Hello plant lovers: I've read the thread about Aloe polyphylla and note some sane ,cogent remarks but also some "voodoo" horticulture, which is incorrect . The snow covered A.p.photo is from Clark Brunts garden, who I sent seed to in the early 90's. Don't trust any seed from China , I have sent sent several hundred seeds to 2 individuals though in the last year. Forget about the "tilt method" quoted from UCB . The retention of water in the inner crown is not directly harmful unless there is very little UVA,UVB light in the ambient spectrum for the plant, when the Fusarium fungus will infect foliage.Foliar Fusarium is not deadly to A.p.. It will cause a purple lesion on the leaf , and can be stopped by UVA. Frost will not affect lower leaf, which are predestined for retirement. This is how dynamic A.p. is. An adult size plant of about 175 leaf , will create a new leaf in the center and this leaf will be progressively repositioned to the outside of the row it originated in by subsequent new growth, requiring about 2-3 years for it to be retired. The addition of ectophytic bacteria , such as Bacillus
subtilis and or Streptomyces lydicus, will defend your plant from the Fusarium and is the single best strategy to employ for many other ornamentals.(Actinovate). I receive photos from many hobby growers who make basic mistakes and become worried. I can diagnose maladies for you. One of the FAQs I get is about tip necrosis. To understand this phenom you must accept the ephemeral nature of the root tissue, and the effect on the leaf tip. This is all normal. In the native habitat , all adult plants had some degree of tip necrosis. If only the lowermost leaf have t.n. then don't worry if you witness new growth. If the older half of leaf have t.n. then I would advise a rehabilitation procedure: dig it up and inspect, jet wash the undercrown,remove all dead tissue
,clip roots to 6" length and replant.The plant will form roots again in 30 days. In my nursery effort I must do this several times to same plant to grow it up to saleable size. The adult plants are far more stable in time .
