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Avatar for Lfromtheinternet
Sep 15, 2022 7:44 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Leon F
joilet
Hello hello fellow gamers- er, gardeners! i have adopted a neglected aloe vera that definitely doesn't look to be in the best shape and i want to help it, but have no clue where to start
Thumb of 2022-09-15/Lfromtheinternet/c57476
Avatar for MsDoe
Sep 15, 2022 7:36 PM CST
Southwest U.S. (Zone 7a)
Hello Leon, and Welcome!
Wow, that Aloe is a mess indeed. But--it's clearly still trying. I don't think it's dying, but will if it doesn't get improved conditions.
For starters, can you remove all of the dead brown leaves and post another picture, including the pot and the base of the plant? If the dead leaves don't pull off, cut them close to the stem.
Aloes are actually very easy to start from cuttings. I'd like to see how the plant looks without all the dead leaves. If it were mine I'd want to basically deconstruct the plant and start it over from cuttings. They do best in fast draining succulent/cactus soil and a pot with LOTS of drainage holes. The pot should be quite small for starting cuttings, you can up-pot when they root. You have material there for multiple re-starts, you can make several pots if you want. The leggy and distorted stems will not straighten themselves, but can be cut off and re-rooted.
Part of the reason the plant is in that shape is because it has not been getting nearly enough light. Aloes need bright light for up to 16 hours daily. It will do much better if you can put a grow light on a timer over the top.
They also like to stay warm.
If your conditions permit, it can go outside in the summer, in bright shade. Don't let it freeze. They are desert plants that need heat, light, proper soil and proper watering. It can be difficult to keep them indoors, but it can be done.
It's a bit of a challenge but you'll end up with some nice plants.
Welcome!
Avatar for Lfromtheinternet
Sep 17, 2022 7:27 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Leon F
joilet
Thumb of 2022-09-17/Lfromtheinternet/12c755

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I removed the dead leaves shortly after posting the thread but life got busy and I couldn't reply, sorry!
Anyway there are a couple more pictures, I think if I have the time I'll definitely start replanting these poor babies into better pots
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Sep 17, 2022 7:58 AM CST
Fairfax VA (Zone 7a)
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Looks not too bad! I think replanting the babies will definitely help
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