Vallis

[Bobtastic]

I'm not sure how important it is, I don't remember being overly bothered when I planted mine. You could always pull gently on the leaves until the crown is exposed.

 

[Jallen]

I'm not sure how important it is, I don't remember being overly bothered when I planted mine. You could always pull gently on the leaves until the crown is exposed.

This does help but sand can still be stuck in there which will cause the leaves to partly break off which stops them from growing anywhere near as fast.

I also recommend that you don't cut mid leaf as although they don't seem to rot back, they also don't seem to grow anymore.
I just break them off at the base because although it may kill you to pull off the longest leaves from your biggest plant, they will grow back soon.