Frequently
Asked Questions
HOW DO I CUT ALOE LEAVES FOR FIRST AID OR OTHER?
Just cut off any leaf at any length. Cut a slit in the center of
leaf to expose gel. Apply gel to part of skin desired. Beware
of staining clothes. This works great for minor burns, sun
burns, dry skin, eczema, and chapped skin. It can be mixed
into your hand with your hair conditioner to get extra soft
hair.
CAN THEY GROW INSIDE YEAR ROUND?
Not year round. The point is they like a change in day to night
temperatures to grow properly. In containers, they should
remain outside in summer until temperatures get below
freezing. Potted specimens may remain outside inside in the
winter if you rarely get below freezing.
CAN I STORE CUT LEAVES FOR FUTURE LEAVES?
Yes. Store them inside the refrigerator wrapped up in a paper
bag.
DO I NEED TO POT THESE INTO LARGER POTS?
Although not necessary until after flowering, it is not
necessary to transplant them into larger pots. However
they will grow much bigger and bushier, so it is highly
recommended.
IS OVER WATERING A BIG PROBLEM?
Like all succulents, aloes should not be over watered. A
period of drought will do no harm but too much water will rot
them. Always remove excess water from any drip dish used.
Do not water them into the top of the plant very often. Water
sitting on top of plant can rot out a portion of leaves. Water
them at the side of the plant.
Thank you for your order!
Take your gardening experience to new heights by
visiting Roberta’s Unique Gardens. Our goal is to
enhance your gardening enjoyment by providing you
with top quality, leading edge perennials and annuals
that are suitable for your garden and home with the
best service imaginable.
Roberta’s Gardens
planting and growing guide
Roberta’s is a 4th generation family owned business and
has been one of the leading commercial exhibitors at
flower and garden shows for over 50 years in the U.S.
and abroad. We search the globe to find easy-to-grow
plants that are unique in themselves or their variety
making them nearly impossible to find elsewhere. Our
passion and commitment continually asks the question,
“What makes a better, unsurpassed, and more beautiful
flower to behold?”
Working with growers and breeders from all over the
world, Roberta’s is able to bring you hard-to-find plants
and new species that will be sweethearts for years to
come.
Thank you for bringing us into your home,
Eric, Kevin, and Koort Wallien
MINE HAS NEVER BLOOMED
Make sure the plant is inside at least an 8 inch pot. Place
outside in summer in full sun. Bring inside if temperatures
dip below freezing. They will bloom in the next season in late
spring to early summer after they are 2 years old.
Succulent Aloe Specialties
First Things First...
(Red, Thraskii, Vera)
When your plant arrives from Roberta’s, remove from
the shipping box immediately.
Remove plastic bag and/or sleeve from around potted
plant(s). Discard any packing material clinging to the
leaves or soil. Pull away any yellow or brown leaves
that may have occurred during transit. Remember to
treat these like cactus as far as watering.
When ready to plant, do the job as early in the day as
possible to avoid extreme soil temperatures that prevent proper water uptake from the roots. Water them
in well and whisper a few words of wisdom.
1-800-428-9726
Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm EST
Thank you
for bringing us into your home
www.robertasinc.com
quick reference
planting guide
light/sun exposure:
Full to Partial
usda
hardiness zones:
9-11
planting distance:
12-15 inches
mature height/spread:
12-24 inches
bloom time:
Late Spring/Early Summer 2nd
year
planting instructions:
Remove plastic bag and Pull away any
yellow or brown leaves that may have
occurred during transit. Treat them like
cactus as far as watering them. Too much
water will rot them out.
(soil preparation, depth,
which end is up, etc.)
Planting Guide
1
step
2
step
Remove plastic bag and/or sleeve from around potted
plant(s). Discard any packing material clinging to the
leaves or soil. Pull away any yellow or brown leaves
that may have occurred during transit. If you can not
plant it into garden or larger pot within a few days,
it may remain in same container indefinitely but will
remain small.
Treat them like cactus as far as watering them. Too
much water will rot them out. You can transplant
into 6 to 8 inch containers separately with
adequate drainage holes. One larger container can
accommodate them all. If you live where it stays
above freezing they may be planted in the garden
where drainage is fast and soil will be allowed to dry
out.
3
You can place plants outside as long as evening
temperatures stay above 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Plants prefer full sun though one half day is sufficient.
4
Before watering again it must be very dry.
step
step
Continuing Care
PLANT PREPARATION
Remove plastic bag and sleeve from around potted
plant(s). Discard any packing material clinging to the leaves
or soil. Pull away any yellow or brown leaves that may have
occurred during transit. If you can not plant it into garden
or larger pot within a few days, make sure it stays well
watered.
POTTED PLANTS
You can transplant into 6 to 8 inch containers separately
with adequate drainage holes. One larger container can
accommodate them all. You can transplant gradually if they
fill out smaller pot completely but is not necessary.
SOIL
They like bagged potting mixes for houseplants or cactus
that will drain well. Most garden centers carry various
brand names with perlite, vermiculite, soil and sand. Do not
use a rich humus or clayish soil.
GARDEN PREPARATION
If you live where it stays above freezing they may be
planted in the garden where drainage is fast and soil will
be allowed to dry out.
PLANTING SPACING
If planting into the garden space them 12 to 24 inches
apart. If planting into a container allow for adequate air
ventilation on deck or patio.
PLANT HEIGHT AND WIDTH
Aloe Vera and Coral Aloe Striata grow to a maximum of 24
inches tall and wide. Aloe Blue Elf grows to a maximum of
12 inches tall and a little wider.
WATER
Treat them like cactus as far as watering them. Water the
plants thoroughly letting the excess water drain through
the bottom of the pot. Be sure to keep excess water out of
any tray underneath pot. Before watering again it must be
very dry.
FERTILIZER
To promote more flowers use a well balanced fertilizer like
Roberta’s Flower Magic Plant Food (M7503) once a month
April through October.
LIGHTING
Full sun is best outside in summer. Otherwise a half a day
of sun is sufficient. In the winter inside the home, bright
light is sufficient.
BLOOMING
In most cases, they will bloom the second or third season
in late spring and early summer. They generally need to be
inside an 8 inch pot or larger to bloom.
TEMPERATURE ZONE 9 to 11
In pots, these are hardy down to about 35 degrees
Fahrenheit without damaging the plant. If you live where
it rarely dips below freezing, they may remain outside year
round.
WINTER SEASON
Place in a bright-lighted room or sunny window area and
reduce watering to once a month at most.
MAKING CUTTINGS FOR HOUSEHOLD USE
This can be done anywhere on the plants and at anytime
of year.
Additional Reference
Aloe ­
Shipped
As Shown
Blue Elf Aloe
in 2nd Season
Aloe Vera in
3rd Season
Aloe Striata in
4th Season
Aloe Vera Gel
AloeThraskii in
4th Season
Red Aloe in hot summer sun
with more color than winter
10-2010-R0