We recently (November 2008) moved to Arizona from Rhode Island. The previous owners of the home into which we moved had done extensive landscaping with a variety of cacti, trees, shrubs, and an overwhelming number of aloe vera plants. In December, stalks began growing from aloe plants, forming 'buds' which eventually flowered into beautiful coral colored blooms. The stalks are very tall and the flowers lasted for a very long time and attracted a wonderful variety of hummingbirds. The blooms are just now starting to die off. Should the flower stalks be cut back? If so, how far back? And will the plants ever bloom again? Thanks very much for your advice.
You can cut the stalks if you don't like the look of them, but you don't have to...as they will dry out over time -which would make it easier for you to pull them off (or break them). The stalks can be cut all the way down to where it meets the plant. Yes, the plants WILL bloom again! :D It's wonderful you've aquired a yard with so many great succulents already in place! If you don't know for certain, it's possible you have some Aloes other than Aloe vera. Post some pix here if you like. Folks would probably like to ID them for you!
