...a question about aloes. Specifically, one type of aloe. More specifically, the one potted plant that is too close to my desk chair and hence gets a fleshy leaf snapped off once in a while when I move back too far.
The question: Will this root?
Is it like an opuntia pad, where I can just let the wound dry out a bit, then stick it into an appropriate soil mix and it will sprout roots and grow?
Seems to be shriveling quite a bit.
Not that it really matters, as there are dozens of offsets in that pot. I just hate "pruning" a plant accidentally and then just throwing the cuttings away.
More vignettes of all types thanks to Anna at Flutter and Hum!
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No, unfortunately aloe leaves don't root. But the "gel" is great for skin irritations.
ReplyDeleteGreat for burns, rashes, bites - we wrap the leaves that fall off or break in plastic wrap and keep,them in the fridge for emergencies.
ReplyDeleteWhat Gerhard said. It is Crassulaceae that has the leaves that root.
ReplyDelete"Accidental pruning" - I like that expression, although I too hate when it happens. Glad Gerhard and Hoov knew - I have been wondering the same thing, but didn't know the answer. I love how with plants, you can easily learn something new every day. :) Love the photo at the end!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gerhard and Hoov! Is it all Aloes that have soothing gel?
ReplyDeleteLisa: our emergencies usually involve cuts, although bites... stings too?
Anna: Thanks, I like that last photo too. Reminds me of a game I played recently on PS4 called "Limbo". So beautiful and monochromatic.
Alan, all aloe leaves have a gel-like substance in their leaves and I'm sure that many of them would be soothing, but I'm not sure if all of them are. I've used Aloe maculata a lot (very common around here) and it's great. Aloe barbadensis (aka Aloe vera) of course is the best-known.
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