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Q: If my aloe vera plant has a droopy leaf should I remove it?
Laura from Bristol, England
A: Dear Laura,
If it bothers you aesthetically, you won't hurt your aloe plant by removing a droopy leaf. Use a sharp knife or scissors and cut the leaf off close to the stalk. Try to make the cut as clean as possible. Some aloe plants develop droopy leaves as they age. If the leaf is in good condition, you can store it in a plastic baggie in the freezer and use it as an after shower skin refresher this winter.
Every plant has a basic shape (morphological form) that it follows as it grows and matures. I have an older aloe vera plant that only has a few spikes growing in the upward direction. When the plant was younger, the majority of the spikes grew up and out, but now that it is mature, many of the spikes droop down the sides of the pot despite the good health of the plant. Even plants can start to droop a little as they age!
About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
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