Question
Greg,
Thanks for the answer(s) below.  I have so many questions on the use and growth of aloe.  Since, I don't want to overwhelm you on the subject, is there any good web/book resources on Aloe's use and propagation.  I seem to have a great location to grow them, and I like to learn more about the plant.
Thanks again for the help.
Dan
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I have a couple of prolific Aloes (big and many pups) that have grown so tall that they have fallen over.  I suspect the answer is that they are in a pot that is too small in radius.  One is staked up and the other is leaned over and lying on the rim of a 1' diameter pot.  Can the "leaning towers" of Aloe be corrected?  If so, how?  Can I cut them back somehow to encourage a new growth pattern.  I'm afraid to cut top since that is where new upward growth is formed, and I'm not sure if the plant's root from the bottom (and I'm afraid to experiment with these guys).  Any help would be appreciated (I have radiation patients and others that enjoy the "fruits" of my labor).
-----Answer-----
Dan,

There are 3 types of Aloe's, stemless, trees, and trailing. Yours is the latter. A trailing Aloe will start out with a small trunk, then lean over and grow along the ground. For your Aloe, that is normal. It you cut off the growing tip, the plant may branch. You can try a bigger pot, but your plant is not designed to grow vertically.

You can continue to stake the plant to keep it upright, but that may not be a very good appearance. If you cut it, you may be able to root it, but the success rate is pretty low. Let me know if you want to try and I will let you know the process.

Sincerely,

Greg

Answer
Dan,

I can't think of any books specifically for Aloe's, as most deal with all types of succulents. However, here are some resources on the web that may help.

http://desertbotanical.org/index.aspx?pageID=585

http://catalog.huntington.org/search/Y?SEARCH=aloe&SORT=D

The latter one being a list of books related to Aloes. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg