Hi-I notice that you're both in zones 8 and 9, so just a word of caution here: a.polyphylla is completely intolerant of temperatures >85° inside the pot--cool roots are a must. Speaking from personal experience, keep the pots themselves shaded completely from direct sun. You might even put a few ice cubes around the edges of the pots if it gets very warm. Here are a few of mine just a couple of hours ago. I don't worry unless the temp goes below 25°, and mild snow is a relief to them: The 2 largest pots are 22", and the other 2 are 17", and in need of larger pots. As a rule of thumb, the pot should be at least 2" wider than the leaf span. Happy growing! Rick in CT

Hi Joe, Have you tried Mission Hills Nursery? I was just there a couple of weeks ago. They have more succulents than I recalled. I got like 5-6 plants. Most were around $2 and I think I paid &5 or $6 for a pinkish red Lithops that just bloomed (whose name escapes me at the moment) and a H. Cooperii. I think I spent around $20 and they threw in a plastic nursery tray for free when I asked. More interesting than some of the other stores including Walter Andersen's and at a better price in my opinion. http://www.missionhillsnursery.com Good luck with your search. I know what it's like. Tyler

Hi David, I am in Tucson too! I have aloes outside as well, but they are in a bark/dirt mixture and never get too dry. i don't think yours is dying. It just needs a really good drink. Can you give it a good hosing? remember: monsoon season is upon us, so all things will get the watering they need soon! eta: you said it was doing well until recently-- the temps have shot up over the last two weeks, and all of my indoor plants have started to dry out very quickly. Perhaps you need to step up the watering because of the rise in temps? Aloes need a good thorough drink, and they will be fine for some time after that. The plant will store the water in this heat because it knows water isn't coming for a while again....mine get their big drinks during monsoon and occasional rains. I don't even use the drip irrigation on them.

Hi, ive been trying to source a 'Hercules aloe' which is a hybrid between aloe barberae and aloe dichotoma. I've found it's fairly easy to source over seas however I haven't found anything in Australia and in months and I'm beginning to think they don't exist here in Australia or are not for sale ?? I've also contacted nurseries and growers but no one seems to have them. I have found some aloe dichotoma but I've been told they have issues growing in Queensland. The Hercules apparently doesn't have these issues and is a very fast grower. Would love to get a hold of one for my garden is anyone any to shed some light on this ??