How to Start an Aloe Plant

Aloe plants comprise several hundred species, and are hardy and easy to keep as houseplants. You can start aloe plants from seed, from offshoots, or by dividing adult plants. Aloes like full, strong sunlight and should only be watered after the pot has dried out. Aloes use less water in the winter and should not be kept outside if temperatures can reach below about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Aloes grow best in well-drained soil like cactus mix or regular potting soil with sand added.

Things You'll Need

• Aloe seeds
• Aloe offshoots
• Potting soil
• Sand
• Cactus soil mix
• Starter pot or flower pot
• Plastic bag
• Fungicide (optional)

Instructions

Prepare and Plant

1. Choose a pot. Aloes like to be pot bound-meaning their roots will be crowded-so don't choose too large a pot. If you are starting from seeds, use a small potting container.

2. Add the soil. Use regular potting mix and add up to one-third sand, or use cactus growing mix. Mix it well and put it in the pot about 1/2 inch or 1 inch below the rim. You can add a layer of gravel in the bottom to improve drainage--all aloes like well-drained soil.
   If you test your soil, know that most aloes like neutral to basic pH.

3. Choose the variety. Aloes comes in many different varieties that have evolved for different climates, from deserts to cold mountain habitats. Aloe plants can have different color leaves and flowers. Aloes are natives of Africa and do best in full strong sunlight. Aloes range in size from small perennials to large varieties known as tree hybrids. (Reference 1)

4. Plant the seeds. Place the seeds on top of the soil and cover with a layer of sand. If you are using offshoots, plant the offshoot at the same level it was in the parent plant's pot.

5. Water the seeds or offshoots. Place the potting container in a tray with water to gently dampen the soil. You can add a fungicide to the water if it is available. This will increase the chances of seeds sprouting before fungus kills them. Take the potting container out of the tray after it is saturated with water.

6. Place the potting container in a warm, shady area. Keep the bag closed until the seeds sprout. Aloes can take from 30 to 180 days to germinate depending on the species and growing conditions, so be patient. (Reference 1)
   Place offshoots directly into strong sunlight.

Tips & Warnings

• Some aloe seeds have a dormancy period and cannot be grown until this has passed, so check with your supplier. Don't throw out planted seeds unless they become overgrown with fungus or mildew.

References

• Varieties of Aloe
• Guide To Growing Aloe Plants; 2000; The Garden Helper