you have.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

I have a long 'spikey' leaf plant that has aloe vera -like qualities. It's base is wine/red color and can turn completely wine color if not watered. The one leaves are greenish on the top side. It's very hardy and it grows just like the aloe vera type that I know. (green with white spots and broard leaves) How can I be sure that is an aloe vera. How can I identify it?

-- Contributed by: rey

Hi Keely, The aloe plant should be fine- it usually bounces back after a few of the lower leaves are removed. I don't know how tall your plant is- maybe it needs a bigger pot, or maybe you could use a temporary support if it is in danger of toppling out of its pot.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

Hi, I've trimmed a few of the lower leaves off the plant as they had died, but now the plant looks as if it will fall over because there is about and inch before there are any healthy leaves on it. Is there anything I can do?

-- Contributed by: Keely

Hi Laura, You should be able to remove a few of the bottom leaves from the plant without the plant being damaged- never trim back from the top. As for the "pups," they can be removed and planted separately, usually when they are 4-5 inches tall. Try to separate them gently from the mother plant, taking some of the roots with each "pup" so they will adapt quickly to their new environment. The mother plant will also be healthier after the "pups" have been removed.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

My Aloe is getting very big. It is planted in the garden and the stems are beginning to take over the path and veranda. Is there a safe way to trim the stems without damaging the plant please.

The plant is about 10 years old. Has lots of pups which need to be replanted. Each time I go near it the to difficult light comes on.

How do I remove the pups which are quite big now without damaging them or the parent plant.

Your advice would be gratefully recieved.

Yours

Laura

-- Contributed by: Laura

Hi Jeanette and Alicia, Your plant may either need more water, or less water. If it is too try, the tips will begin to brown because the plant is conserving water. If it is too wet all of the time it will also turn brown. Let the plant dry out a little between waterings. In addition, if the plant is outdoors, it can only take a little direct sunlight before it will turn brown, shrivel and dry out. This is because it is a succulent, not a cacti. Try keeping it in a partially sunny window indoors for the best results.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

Hello,

My question is my alo plant is turning color, its light brown. Someone told me that it is dying. Is this true and what can i do.

-- Contributed by: Alicia

My Aloe plant is dying, all the stems are growing long and drying out, at the ends of the long dried out stems are nice green Aloe, my problem is I dont know how to replant. I am afraid if I break the growth off the ends of these long dried stems I will loose my plant. The whole plant has gone this way and when I peel away the dried stuff from the stems, they appear dry and woody looking. What can I do

-- Contributed by: Jeanette

My aloe vera plant seems healthy but the health leaves start to shrivel and dry out. What is the problem?

-- Contributed by: Chrystal Gillon-Mabry

Hi J. Ostrowski, Aloe plants can be propagated by removing the offshoots from the parent plant and placing them in soil in another pot. They are fairly easy to propagate, like most other succulents.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

Hi, can I start a new plant by planting a section of an aloe plant?

-- Contributed by: j. ostrowski

Hi Kiruba, Aloe vera is an easy to grow succulent plant. You can grow them outdoors in sunny locations, or areas with slight shade. They need well drained soil and can be fertilized as needed. You may use commercially prepared soil for cacti to plant your aloe vera plants in if you wish. They should be watered thoroughly then the soil should be allowed to dry thoroughly before watering them again.

Check out Natural Beauty: Cosmetic Products Create Agri-Business for information on the aloe market.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

I need instructions on how to grow aloe vera in south asian region (preferably in India and Sri Lanka) and which part of the country will be suitable. I also need to know what is the potential in the world market growing aloe vera based on exports.

-- Contributed by: kiruba

Emmy, yes you can! Keeping aloe in your kitchen is a great idea so you can quickly treat cuts or burns. I have about six of them.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

Hi i would like to know weather i could use aloe plant just by cutting and applaying on skin.

-- Contributed by: emmy

One source is Divine Cactus in the UK. There is also an eBay store called Redefining Reusables that carries them.

I have not purchased products from either of these sources so I cannot vouch for them personally. However, it is a good start for your search.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

HI THERE. I WOULD LIKE TO BUY A N ALOE VERA BERBADENSIS PLANT. COULD YOU PLEASE GIVE ME A CONTACT ADDRESS/ OR NO . THAT WOULD BE GREAT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. LIKED YOUR SITE. REGARDS BIBA.

-- Contributed by: BIBA

Make sure it isn't getting too much water and try an organic plant food. Compost or fish emulsion is good. Also, be sure the soil is well drained. Aloe doesn't like soggy roots.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

i have just moved to college and transplanted my aloe plant into a bigger bucket. but its still brown and shriveling up. what can i add or do to help my aloe survive and be green again? it is in the hall way that lights 24/7 since it wasnt getting any light in my dormroom...thanks for any help, blake

-- Contributed by: blake

As far as I know, you can only get new aloe plants from the "babies" that come off of the main plant, or through seeds. If you have a leaf that has some root growth on it you can simply plant it in some soil and let it do its thing.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

Thanks for the article. I have heard that a small piece of aloe vera can be planted to grow it into a big plant. What is the procedure to do it?

-- Contributed by: SVJ

That sounds like an interesting book Adam. Thank you for sharing.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

I have a big book on scientific evidence about herbal remedies. What it says about aloe: There are two products made from Aloe, the latex and the gel. The gel is the stuff you put on burns, the clear substance inside the succulent leaves. The latex is this stuff that coats the inside of the leaf, sort of like a barrier between the leaf itself and the gel. The latex causes horrid diarrhea. So when you want to use aloe for its gastrointestinal benefits, squeeze the gel out of the leaf-- never scrape it out, because you're likely to get the latex mixed in with the gel.

-- Contributed by: Adam G

Usually it is recommended that you not put the leaves in water because they can rot, instead it is placed in soil. However, it sounds like you may actually have a bit of root growth--congratulations! :) This is what I would recommend doing now. Just put it in some well drained soil and don't water it until the soil is very dry.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

I have a few leaves from an aloe vera plant that was dying, I have had the leaves/stems in water for some time and they are still green in color. Is it possible to replant these and if so how would I do that? There is a bit of growth on the bottom of the stems that I am guessing is some type of root growth. Thanks in advance.

-- Contributed by: Julia Gurriell

Rachel, aloe likes a well-drained potting mix. Use one with perlite or sand mixed in.

Aloe can certainly handle 90 degreee weather. If it is used to being indoors, start it gradually outdoors by putting it in a partially shaded area. As it gets used to being outside it can even grow in full sun.

Where I live (in South Florida) people have aloe growing in their yard. They get very large and a a very attractive landscape plant. Our temperatures in the summer can reach to 90s or even higher. What aloe doesn't like is frost. Depending on where you live, you could keep it outside in the summer and bring it in for the winter.

Thank you for the question.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

I have a potted aloe vera plant in my home. I need to re-pot it. Is it best to buy a cactus mix soil for the bigger pot or just regular miraclegrow type? Also, it gets upward of 90 degrees F in my area, so is it safe to put it ouside? We keep the temperature around 70 within the house, but there are no windows that get direct sunlight. Which is best?

-- Contributed by: Rachel Leoni

Sometimes aloe will flower. If you are in a climate where aloe grows outside, you can contact your extension office for tips to help it to bloom.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

I have several mature aloe vera plants in my yard. three of them shot up tall stalks--that remailed light tan but did not flower are they suppose to flower?

-- Contributed by: Kathy Howard
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