A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The House Plant Forum Cacti and Succulents Indoors Aloe Vera

So I recently bought a new aloe plant. I wasn't able to save the last one. I really want to make sure I don't mess up with this one too so I was looking for any and all tips? I haven't even repotted it or anything yet.

So today I noticed little silver buggies in the soil of my aloe. I'm positive they're the same as my plants at home even though this plant has never been at my house nor near any plants that have. I would really love some advice on care- I'm afraid to use the spray I normally use as I don't want to repeat anything I did to the other aloe that might have contributed to it's death. However, I'm also afraid to not do anything and have the contribute to it's death.

I don't know what the proper thing to do is, but I had that problem once and re-potted the aloe in a different (clean) pot with new potting soil, after I washed the plant off gently in a sink of soapy water. Worked for me.

The soap won't kill it?

I can definitely try it.

I don't use much soap...just a dab will do it!

It lost two leaves in the process, one slipped off while washing, one snapped off while I was trying to get it out of the pot. The broken leaf seems to have sealed up, I haven't noticed any more bugs- I saw a flying one in my room today but haven't seen any on the plants or in the soil. I'm hoping things are okay.

I hope it works OK for you.
The best that my aloe ever looked was when I moved to my daughter's while in the process of a divorce years ago. They unloaded my plants in her basement...I carried them all upstairs and didn't see the aloe plants (5 pots of them) that were behind some large furniture. 5 months later when i moved into my own place and was moving my furniture out there were the aloe plants, and they were BEAUTIFUL. Had gone that long with no sun or water. I couldn't believe it!

Aloe do thrive on neglect. Mine are in the ground outside. More water travels over them and through their roots than is ever recommended for potted ones. But they thrive and I can go out and cut off a 4-5 pound leaf.

Taking care of my plants is like therapy for me- I love caring for them. I only have 5 plants with me at my school so it's hard to not over do it with all of them. I've started writing on the calendar when I water them so I know not to over do it. How long should it be between waterings for the aloe? My room is very hot right now as it's small and the heat is always on in the building.

There's about two inches of snow on the ground and more falling so I don't think my little aloe will ever see the outside world lol! New England.

4-5 pound leaf!! Tina, could you share pictures? I'd love to see it!