Aloe vera is a popular succulent houseplant valued for its ease of care and the soothing gel contained within its fleshy leaves. Over time, the plant produces smaller offshoots, or “pups,” and its roots can become crowded, requiring periodic repotting to maintain health. Whether seeking to multiply your collection through propagation or harvest mature leaves, carefully cutting and repotting the plant ensures its continued vitality.
Gathering Supplies and Preparation
Successfully repotting an aloe vera plant begins with gathering the correct materials. The most suitable growing medium is a commercially available cactus or succulent soil mix, formulated for high drainage and fast drying. To improve aeration and prevent root rot, you can amend this mix with extra perlite or coarse sand.
The new container should be only slightly larger than the old one, typically about two inches wider in diameter, and must have a drainage hole at the base. Terracotta or unglazed clay pots are often preferred because their porous nature allows water to evaporate more quickly from the soil and root system. Before starting, sterilize a sharp knife or a pair of shears with rubbing alcohol to ensure clean cuts and minimize the risk of introducing pathogens to the plant’s open wounds.
Repotting the Main Plant and Separating Offsets
Begin by gently tipping the mother plant on its side and sliding it out of the old container, using a trowel to loosen the soil if necessary. Carefully brush away the old soil from the root ball to expose the roots and any offsets (small baby plants). Inspect the root system. Trim any dark, mushy, or damaged roots using your sterilized cutting tool, as these indicate rot.
The offsets are ready for separation when they have developed their own small root system and are at least one-third the size of the mother plant. To separate a pup, use the sharp, sterilized knife to make a clean cut where the offset connects to the mother plant’s root system or stem. Handle the roots gently to avoid unnecessary breakage, aiming to keep as many fine roots as possible on the pup.
To repot the mother plant, place a layer of fresh succulent mix in the new pot. Position the plant so its base sits slightly below the rim, and fill in around the roots with the remaining soil. The pups should be potted individually in small, shallow containers using the same well-draining mix. Ensure the base of the plant is just covered and the soil is lightly stabilized. The thick, fleshy leaves of both the mother plant and the offsets must not touch the soil, as this can lead to rot.
Harvesting Leaves Safely
The process for harvesting leaves for gel extraction is separate from propagation and should be done with care to preserve the main plant’s structure. Select only the most mature, plump leaves from the outer ring of the plant, as these contain the highest concentration of beneficial gel. The central leaves, which represent the plant’s new growth, must be left completely undisturbed.
Use a sharp, clean knife to make a single, precise cut as close as possible to the base of the plant, where the leaf meets the main stem. This clean cut promotes a smaller, quicker-healing wound on the mother plant. Always limit harvesting to no more than two or three leaves at one time to avoid weakening the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and recover.
Immediate Aftercare and Healing
Following any procedure that creates a wound (separating offsets or harvesting leaves), the plant requires a specific recovery protocol. The most significant step is allowing all cut surfaces to completely dry out and form a protective seal, known as a callus. This callousing process prevents moisture-rich tissue from rotting when it comes into contact with damp soil or water.
For both the newly repotted main plant and the separated offsets, withhold all water for approximately three to seven days after planting. This delay allows minor root wounds to heal before exposure to moisture. Harvested leaves should also be placed upright for about 15 minutes to allow the yellowish latex (aloin) to drain from the cut end before the gel is extracted. During this initial recovery period, place the plants in bright, indirect sunlight, which supports healing without risking sunburn.