Question
I have an aloe plant and got it when it was just a small start from another plant.  It is now about 1 foot tall and we replanted it in a large pot (aboout 10 inches across and 12 inches high).  It isn't doing very well and the bottom leaves are drying up.  Can you tell me how to bring it back to life.  Thank you.


Answer
Sally,

That's a huge pot for an aloe. Mine that is a foot tall is in a 6" diameter pot.  They really prefer to be rootbound. I hope you repotted it in cactus soil or half potting soil and half sand. If not you need to change the soil and mix sand in it. Then you need to move it to the sunniest window you have and leave the blinds open all day.  You should only water it every 2 - 3 weeks when it has been very dry for a week. It sounds like the roots are damaged from the transplant and from being too wet. It needs sun and mostly dry soil for the roots to recuperate. You will probably not revive the lower roots but it will probably send out babies if you follow the above instructuons. The babies will help it get rootbound again like it likes. Just be very careful not to overwater it. In the future, before you repot a plant, feel free to write and ask if it really needs it. Good luck.

Darlene