Question
i have a aleo vera plant thats been in the same pot for about 6 yrs. ive taken some of the sprouts off it over the yrs.  its now about 3 feet tall and extremely top heavy.  first question is there any way to make them grow so they are not so top heavy?   its in a pot thats about 2 feet x 2 feet high. and i have it leaning against the window and staked up with a dowl.  question # 2 is it common for them to flower? ive never seen or heard of an aloe flowering however mine has just started to flower should i be concerned about it. how long will it flower?  will it flower again or just die?  thank you heidi

Answer
Hi Heidi,

Congratulations on your successful care of your Aloe vera! These plants do flower as they get older and after they have been given good light and good care. Keeping them moderately potbound also encourages flowering. The life expectancy of a flower varies greatly with age, light, temperature, etc. You can expect your Aloe to flower at least annually from now on as long as there is no change in its care. And that gets me to your other question.

Aloes grow straight up from the center. It is just a matter of time before they become top-heavy. There is nothing you can do to prevent it. Propping works for a while, but eventually it outgrows the stakes.

The only cure is to prune off the top section (eliminating the leafless portion of the main stem)  and root it in a new pot filled with a damp, porous potting mix. Let the pruning cut heal by exposing it to the air over night before potting it.

Unfortunately, it is unlikely to flower again until it has developed a new root system that fills its new pot.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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