by Jenny
Hi,
We recently purchased this succulent, which I assume is an aloe of some kind? But I am now noticing a strange growth on the leaves, and I was hoping you could tell me what it is and what to do about it?
It almost looks like some kind of moss covering the length of the stalk (leaf?), green but turning brownish towards the end of the plant.
I am not sure if you can tell from the pics, but at the base one of the stalks, there are what looks like new leaves of some kind growing up out of the main stalk itself, and a strange round growth at the very base.
Thanks for any help!
Drought Smart Plants reply: Oh boy, that is odd. I can see why you’re concerned, because this is not a common sight.
I’m wondering if it’s got some kind of plant growing in the same pot that is causing this, or even some type of fungus. I would carefully take it out of the pot, and have a look at the roots. Don’t worry, if it’s not dead already from this weird thing, depotting it won’t kill it!
Just check the roots, which should be pale yellow or white, and see if there is anything that looks out of place. If possible, and there is an alien invader in amongst the roots, try and cut it out.
One thing that I do notice is that you have two different plants in the same pot; one is the Aloe plants, and the other looks like a Stapelia – you will notice that you have a single stalk of a four cornered green plant with bristly little clumps of soft spines on all the way up.
This doesn’t address the growth on the Aloe, but you will see different roots in the same soil.
I’ve seen similar things on other plants, but not Aloe, which are really resistant to this type of parasitism. However, depending on where it was grown, I might go back to where you purchased it and at least tell them that your plant is having issues.
Take heart at the fact that you have a free plant out of the deal, and hopefully they will refund your money!
Best of luck,
Jacki
