Aloe Vera is one of the finest plants a die-hard gardener would prefer. An Aloe Vera plant is not only a decorative plant but also comes with a host of medicinal and cosmetic properties. How would you want to plant an Aloe Vera? Or rather still, how to transplant Aloe Vera with ease? Let’s try exploring a few aspects of the proper propagation of Aloe Vera.
Repotting or transplanting Aloe vera assists in improving the health of the plant. The best way to transplant the Aloe Vera is to repot it in the same pot by separating the baby Aloe Vera saplings and adding a little fresh potting mix to the pot. It is best to transplant them to plant them in planter pots and a lightweight cactus potting mix.
When Should You Repot the Aloe Vera Plants?
It is advisable to repot the Aloe Vera plants once every two to three years. It would, however, be dependent on the age of your plant. If you notice the plant growing a little larger, we recommend repotting or transplanting it to help better growth. Another reason that may necessitate the transplantation of Aloe Vera is to repot it when it gets too top heavy.
Your Aloe Vera will give you several indications when it is time to transplant or replant Aloe Vera. The first indicator is that your Aloe Vera has grown too large. Our experience has shown that the Aloe Vera plant can get root bound when it gets too large. Another reason can be that it has grown too many pups. If you are unaware of the terms used in the succulent world, pups refer to the small offshoots at the base. These would be set to grow as new plants.
The last and foremost reason to transplant the Aloe Vera plant can be when the potting mix has gone too wet and is spent completely. You will need to replace it with fresh and drier soil. Overwatering can be one of the primary reasons you would immediately require repotting or transplanting the Aloe Vera.
How to Transplant Aloe Vera Plants?
You would need the following before you can begin transplanting the Aloe Vera:
- The Aloe Plant
- Planter
- Potting Mix.
- Garden trowel
Our research indicates that the potting mix specifically created for succulents and cacti would be preferable.
Once you have assured that you have arranged the necessary paraphernalia, proceed with the following steps:
Step 1: Find the right type of pot
The right pots for the Aloe Vera plants are the ones that are larger enough and can drain well enough. They should also heavily support the larger foliage and heaviness of the Aloe plant. Using a pot at least one or two inches wider than your existing pot would be advisable.
Note: Avoid a pot that is too large, as the soil would take much time to dry. This can result in root rot and may make you transplant again within a few months.
If you have a pot that is already larger, you can consider transplanting it to the same pot.
You should ensure that the pot that you have chosen has a graining hole. The Aloe plants do need dry soil. Planter pots with terra cotta, unglazed pottery, or concrete would be a good pick.
Step 2: Get the best succulent mix
Our experience with Aloe Vera has shown us that using the potting mix specifically created for the succulents has been the best for achieving better plant health. You can also use a cactus soil mix or a general potting soil blend.
Using something other than the outdoor soil for Aloe Vera is advisable. Too much water can damage the Aloe plant and introduce root rot or other issues with your plant. As per our expertise, using the fresh potting mix is always a good idea than mixing the old and new.
Step 3: Water the plant before transplanting
When transplanting your Aloe Vera, it is necessary to water it for at least 24 hours before repotting. If the plant has dried out, it will experience more of a transport shock and may die. It can leave your plant very thirsty if you have not watered it properly before the transplant. This can result in making the watering process a little difficult to handle.
How to decide how much and when to water the Aloe Vera. You can find it from the appearance of the leaves. The Aloe vera leaves should be plump and shiny if has enough water. They will wither and shrivel if they have not received enough water.
Few Notes:
- Do not water an Aloe Vera if it shows signs of overwatering. In such a case, remove the moist soil around the roots and transplant the Aloe onto the fresh, dry cactus mix.
- If you want to grow new Aloe Vera plants from the Pups, this should be the best time to do it. If you find the pups to be at least 4 inches tall, you can pull them away from the mother plant. You may need to use a plant knife, just in case. Repot each of the pups in separate and their own pots.
Step 4: Remove the Aloe Vera from the old pot
Now this should be done very carefully. Remove the Aloe from the old pot with the help of a fork. Loosen the plant from the soil carefully without damaging the roots. The Aloe plant is very delicate and may need extreme care in handling it. Irrespective of which method you may use to remove the plant, ensure you are being as gentle as possible.
Step 5: Place the plant in the new pot
Introduce the Aloe Vera plant into the new pot with the right quality and quantity of potting mix. Make sure that the plant is straight and up. Bury is only deeper than the previous pot. Also, ensure that you are putting only a little soil at the base.
Step 6: Water the new plant
The first and foremost thing, perhaps obvious, is to water your Aloe in its new surroundings. It would be advisable to help minimize the effects of transplant shock. It can also help the soil to settle down. It can also help you check if the pot has proper drainage.
Make sure that you have watered the plant as soon as you have transplanted the Aloe Vera and then in three weeks. Using rainwater or distilled water for the transplanted Aloe Vera is advisable.
Congratulations! You have successfully transplanted your Aloe Vera!
How to Transplant Aloe Vera Cutting?
Transplanting an Aloe Veera from the cuttings is quite easy. Take a cutting that has some root nodes. Cut below them with sharp pruners and then cure the cuttings for about one week. Once that is done, repot it in a fresh pot with added succulent potting mix.
When repotting or transplanting the Aloe Vera from the stem cuttings, you need to check out the condition and age of the stems. It is also advisable to check the condition and the right time to take out the cuttings from the mother plant.
It is the best option to cut the Aloe Vera for transplanting in the spring season. If you cut them in the warmer months, they are likely to rot. Fall or winter may also be a good option, but it can get a little lower to propagate the plant.
- Use heavy-duty pruners for heavy and thick stems.
- Once the stems have been cut, remove the lower leaves.
- Before you can pot the cuttings, they need to be cured. If you have a small stem, it will need a curing of under one week, but a larger stem would require a curing time of 2 to 3 weeks.
Note:
Please do not skip the curing process; it will help avoid rotting. The stem should feel dry to the touch, and the cut end should be completely calloused. Based on our first-hand experience, we have found that we always understand the important steps involved in cutting and repot Aloe Vera cuttings. Proper curing and using the right potting mix should get the new plant growing within a couple of weeks.
How to Transplant Aloe Vera Without Roots?
If your Aloe Vera plant has no roots and you want to transplant it into a new pot, you can make use of the stem cuttings or pups for the purpose. The two options have been observed to work without hassles in letting you propagate your Aloe Vera rather easy enough.
Make sure that the cuttings have the leaves completely removed. Insert the cuttings lengthwise into the pot or earth as per your preferences. Placing the pot in an area with a sunny and warm atmosphere is essential.
Yet another option to transplant an Aloe Vera without roots is to use the pups that form on the mother plant. In fact, using the offshoots should be the best method to propagate the Aloe Vera plant as it would help achieve a better degree of success. They already have roots and can be easily repotted.
Best Practices for Transplanting Aloe Vera – For a Better Success Rate
We have so far learned how to transplant Aloe Vera. But, to ensure the best possible success rate, paying enough attention to the best practices in transplanting your Aloe Vera is always advisable.
Choose the right soil.
Aloe Vera is known to propagate better in soil conditions if it has
- A good drainage: The Aloe Vera belongs to a succulent family and requires the a good draining and dry soil. A Cactus mix is a preferred option in this context.
- A better aeration: The soil that has a good aeration capability would be the right one to choose.
- Enough of nutrients: They would need nutrients and organic matter to grow better.
Choose the best container
If you need help deciding which container to opt for. Here are the best options that you would find quite interesting and effective:
- Aloe works best in smaller pots. A larger pot can result in excessive water retention. Ake sure that you have chosen a pot around 10% larger than your plant.
- Aloe Vera thrives in plants that are porous in nature. Using a ceramic or terracotta pot is preferred
- As algae may form on the pot, it is advisable to clean them regularly
- Ensure the proper drainage holes on the pot.
Ensure proper lighting.
The Aloe Vera plant needs indirect sunlight. It can survive in full sun, but the direct sunlight can dry up the Aloe Vera and even result in sunburn.
Keeping the recently transplanted Aloe Vera in partial shade is always a good idea before moving it into more sunlight. It would be advisable to check the proper lighting status as most of the succulents prefer low lighting.
Water it correctly
Your Aloe Vera plant can experience root rot if it is overwatered. You are expected to water it only when the top 1 to 2 inches of the soil has dried. It may also be noted that the Aloe plant will need to be watered less during the colder months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you transplant and grow Aloe Vera from a cutting?
Yes, Aloe Vera can easily be propagated from the cutting. Make sure that the cutting has been cured for at least one week.
Do you water Aloe Vera after transplanting?
Aloe Vera, after transplanting, should not be watered for around a week if it shows signs of overwatering. Otherwise, it may be a good idea to water it at a moderate level.
Can Aloe grow from a leaf?
Leaf-cutting can be a great way to grow Aloe Vera. You can cut off the leaf from the plant and grow it using the requisite precautions.
The Parting Thoughts
Transplanting Aloe Vera can be quite an easy task if you follow the steps properly. The steps outlined in the above discussion should ideally help provide you with a more promising experience in dealing with the transplanting or repotting of your Aloe Vera plant.