Question
I have an outdoor mature aloe vera plant that has a flower stalk, along with some pups that I抳e removed and repotted. While the pups have been moved indoors near a western-facing window, the mother plant remains outdoors after being transplanted to a larger pot.

I would like to know if it抯 necessary to remove the flower stalk since the petals are now gone. If so, what is the best way to remove the stalk? Will the plant grow another stalk down the road if this one is removed?

Another issue with the mother plant as well as the pups are the browned tips of the leaves that have been exposed to too much sun. In the process of transplanting the aloe, I cut off the burnt tips that were shriveled. However, I would like to know if misting the leaves would help alleviate this problem.

I appreciate any advice you may have concerning this matter.

Answer
Sharon,

To begin with you need to move that mother plant to a shady location then slowly move it out to a sunnier location to avoid sunburning them in the first place. If moving it is not possible cover it with a white sheet to shade it in the heat of the day. Misting will not heal the brown spots. They will not go away. The leaf tips may shrivel and can then be cut off. As the plants grow larger the damaged leaves may be able to be removed without spoiling the appearance of the plants too badly.

You have to be very careful with all succulent plants and cacti as they need to be acclimated to the sun gradually so they do not sunburn.

The flower stalk should be clipped off at it's base with sharp scissors. It will regrow a new stalk when it is ready to bloom again. It never reblooms on an old stalk. Aloe plants need to be rootbound to bloom so do not repot it into a larger pot or it will not bloom again. If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck!

Darlene