Cold-Damaged Outdoor Aloe Vera in San Antonio: Recovery Options

Outdoor aloes in San Antonio turned brown from unusual cold. Aloes aren't cold-hardy. If leaves soft/mushy = dead. Center growth? If yes, plant lives but dead leaves won't regrow. Options: 1) Cut to stem at new growth, leave 3–4" stalk, callous, start new plants. 2) Cut to base—may regrow. 3) Harvest pups. Wait and see: leaves may shrivel (pull off) or rot (cut IMMEDIATELY). Future: use frost cloth or sheets below 50°F.