Leggy Aloe Vera: To Cut or Not to Cut the Trunk?

Identify the Growth Habit First

Aloe with a long, bare trunk and top-heavy rosette. Three possibilities:

• Aloe vera (creeping): Naturally falls over and roots along stem.
• Tree aloe (e.g., Aloe dichotoma): Grows upright with trunk.
• Trailing aloe: Stems elongate horizontally.

If True Aloe Vera

Don't cut and replant the top – low success. Instead:

1. Lay the long stem horizontally in adjacent pot with soil contact.
2. Pin down with U-stakes.
3. Months later, roots form at nodes.
4. Then sever from mother.

If Cutting the Top

• Callus cut end 1+ month (impatience causes rot).
• Pot in 50% sand mix.
• Water only when dry.
• Expect <30% success.

Better: Repot Deeper

Use a taller pot; bury stem up to lowest leaves. Use gravel (not soil) for buried portion. Reduce watering.

Confirm ID with photo to gregandkat@msn.com.