How to Separate an Aloe Plant

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By lisapastel
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Separate an Aloe Plant

Aloe plants are easy to care for, this includes separating a larger plant from it's offspring. Separating the plants offers many options to give them away as gifts, to sell, or keep.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Extra Soil
Extra Pot or Container with holes in the bottom
Newsprint or paper

Step 1

Before starting it is best to lay down newsprint or paper to make the clean up process much easier.
Step 2

The best time to do this process is when the plants and soil are dry, which makes it easier to pull them apart and less likely for the roots to break. The smaller plants should be around three inches before trying to separate it from the main plant, that way it has had time to develop it's own roots.
Step 3

By removing the entire plant it is easy to see where the roots are connected.

The easiest and most efficient way to separate the plants is by removing the entire plant from it's pot. Be very careful not damage the roots when you remove the plant. Gently brush away dirt until most of the roots are exposed and you can easily pull it from the container.
Step 4

The smaller plant should have some roots connected.

Locate the area in which the main plant and the smaller one meet. Before pulling the smaller plant off, make sure that the roots connected to it remain intact as you gently pull them apart.
Step 5

Once they are apart you can now replant them into their own pot or container with holes. Fill an empty pot with dry soil, not moisture holding potting soil, and dig a small hole in the center for the plant. Place the plant in the hole and layer soil over the roots until it is sturdy enough to stand alone.
Step 6

Wait at least a week to water the plants. After you water the plants for the first time check after about half an hour to make sure that the pots are draining excess water. Now wait and repeat the process!