Aloe plants mostly grow in hot and dry environments. These plants look like cacti and are very useful for skin care. Many people use this plant for clearing their skin acne. Furthermore, doctors also recommend those creams and jells, which have Aloe Vera as one of their ingredients.
The juice extracted from this plant is used to cure baldness and wounds. Moreover, Aloe plants are used for keeping fruits fresh and can be eaten too, for keeping the level of sugar low. In addition, these plants are also used for treating sunburns.
If you are looking for an answer to the question “Can I cut the top off my Aloe plant?” then the details given below will help you to find your answer.
Can I Cut the Top Off My Aloe Plant?
The extraction of juice from the Aloe plant is useful for many medical purposes. However, the question that arises is what will happen to the plant if the top is cut? According to the experts, the Aloe plant dies by cutting the top.
It is because cutting off the top exposes sap to the air, which in return causes the top to turn into brownish yellow color. Moreover, after some time of exposure, the plant dies. The sap prevents the plant from many insects. Therefore, if precautions are not taken to cover the plant, it will not survive.
How to Cut the Tip of Aloe Plant?
If you want to cut the plant from its tip then the first step should be to take precautions for enabling the plant to survive. If the tip of your plant is strong and the rosette is healthy from the tip, then you can start cutting it. It is necessary to replant your Aloe as soon as the process is finished.
Follow the following steps to prevent your plant from dying:
- The dead leaves or stems need to be chopped out,
- Always leave a healthy part of the plant behind,
- Do not cover any live tissues
It is necessary to cut dead parts of your Aloe plant because it is quite likely that it might result in the death of alive parts and leaves. Moreover, leaving a healthier part of the plant behind will make the leave heal faster. Most experts advise not to cover the live tissues because it causes the plant to become poisonous. The poisonous nature of the plant can result in the death of the plant itself and the person who uses it.
Conditions for Cutting the Top of Aloe Plant.
There are some conditions when you should not cut the top of the Aloe plant:
- When the color of the top is brownish-yellow,
- If there is no growth.
When the stem or leaf of the plant has turned brownish-yellow, then the top of the Aloe plant cannot be cut. It is because the brownish-yellow color indicates weak health. On the other hand, cutting off the top if there is no growth might result in the death of the plant.
Unlike any other plants, Aloe plants grow faster when provided with good sunlight and water. These plants die very often because of their strong leaves and stems. Therefore, if you are planning to cut the top of your Aloe plant, it will show some indications like the color of a plant turning brownish-yellow. Under those circumstances, you need to take proper care of the plant. Locate the plant, where it has an access to a good amount of direct sunlight. You should water the plant on time. Following such steps will result in faster healing of your Aloe plant.
Conclusion
If you are cutting the top of the plant, it is important to keep a few things in mind before doing that. Firstly, check the health of the plant, if it is good then cut it from under the rosette. Secondly, cut the dead stems and leaves, to keep the plant healthier. If the plant starts turning brownish-yellow, after cutting off its top, provide it with a good amount of sunlight and water. As a result, the plant will heal faster. Moreover, before cutting the plant, always leave healthier tissue behind because it acts as a catalyst for the healing process.