how can I make my aloe plant happy?

Question

I have an aloe plant that's been in the family for about 10 years now, and he's still just a puny little thing. he's an indoor plant. lately he seems to be a little droopy and squishy. I have been taking care of him like I do the rest of my plants (which are healthy), but now I'm wondering if aloe plants need something special? any tips or advice would help. I don't want him to die on me.

Answer 1

We always left our alone and neglected them until we got a cut lol....They seemed to like it that way and thrived very well...You have to remember that it is a cactus family member and they do not like too much attention!

Tips on taking care of Aloe:
SUN SUN SUN!!! Put in a window that has the most sunlight available...In the summer place outside in the sun.
Soil should be "quick draining soil" (should contain Extra pearlite, granite grit, or course sand) Can also purchase cacti mix
Winter months the plant becomes dormant and uses very little water B/C it is not growing and therefore be minimally watered.
Summer months the plant needs to be soaked then be allowed to COMPLETELY dry before watering again.
When re-potting chose a more shallow pot rather than a deeper pot.
Fertilize yearly with a 1/2 strength (diluted) mixture of 10-40-10 fertilizer

Hope this helps and I hope "He" gets to feeling better soon
You didn't say his name :( My favorite plants name is George!
He is a type of umbrella plant! LOL... Have a great day!!!!

Answer 2

leave it alone and it will recover!! you said you treat it the same as all the others and that is the problem!! put aloe in a small pot and just leave it be!! as it grows and makes more shoots wait until the pot is really crowded before thinning them because they LIKE their own company. Do not over thin, keep a lot of stems together They obtain most everything they need thru their skins and roots ,all those fat stems are loaded with water and nutrients,, they are related to cactus and do much better if left alone! if you use a stem or two on a burn make sure you tear them off close to the bottom and just leave the rest alone,,,,,DO NOT WATER, WATER AND WATER!!

Answer 3

Your aloe plant needs probably needs more sunlight. When watering, soak the plant, let the water run out of the drain hole. Don't re-water until the soil is completely dry. If it looks really unhappy and you live in a warm climate, try leaving it outside until it perks up. You may be overwatering it.

Answer 4

You know how aloe goo helps heal humans? it works in reverse. Feed your aloe plant 2 quarts of human blood and all will be well.

Answer 5

They don't like direct sun, you should water only when the soil is DRY, make sure the pot has a drain hole,and make sure to play PLENTY of traditional African music for it (they are native to Africa and enjoy the reminder of their roots). Ladysmith Black Mambazo is excellent.

Answer 6

aloe needs out door sunlight. also, how big is the pot? most aloe plants are out siders and need big space (to have its shoots, root space, ect) how would you like it if you lived in a drak small room? i would hate it,

Answer 7

I water mine once a week and talk to it. really. I do.I don't think they need a lot of water.I found that my plant does best when it dries out before I water it again.

Answer 8

Squishy probably means too much water...let him dry out.

Answer 9

try getting some fresh potting soil and give it plenty of water.. of course plants don't have feelings, so you could just throw it out and get a new one and not feel guilty about it.. no brain = no feelings..

Answer 10

Keep out of direct light. Look/spray for pests.