large older aloe plants

9 months ago I separated 36″x36″ two (2) 15 year old aloe vera plants because they were damaged from being bumped. One is more intact than other. My question is about the long thick trunk that became floppy, and the ugly one has most of the leaves broken off at 8″ or more from the trunk. I have rigged some supports for top heavy 8 to 14 leaves. But the trunk is not strong enough to stand by itself. The top leaves are mostly 20″ long and heavy.

My question is: Can I cut the trunk about 5″ off the bottom of the ugly one? The broken off leaves go to at least 11″ high, and then 6 strong healthy 20″ leaves begin. Wonky looking base.
These are treasures, but in recovery. Do they have a chance? Can I bury the trunk 10 ” in a really deep container?

Please help. Hoping, hoping, hoping…
Thank you!

1 Comment (Open | Close)

1 Comment To "large older aloe plants"

#1 Comment By Downtoearthdigs On 02/18/2017 @ 8:37 pm

Any leaves that have turned pinkish brown are dying leaves, they can be cut away.
An overgrown, tumbling Aloe Vera plant can be cleaned up.
The outer leaves are the oldest, they should be the first to go, simply cut them away as close to the base of the plant as possible.
The ends will heal over time.
The young pups can be removed as they appear, to create new plants. Removing them will help the parent plant stay stronger.
Removing leaves will actually make the plant healthier. Use a clean sharp razor or knife to prune the leaves.

Do remember to trim sparingly, do not try to ‘do it all at once’.

If the plant is wobbly, it may not be in the correct pot size.

Also review the growing conditions needed.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/aloe-vera/aloe-vera-plant-care.htm ^[1]
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/aloe-vera/aloe-plant-propagation.htm ^[2]
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/aloe-vera/dividing-aloe-plants.htm ^[3]

Article printed from Gardening Know How Questions & Answers: https://questions.gardeningknowhow.com

URL to article: https://questions.gardeningknowhow.com/large-older-aloe-plants/

URLs in this post:

[1] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/aloe-vera/aloe-vera-plant-care.htm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/aloe-vera/aloe-vera-plant-care.htm

[2] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/aloe-vera/aloe-plant-propagation.htm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/aloe-vera/aloe-plant-propagation.htm

[3] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/aloe-vera/dividing-aloe-plants.htm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/aloe-vera/dividing-aloe-plants.htm

Have any questions about this topic? Visit us at https://questions.gardeningknowhow.com to ask your questions and get friendly answers from gardening experts.

You can also find us at:
'Like' us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gardeningknowhow
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gardenknowhow - @gardenknowhow
Follow us on Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/gardenknowhow/