Question
do you mean that I do not re plant the cutting for 3 weeks after cutting, and just leave it to dry out on a tray in a dry dark area?
sorry to sound a bit dense but I normally cut, clean, add rooting gel and slam it into damp compost/sand mix and pray - a lot!
Graham
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Followup To

Question -
i have a cactus that i am fairly certain is an Aloe type, long triangular type leaves, it has 3 off shoots and has grown so tall that it cannot stand unaided, (about 9 inches).
should i simply cut the top off and discard it, or try to re-root any such cutting using propogation rooting gels?
or any other tips on care of this item.


Answer -
Dear Graham,

Aloe's can be very finicky about rooting from cuttings. The trick is to (after you make the cut) let it heal for at least 3 weeks. Make sure you have at least 6 inches worth of stem to plant. Water the cutting only when the soil is dry and keep it out of direct sunlight. It can take a month or two to root if it roots at all. You can try rooting compounds if you like. There is also a product I use with all cuttings called "Superthrive".

I have only been marginally successful rooting Aloe cuttings, successful about 50% of the time. Hope this helps and good luck!

Sincerely,

Greg

Answer
Dear Graham,

What ever works best for you is what you should do. However, with succulent plants, you decrease the chance of rot by letting the cut area dry (heal). Aloe's in particular, especially from a stem cutting, can be finicky. You don't have to put it in a dark spot, just don't put it in direct sunlight. Hope this helps,

Sincerely,

Greg