The aloe vera plant is a popular choice for indoor gardening, celebrated for its resilient nature and soothing inner gel. Like all potted plants, it eventually requires repotting to maintain health and accommodate growth. Understanding the specific needs of this succulent, which is prone to root issues, is the foundation for successfully moving it into a new container.
Choosing Supplies and Timing
Selecting the correct container and potting medium is the most important preparatory step, as improper materials are the leading cause of aloe failure. The plant requires excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Terracotta or unglazed ceramic pots are highly recommended because their porous nature allows water to evaporate through the sides, helping the soil dry faster than plastic or glazed containers. The new pot should only be one size larger—about 1 to 2 inches wider—than the current one.
The potting mix must be designed for quick drainage and aeration. A commercial cactus or succulent mix is ideal, but a suitable blend can be created by mixing standard potting soil with coarse sand, perlite, or pumice (one part amendment to two parts soil). Repotting is necessary when roots are growing out of the drainage holes, the plant is becoming top-heavy, or growth has noticeably slowed. This is best done during the plant’s active growing period, typically in the spring and summer months.
Step-by-Step Repotting
Begin by preparing the new container, ensuring a drainage hole is present and covering it with a small piece of mesh or screen to prevent soil loss. Fill the bottom of the pot approximately one-third full with the well-draining soil mix. Position the plant so its base, where the lowest leaves attach, sits just below the rim of the new pot.
To remove the aloe, gently tilt the old pot sideways and tap the base or run a knife around the inner edge to loosen the root ball. Carefully brush away the old soil and inspect the roots for damage or rot, which appears dark and mushy. Trim any unhealthy or excessively long roots using clean shears. Place the aloe centrally in the new pot and backfill the sides with fresh potting mix, tamping lightly to secure the plant. The soil line should remain at the same level on the stem as it was previously, ensuring the lowest leaves are just above the surface to prevent stem rot.
Separating and Planting Aloe Pups
Mature aloe vera plants frequently produce small offsets, known as pups, which can be separated to create new plants. Pups should be at least a few inches tall and have developed several leaves to ensure they survive separation. Carefully remove the mother plant from its pot and gently clear the soil away from the base to expose the connection points.
Use a clean, sharp knife to cut the pup away from the mother plant, ensuring each offset has its own set of roots attached. After separation, allow the cut surface of the pup to dry out and form a protective layer, called a callus. Place the pups in a warm location out of direct sun for one to three days until the wound is sealed. This callusing prevents pathogens from entering the tissue and causing rot when the pup is placed in moist soil. After callusing, plant each pup in its own small container, using the same specialized, well-draining soil mix.
Initial Care After Potting
Following repotting, the plant needs a period of adjustment to minimize transplant shock and encourage root establishment. Immediately after potting, resist the urge to water, as this common mistake leads to rot. Waiting a minimum of three to seven days allows any small root damage incurred during the process to heal and form a protective callus. Introducing water too soon can cause open wounds to absorb too much moisture, potentially leading to infection.
Place the freshly potted aloe in a location that receives bright light but is sheltered from intense, direct sun for the first week. This reduces stress by lowering the plant’s need for water while it focuses energy on growing new roots. Once the initial waiting period has passed, resume a normal watering schedule: soak the soil thoroughly and then allow it to dry out almost completely before watering again.