Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), is a succulent plant that is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. It's commonly grown in pots indoors or out, and the gel inside the stems is commonly used to soothe minor burns or abrasions. Aloe vera prefers well-drained, sandy soil, plenty of sunlight and minimal water and fertilizer. When the plants become overgrown or develop offshoots, it's time to divide them and repot the cuttings. This should be done in the springtime or early summer while the plant is in its active growing season.
Move the soil away from the offsets to determine where it is attached to the parent plant. If the plant is extremely overgrown and the offshoots are all connected, the plant must be dug up and divided.
Loosen the smaller, separate offsets and pull them out of the soil carefully. If they won't come loose easily, cut the area where they attach to the parent plant with a clean, sharp knife. Allow the cut offshoot to heal for 2 or 3 days before planting. Keep the root ball intact when removing the offsets from the soil. Dig large, overgrown plants up from the soil carefully with roots intact and shake off the loose soil.
Separate the large, overgrown plant at the roots. Pull it apart into smaller clumps, keeping the roots attached to the stems. Cut the roots with a clean, sharp knife if they won't break apart easily. Allow the divisions to air out and dry for 2 or 3 days before repotting.
Select pots with drainage holes, and choose a deeper one for large plants.The size of the pot varies by the size of the cuttings, but leave plenty of room for the plant to grow. Fill the pots with cactus potting mix, place the cuttings or offshoots into the soil and cover them up to the first set of leaves.
Place the aloe plant in a partially shaded area for the first 2 or 3 weeks until it adjusts to its conditions. Then move it into an area with full sunlight.
Water the repotted aloe plant thoroughly no more than once a week, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Fertilize the aloe plant once during the spring with 10-40-10 water-soluble or granulated fertilizer.
Things You Will Need
- Cactus potting mix
- 10-40-10 water-soluble or granulated fertilizer
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