Root Awakening: Plant is Spotted Medicinal Aloe

Aloe vera lacks sunlight

Is this species of Aloe vera edible, and can its flesh be applied to the skin?

Susan Tay

This plant is commonly called the Spotted Medicinal Aloe. It is thought to be a cultivar or hybrid of the common Aloe vera. It is edible and can be used medicinally.

Your plant seems to lack sunlight, as the internodal distance (the space between leaves in the main plant) is obvious. Consider separating the plants by potting them individually and placing them in a brighter spot.

Grow tropical pumpkin varieties in Singapore

My pumpkins keep producing male flowers. How do I make them produce female flowers for pollination ?

Lee Chee Chee

The high temperatures in Singapore can promote the production of male flowers in pumpkin plants. Temperate cultivars need a cooler climate for proper growth and development.

Monitor the plant for the eventual arrival of female flowers. Alternatively, consider growing a pumpkin variety, such as a Thai pumpkin, that is better suited to a tropical climate.

Aloe vera infested with scale insects

My Aloe vera plants get full afternoon sun on a west-facing balcony. Lately, there have been light beige pests on the leaves. I tried to remove them manually, but damaged the leaves. What is this pest and how can I save my plants?

Chew Sor Hoon

Your Aloe vera plant has been infested with scale insects, a type of sap-sucking pest.

You can use summer oil, which is available for sale at local nurseries, to control their population. Summer oil works by suffocating the pests, so thorough coverage is required. Apply it regularly for adequate pest control.

Shrub is a basil plant

I found this plant growing in my chilli plant’s pot. I have repotted it and it is thriving. What is it and is it edible?

Also, the undersides of my curry plant’s leaves are covered with tiny black spots. What are they and how do I get rid of them?

Gan Sing Hai

The shrub that grew in your chilli pot is likely a variety of sweet basil. Its leaves can be harvested for culinary purposes.

As for the black spots on the leaves of your curry plant, can they be gently scraped off? If so, they could be a pest. If not, the spots may be a sign of fungal disease. In both cases, you may want to remove all the infested leaves. The plant will grow new ones under optimal conditions.

Monkey’s Potato is a common weed

What is this plant, is it edible and how do I take care of it? 

Alice Ang

This plant could be a weed known as Monkey’s Potato (Plectranthus monostachyus). It has medicinal properties and its leaves are said to be edible when cooked, though this plant is not often consumed in our part of the world.