6

I’ve had an aloe plant for 11 years. It’s always been healthy and a lot of new plants sprouted from the original. So, 2 1/2 weeks ago, I decided to repot them as they were all getting too big to share a pot. They all seemed pretty healthy and I planted them using a potting mix for succulents. I watered them once a couple of days after replanting them and then, last week, I went away for a few days. When I came back, their leaves were all very thin and droopy, and some of them had started to turn brown. My housemate told me she’d been watering them while I was away, so I took them out to examine them as I feared they’d been overwatered and, unfortunately, I was right.

All of their roots were rotten - absolutely black and very soft. It had travelled almost all the way up the stem. Do you think there’s any chance of salvaging them? I know some people would think they’re just plants and I can get a new one, but I’ve had my original aloe for 11 years and she has a lot of sentimental value.

Improve this question
2
  • What about drying the roots and the pots and waiting to see if they recover?
    – Ignacio Soler Garcia
    Apr 8, 2018 at 20:37
  • I never liked succulent potting mix. Keeps things too wet. Often if you put the poor wilted thing outside in a not too sunny location, and neglect it, it will recover, or grow new sprouts over the course of the summer.
    – Wayfaring Stranger
    Jun 15, 2018 at 13:52

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

If the only live parts left are leaves, it's done. Leaves of Aloe don't root well at all, and if they do, they don't usually form a plantlet.

What you can do, if there are any live parts in the plant stem:

  1. Cut away all rotted areas cleanly with a sharp blade, and was the remaining parts lightly with disinfectant (you can also dip the cuts in cinnamon powder then, to speed the healing)

  2. Place them in a warm, dry (low humidity), well ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Let the cut areas callous over for a few days.

  3. Plant them (a couple inches in) in a mineral based mix that drains rapidly. I use about 40% topsoil or potting soil, and 60% crushed pumice. The pumice is superior to perlite for Aloe culture. With a rapidly draining mix, yo can water without fear of root rot.

  4. Place in a warm, bright, well ventilated area out of direct sun, and water them in. Keep the mix slightly moist until you see not growth in a couple weeks.

  5. Grow them on as you would a mature plant. (Full sun, less water, avoid frost)

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.