Aloe Vera Plant FAQ

Problem:
How much should I water my Aloe plant?

Solution:
Aloe plants require low water levels, so water the plant once every 2 weeks or longer. Typically I wait 3 weeks to a month in between watering. Allow the soil to dry completely in between watering. And as usual, be sure your plants soil has proper drainage.

Problem:
Are Aloe Vera Plants Poisonous?

Solution:
Various sources state the varieties of the Aloe Vera plant are poisonous if ingested. Aloe is safe to use on sunburns, warts, eczema and other topical uses, but ingested state poisonous. Below are the 2 sources I used:

North Carolina State University
Aloe - Wikipedia

Problem:
Do Aloe Vera plants flower / bloom?

Solution:
My Aloe plant has never bloomed, however multiple readers have shared stories that their very old Aloe plants have bloomed. A slender shoot varying from 12 to 18 inches will small buds is how it has been described. You can also go to Google Images and search "Aloe flower" to see pictures. Do put your Aloe Vera plant on a towel or something while it is blooming. They can drip sap.

Problem:
Some of the stalks have shriveled up and died. Can I remove them?

Solution:
Yes. You can cut the dead foliage off, as close to the main center stalk as possible without harming the plant. It will actually help the plant, as it will no longer waste energy trying to save a dead stalk. The shriveled up foliage could be a sign that you are under watering the plant.

Problem:
The leaves on my Aloe Vera plant seem droopy.

Solution:
This is most likely a watering issue. You may be providing the plant with too little or too much water. Aim to water once every 2 weeks or more. I would water once a month, giving a good soaking with proper soil drainage.


Miscellaneous Tip

When watering, water directly to the soil and try to prevent water from getting on the foliage. Multiple readers have witnessed that when water gets onto the lower leaves in particular, they brown.


Featured Comments on Aloe Vera Plants

I got my Aloe's from my aunts garden in Tucson, Az. Every summer I put them outside and the leaves turn a nice light rosy brown. When I bring them back in in the fall they return to green. I have waited to bring them in until later in the fall when the night temperatures have been in the upper 30's (I live in Minnesota) and they have been just fine. They all flower once every year with a long stem that has small orange trumpet shaped flowers on it. I have not watered in the winter for up to two months and they do fine.

If the leaves start to shrivel they need water. They will come back just fine. They like being crowded, that's the way they grow outside. They don't mind being overcrowded. Each plant will just grow taller (into a stalk) and the "babies" will find their way up between the established plants. Any of the "babies" can be repotted at any time. I've even had "babies" grow out of the overcrowded established plant. This is, by far, the easiest plant, along with Mother-in-laws tongue (Snake plant), I have ever had, to care for.
Anonymous Post


Hello everyone,
I want to share some of my lifetime experiences with Aloe Vera; I grew up in a tropical Country where it grows wild. Notice that there are about 400 varieties of Aloe, and "Vera" is the one I'm going to refer to. Go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_vera and you will see on the right how it looks like; in the US you can find it at the grocery stores everywhere and I call it 'the miracle plant'.
We ingest it as a body cleanser, use it for burns, wounds (small and big), mild infections, bug bites, as suppositories for hemorrhoids and minor vaginal infections (a great way to have it available when needed is by peeling the Aloe Vera carefully with a sharp knife, cutting long strings lengthwise, wrapping them individually with aluminum foil and freezing them in a sealed plastic bag, so when you need some, just brake a piece); Aloe Vera is a great for cuts and burns and when its flesh is applied directly on the wound and then covered with a gauze, it regenerates the skin and you don't get scars!

Aloe Vera loves sunlight; humidity and cold weather are its worst enemies; I live in GA, so I keep it indoors close to a sunny window during winter and either keep it there all year long or take it out for Summer time. I bring it in when it rains a lot, because it will rot in no time. When I accidentally bump into a leaf and it starts to get saggy or looks ugly, I simply cut it from the base with a sharp knife and proceed to peel it for future use.
Anonymous Post

Be sure to also read the complete Aloe Vera Plant Care post for detailed information on how to care for this houseplant.

 

African Violet FAQ

Problem:
There is white mold or fungus growing on top of the soil of my African Violet plants.

Solution:
The mold or fungus is typically due to over watering or the soil is not draining properly. Use soil specifically for African Violets. Water less frequently or less heavily to prevent the soil from becoming water logged.


Problem:
I want to replant my African Violet however it doesn't look healthy. Should I wait?

Solution:
Yes. Typically, replanting will put the plant in a slight state of shock, so transplanting when the plant isn't healthy may actually hurt the plant. Wait until the plant is in a healthful state before repotting.


Problem:
Your African Violet has some type of pest. How do I get rid of them?

Solution:
There are multiple ways. You can spray them with a soapy dishwater mixture twice a day for a couple days. Another method a reader shared was a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. However with the alcohol mixture, it killed the crown of the plant. But, it then grew many new crowns, when can't be left to grow for a few months then separated. You can also purchase an insecticide at any local garden center. 


Problem:
What is the right way to water African Violets?

Solution:
African Violets prefer moderate water levels, which typically means once a week when the plant dries out. In terms of how much depends really on your plant. The biggest thing I've learned with houseplant is that you need to feel it out. As one reader commented, she drenches her African Violet and then lets it dry out completely. That strategy has worked very well for her. I, myself seem to have to not drench it, but give it a good soaking. Do test and see what will work best for your plant.

One thing is for sure; make sure you are allowing proper drainage of the water. This is true for all houseplants.


Problem:
How do I propagate African Violets?

Solution:
These houseplants are extremely easy to propagate. Almost too easy. Take any leaf with stem and place in soil. Water thoroughly and you should be good to go!


Miscellaneous Tips:

African Violets don't like to be moved, so find them a great location and keep them there. If you do need to move them, be ready for a little backlash. The plants will spring back, but may go through a little shock period and take a little longer to bloom again.

Be sure to pinch off dead blossoms to help keep your African Violet keep blooming for many years.

Be sure to also read the complete African Violets Care post for detailed information on how to care for this houseplant.