Aloe Vera Stem Rot: Stop Watering, Propagate Healthy Stems

12-year-old aloe: two main stems fell out, bases mushy. Owner placed them in soil. Expert: stop watering—you’re drowning it. Aloes survive near-zero water. Water every 2 weeks max. For fallen stems: let them callus (harden off) a few days, then pot, water once, then wait until soil dry. No fertilizer until rooted. Then same schedule: ~every 2 weeks.

Key Lesson

• Aloe = succulent = drought-tolerant.
• Mushy base = rot from water.
• Propagate stems; mother may recover if dried out.

Less water, more success.