Question
Hi...Help..I planted a few aloe plants to give for gifts this Christmas; however; some of the tips have turned brown!!! Can I trim that off - have I done something to cause this?
Any suggestions will be so helpful as I am done to 4 days to give them away.
Thanks,
Sandra Filer

Answer
Dear Sandra,  I wouldn't worry too much.  I think you just got the plants a little too wet.  Aloes prefer to stay a little drier and you want to avoid standing water on the leaves.  You could trim off the brown, but if it is just a little bit, then I would probably leave it on.  If you are really worried and want to prevent any spreading fungus, you could spray the plants with NEEM, an organic fungicide (as well as miticide and insecticide).  Otherwise, just make sure that the plants have a drain hole, dry them out a day or so, and give them as much light as you can.  They should be fine.  Good idea by the way, and Merry Christmas.  Melissa