Question
QUESTION: Hello Maureen.
I have recently acquired a 2 foot tall aloe vera from someone who was going
to throw it away.  Two very large and overgrown stalks littered with pups -
like ten or more ranging in size from 1 inch to 6 inches.  The entire plant is
spilling out of the pot, seriously leaning to one side (perhaps never being
turned and growing toward little light).  The tips of some leaves are slightly
brown at the ends and the non-brown parts are somewhat soft.  I've checked
for bugs and disease, but I think it's just lack of proper care.  I'd send a photo
if I wasn't between homes with everything in storage.
I've managed to get it out of it's pot, but the tons of thin roots are tightly
entangled with what's left of the original soil.  What do I do next?  I have
cactus soil ready, but I don't want to kill it trying to deal with the roots and
hurting it.  
I will be SO thankful for your reply!

ANSWER: Dear Christina,

Well that a nice acquisition!  First, aloe vera are pretty hardy, repotting-wise.  It might be helpful to soak the roots for a few hours to allow for easier handling.  You don't have to do this, but sometimes it's easier to separate that way.  Also, have a sharp, sterilized knife and some powdered fungicide or Rootone handy just in case.

Here's the fun part. Take the plant and gently start twisting the roots back and forth till they separate somewhere.  Then take those separations and start to twist them as well.  Continue till the pups are separated.  If some just won't separate you'll need to cut them off with the knife and brush any wounds with the powder.  Let these pups callous before potting up.  Any pups  that separated without cutting can be potted in an appropriate sized pot.  Some times the roots will bee too long  and if so, trim them.  Don't water for 3-4 days.

You may have to sacrifice one or two, it's hard to say without a photo, but courage!  They'd be sacrificed for the greater good.

As for the mother plant I wouldn't worry about the brown tips either and agree they are probably from lack of care.  You may have to stake it till it forms some more roots.

Good luck and let me know if you need anymore help.

Maureen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Maureen.

I can't seem to locate the powdered form of a fungicide.  Would the spray form
be alright to use?

Answer
I'm sorry, I thought I answered this.  If you can't find powdered fungicide see if you can get a small jar of Rootone which is a hormone rooting powder that contains a fungicide, and use that. If you can't, just let the plants air dry.  I am paranoid about rot so brush one of those (or in a pinch, charcoal) over the open wounds. The liquid won't help the wound to dry.  Just keep it clean and dry and you'll do fine.

Maureen