Aloe Tree

[freekypalmguy]

I know it's not a palm but I figured there would be plenty of people on this site with knowledge about this plant.

Will it survive and should I do anything to it?

Thank you in advance,

MattC

[Desert_Ops]

Matt,

It doesn't look good, but aloes are tough. Rot is usually a greater concern with aloes than cold. The plant appears to be Aloe barberae(until recently, bainesii), which IS a frost sensitive species. I was recently told that aloes that are "fat" with water are more cold-sensitive, therefore I would deny it water for a while, so as not to add insult to injury.

D_O

[freekypalmguy]

Thanks D_O, no water for now then.

I am really bummed as it's one of my favorites.

MattC

[deezpalms]

I have a feeling that it will be fine. We are gonna start warming up soon and it should recover.

[Desert_Ops]

Matt,

I have 60-70 species of aloe(haven't done an exact count lately), so I know just enough to be dangerous. Try to stay away from the northern species. If you stick with the South African ones, generally speaking, you should be pretty safe. I realize that the one on your post is from S.A., but it is known for its tenderness. You may want to look into agaves. There are plenty of tough ones and they come in all shapes and sizes.

Good luck,

D_O

[Fouquieria]

Matt,

I'd cut most of the older leaves back.  This aloe comes from canyons near the eastern coast of South Africa.  Just be on the alert for rot.  When the warmer weather arrives in the Spring, begin to water it generously but for the time being, I'd withold water.  I'd be more concerned about the stems than the leaves.  My trees drop leaves profusely in Winter.

Check the stems periodically and look for softness.  If you find softness in a stem, you'll have to cut it back to hard stem.

-Ron-

[LJG]

Hmmm. I might not be so optimistic - but lucky for you, I am no expert like Ron here. . It must have gotten really cold where you are at. These are rated 9a and above. But depending on what you read, people say 25-30 degrees and NO frost! I have a large specimen and it shows no damage from 28 degrees - no frost. My Aloe dichotoma also is fine also. But it handles cold better, down to low 20s as long as there is no frost. If this one dies, look at Aloe dichotoma as a replacement option.

[Jeff Scott]

(m_crowther @ Jan. 17 2007,12:03)

QUOTE

I know it's not a palm but I figured there would be plenty of people on this site with knowledge about this plant.

Will it survive and should I do anything to it?

Thank you in advance,

MattC

Down the street from me, a house has these Aloes in front, and they are wilting... from several nights in the low 20's here is the tropical paradise of Santa Sacramento :cool:

[freekypalmguy]

Thank you for the info everyone,

Unfortunately this plant is in an area that has been as low as 16F at my house. I am going to wait untill the temps come back above freezing before I do anything.

My king palms stems are actually folding over, I think it is done for sure. Temps in the low 20's every night for almost a week now. Ouch.

The only hope is that after this record low, we all can enjoy some serious growing for 10 to 15 years (or more) before the  next big freeze.

MattC