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I have a HUGE Aloe Plant that is so top heavy it is going to break off.
I hate to waste all the huge leaves that are going to break off and II
cannot lift the pot so I need to start over with a smaller plant
anyway. But I want to use the aloe in the leaves and there is too much
to use in a month. I want to know how to keep is for future use.
Should I just scrap the gel off the leaves and freeze it or can I add
something to it to make it keep in the refrigerator for a year or two?


Cheryl

Hi Cheryl, Thanks for visiting and for this glowing description of an enthusiastic aloe grower. I'd love to see a photo.
Processing the aloe for home use has its limits.Differing methods are used by competing producers. Freezing the gel is a worthy idea. In fact I would very much like to know the result. The very lowermost leaves are the best suited for thier concentration of emolients over time.
The parent plant can be root pruned and repotted. It may reroot from the trunk.

Planting instructions

Aloes have a shallow, spreading root system, so when it is time to plant, propagate, or repot choose a wide planter, rather than a deep one. Use a planter with a drainage hole, or provide a 1-2 inch layer of gravel in the bottom of the pot to ensure adequate drainage. I find terra-cotta pots are perfect for aloe because they don't retain the extra moisture that could damage the plant, but, if you are careful not to over water any planter will do. When you pot your aloe offshoots, or the main plant, use regular potting soil with  an extra perlite, granite grit, or coarse sand added. You may also use a packaged 'cacti mix' soil. I have had success with a composted ‘cow manure’ product. Dampen the soil before potting. The plant won’t require more water for a couple of weeks. Then pierce the soil with a fork, breaking up the hard surface, down to about two inches. This allows the soil to better absorb the water. Water lightly. It takes about 45 days for a newly potted pup to take root.

Fertilize yearly, in the spring with a dilute (half strength). Aloes are propagated by removing the offsets which are produced around the base of mature plants, when they are a couple inches tall (or larger). I usually let them get 4 to 6 inches.
Mature aloe plants love bright sun, but will do well in medium light as well. Young plants should not get direct sunlight. Allow the soil to dry between watering and water less in the winter than in the warm months. They like being pot bound in my experience, and may be divided each spring or before if you have a lot of baby plants in the pot.
The aloe is a succulent plant, with leaves that can hold water for long periods at a time. Too much water can rot the plant and it would take the most severe drought to dry it out.
The plants only other enemy is cold. It will do quite well next to a window with even minimal light, but it prefers bright, indirect lighting.
An aloe plant is a welcome friend in the kitchen. When you need to use it medicinally, just remove a lower leaf from the plant, slice it open, and apply the gel on the affected area.
Potting aloe is a great children's project by the way. The plants are easy to handle, and hardy enough for little hands to replant.

It’s time to get outside! I have a couple of new pictures of the aloe plants I have been growing. Aloes are a dignified species. Despite the most callous treatment they will quietly sit in their space and thrive.  My aloe plant has been steadily producing to the tune of 30 offshoots a year while achieving gargantuan proportions. The biggest of its pups are producing almost that many, and the third generation is beginning to produce some.

Since launching the freealoeguy, I have provided a growing number of aloe plants all over the country.

So get in tune with nature. The gel from the leaf actually has first aid qualities. If you are subject to paper cuts or other minor injuries you can break of a leaf tip and treat the wound. While giving anti-bacterial aid it dries and forms a barrier against infection. An aloe plant will do well inside under fluorescent lighting but it benefits from a little sunlight, but not too much.

By the way, if you are in the east of Atlanta area you can pick up your free aloe plant. Or, for a small fee, to cover shipping/handling, I’ll send it anywhere in the continental US. Ranging in size you can get the perfect aloe plant for your kitchen window, desk, etc. Now I am sending a large, potted plant with leaves 12 inches and larger.

GO THERE NOW

But I mostly send out smaller plants around 6 to 10 inches.

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