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* I need instructions on caring for aloe plants, propagation, how to transplant aloes, or other
general aloe care info.
* How often should I water my aloe?
You should only water the aloe plant when the soil is completely dry. Young plants are particularly sensitive to overwatering.
Thay will surve draught by storing water in the leaves. Best advice: if in doubt as to whether it needs water, it's best to
wait.
* How do you know when to split the plant or replant it into a larger pot, when should an aloe
be repotted to a larger pot?
Plants may be transplanted at intervals between 6 mos. and 2 yrs.
It is beneficial to the mother to have the new ones taken off to lessen the crowding and competition. When you see the
new plants, let them get about 4-5" tall, with at least three good leaves. Take the entire plant out of the pot, lay
on newspaper and gently separate the little ones from the mother, getting some roots with each plant, more for the original.
I find it helpful to separate when the plant is on the dry side, as they break apart so easily and do not tear the roots
in the process.
* My plant has become limp, the leaves are mushy, or turned black.
These are signs of overwatering. Chances of recovery are slim. You may remove all the blackened areas, including roots, at
put the plant back into dry soil. It might reroot itself after it adjusts.
* My aloe plant has changed color, turning tan, pink or brown.
Color changes as described here usually indicates too much direct sunlight. Aloes prefer bright, indirect lighting. Aloe vera
is also happy in a pot on a windowsill.
* Can I start new plants by using leaf cuttings?
I only get new plants from ofsets or 'pups'. However I have been told the following method works:
Peel off the leaves at the base of an adult plant
Plant them in a small plastic bag with rich soil and water everyday After the rainy season when the soil is still moist
transplant the leaves into sandy soil
Water them a little to make sure they do not dry out
Once the Aloe has taken root do not water or fertilize the plant.
* Pruning Aloes
Root pruning:
You can cut that long root off and discard it. Healthy aloes easily take to transplanting in this manner and
the plant won't be harmed. Takes several weeks but the new root system will make it more stable. Careful not to water much
during the adjustment period.
Leaf pruning:
you can remove 1 or several leaves and the aloe will hardly notice it.
* My aloe plant has fallen, been knocked over, or otherwise gotten dammage.
Aloes are hardy and can survive rough treatment. Simple replant it as if it was normal a repotting or transplanting. It may
droop or loose leaves. It may take several weeks to recover, but as long as it stays green it is still living. Aloes will
go into a dormant phase in times of stress, so watering should be kept to a minimum.
* How do I use aloe vera medicinally?
Use leaves that are at least 2 to 3 years old, just remove a lower leaf from the plant, slice it open, and apply the gel on
the affected area.
Use on minor cuts and burns, sunburns, rashes, and to help heal scars.
* Do all the Aloe plants have the same healing properties?
Aloe Vera is the species with the most recognized healing qualities.
* How long will it take to recieve my aloe plant?
It takes 3 to 4 days, usually.
* Can I get a free aloe plant if I live outside the United States?
Import/export restrictions on shipping live plants limits availability to US residents only. I just called up
the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), and asked them about what one can do. I was informed that one may take up to 50
houseplants (and aloe classifies as one) across the border when travelling, but one must accompany them. As far as shipping
goes, one must get a USDA (US dept. of Agriculture) Phytosanitary certificate (certifies
that the plant is safe, and bug free.. etc. all the legal jargon). Through continued searching, I found that the minimum one
can spend on a Phytosanitary certificate is $19.92 (US), So..., I am going to continue my search to find an aloe plant within
Toronto, and hopefully one within Canada. Thanks for your time nonetheless, and I just thought I'd tell you this in case any
future customers from Canada come around.
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?navid=SEARCH&mode=simple&q=phytosanitary+certificate
http://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd2/IPWheat/graininspection.htm
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