Question
Darlene-

I have a aloe vera plant about 1 foot tall in a 1/2 x 1/2 foot pot.  I water it every couple weeks with a succulent water soluable fertilizer, and it's planted in cactus/succulent soil.  I'd like to see it flower sometime...how would you suggest doing that?  Whats the best way to take care of this plant?

Also, I'm looking for a tropical plant that would flower fairly often.  Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Andrew

Answer
Andrew,

My aloe vera is getting ready to bloom and it sits in a corner with windows facing both south and west so it gets the maximum amount of sunshine possible in northeast Indiana. It is also in a pot that is about 8 inches wide but only 3 inches deep. It has a lot of babies or offshoots around the main large aloe so I am sure it is rootbound. It took about 5 years before it started blooming last year. So I reccommend giving it as much sun as possible, keep it potbound, and give it time!

As for tropical plants that flower often, tropical Hibiscus will flower almost constantly if given enough sun. The need a location that they can get full sun all day long with no drapes or mini blinds to obstruct the sun. The only plants that I know that will bloom almost year around with less light are African Violets and Episcia cupreata 'Chocolate Soldier' which is a hanging basket plant. Good luck.

Darlene