Question
Hello, I have a large aloe vera that has a long trunk which has lost most of its
leaves. All of the new growth is happening at the top, and the "trunk" is
getting longer and longer, as the old growth dies off. I would like to cut the
trunk off, (which would include the roots) and replant the shorter stump with
the hope that it will grow new roots. Can I do this?

Thanks,
Christian

Answer
Christian,

You can, but the plant my not survive. There are tree Aloes, rosette Aloes and there are creeping Aloes. Aloe vera is a creeping Aloe that as the stem gets longer, it should fall over and creep along the ground. If that's not the case here, you may have a tree Aloe (most likely Aloe dichotoma).

If it is Aloe vera and the trunk is long enough, lay it in some dirt in an adjacent pot. After some time (months), it should root where the stem touches the ground. If it does, you can then cut the stem and replant. You can also try cutting the stem, let it heal for at least a month (I always got impatient and planted the cutting too soon), then replant in soil only watering when the soil is dry. I have had only marginal success propagating Aloes in this way, but you may have better luck.

Sincerely,

Greg