Black Cat

I would appreciate if anyone knows anything about plants I have a problem ....

We have this beautiful Aloa Vera which we bought from a tiny little sprong about 3 years ago, now it's huge... but sadly too huge to bring into the house. So we built it it's own tent and I wrapped it and the pot in burlap to protect it but now some of the branches are rotting and it's looking as if we will lose it.
Can anyone suggest something that I can do (no I can't bring it into the house it's too big and we can't lift it) to try and avoid a complete disaster.

The strange part is - it's babies in separate pots in the same tent are doing okay and they are only about 6-8 inches high..

any help very much appreciated.
Thanks
P
and no wisenheimer cracks either thanks...

TelBoy

I've been waiting for a sensible reply before suggesting playing your plant some of your Westlife CD's, but unfortunately nobody's playing ball.

As an attempt at a serious answer, plants die from a number of reasons;

Too little/too much water

Not enough light

Too little/too much feeding

Being moved

Drafts

"Natural" reasons, ie they get too old.

I'm not an expert in aloe vera's, so perhaps they have their own specific problems. What i would advise, however, is don't cut off the wilting branches. In my experience, that only speeds up the problems for the plant.

ProperCharlie

not sure how tolerant of the cold aloes are. are you sure it's an aloe - how big is it? I have an aloe aristata (i think) that I rescued off a compost heap about 15 years ago. It's now about 14" across but I wouldn't say too big to go in the house.

at a guess i would say the symptoms you describe are either due to too much water or frost damage.

Stuffed Badger

You need to repot in damp compost, it sounds as if has had too much water.
Try www.thegardenhelper.com/houseplants.html.

Jye_0

Although Aloe Vera is a tropical plant, the root can survive freezing air temperatures, so long as the ground is not frozen and the root destroyed. The plant need not be destroyed for damage to occur. The leaves may be damaged and vital nutrients may be lost at air temperatures of forty degrees Fahrenheit. Such damage may be severe at thirty-five degrees. Conversely, the plant can grow at temperatures as great as 104 F. It will survive temperatures higher still, and can withstand even severe drought. Nonetheless, it will thrive in humid jungles, so long as the root itself does not stand in water and drown.

Are you sure its not a Cordyline?

[Edited by Jye_0 - 2/13/2003 12:52:46 PM]

TheScooby

TheScooby

Mungo

You can try calling the RHS at Wisley for some advice - not sure of their number, sorry.

Popeye P1

Ask Titmarsh or Dimmock with the see through vest.

Black Cat

Thanks for the answers guys.

I am sure it's an Aloa, as it stinks to high heaven (as only Aloa can) when you break the fronds, stems whatever you want to call it. I haven't watered it however, as I did not want the root to freeze. The plant itself is huge, it sits in a pot with a circumference of 24" and it's spread is 3 times that and is nearly 5 foot. (all that from a little tiddly thing three years ago) We have a jungle - affectionately known as the conservatory... but the plant has outgrown it.

Telboy I think you hit the nail on the head.... Westlife it is I will report back
P

Scooby Snacks

You sure you're not referring to your marijuana plants Pen???

Black Cat

... geez is nothing sacred .....

Tea Break..???. or just as bored as I am.... hey if you stand at your window and I stand at mine we could wave to each other... now wouldn't that be fun....

yeah... I'm losing it... think it's hunger ....

Scooby Snacks

Bored now - I've been here since 7 this morning so starting to get the hump. Will leave in a minute I think......