Question
I have an Aloe Plant that looks healthy...bright green leaves, and has grown very large.  However, when I cut a piece off the plant the juice was yellowish and had a strange smell.  Is my plant dying?

Casey  

Answer
Hi Casey,

Fresh healthy Aloe does have a mild odor that you might be sensitive to. Sometimes water quality can affect the odor of the sap. If your tap water is on the hard side, switch to filtered water. Healthy Aloes have firm, plump leaves.

Your Aloe might be rotting and that would cause a stronger, more noxious odor. In that case, the leaves would be soft or mushy. This usually occurs when the soil is not allowed to get quite dry, quite frequently.

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

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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