ALOEs: Is their length of life dependant on the stem length (which depends entirely on the variety)...?

Question

In other words...

If the stem is as long as the species can get, will it soon die...(?)

However, if the stem is cut off (right below the leaves),

allowed to heal, then re-rooted,

will this lengthen the life of that individual aloe?

(I realize that aloe pups are often many,

& can be used to take it's place,

but what I want to know is how to lengthen an aloe's life,

so as no to lose it.)

Thank you for Knowledgeable answers!

Links to, or, names of Web sites with such info

Will be appreciated!

Answer 1

1 ) Aloe has long life and it does not depend on stem length or variety .

2 ) keep soil around it sufficiently porous so that water can drain off quicker .

3 ) Aloe can never die due to lack of water but can surely be killed by OVER WATERING AND WATERLOGGED SOIL.

4 ) It does not require any costly fertilizers .

5 ) Do complete re-potting once in two years . But always keep the soil porous .

6 ) It requires strong and direct sunlight ( Remember it is a desert plant so thrives on less water and more sun .)

7 ) Separate the pups and pot them independently .

8 ) The pups are genetically IDENTICAL WITH THE PARENT PLANT SO TREAT THEM AS SUCH .

So if the parental plant is lost nothing is lost .

9 ) Question =However, if the stem is cut off (right below the leaves),

allowed to heal, then re-rooted,

will this lengthen the life of that individual aloe?

9 ) Answer = YES !! In fact it is essential . There should be soil immediately below ( Almost touching ) the lowermost or basal leaves .

Caution = re-rooting should be successful .

10 ) More light ; less water ; re-potting with porous soil and separation of pups is good idea for health and longavity of aloe .

From = A Botanist