How to Propagate an Aloe Vera Plant

Outdoor-growing aloe vera plant

The aloe vera is a succulent plant that develops thick, pointy leaves that form a rosette shape. Some aloe vera varieties have seasonal flower growth. Outdoor-growing aloe vera plants form leaves that reach a length of 18 inches with a 2-inch width at the base. Aloe vera is hardy in sunny, outdoor gardens in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 11, but is often times grown as an indoor plant. Propagate aloe vera plants in early spring by dividing the root offshoots that form on the main root crown of an existing plant.

Things You'll Need

• Planting container
• Shovel
• High quality potting soil
• Water

Instructions

1. Remove the aloe vera from the soil and set the plant on a flat surface. Brush soil from the root ball being careful not to crush the roots or leaf spikes.

2. Separate the small root offshoots from the main root crown. The offshoots form on the sides of the main crown. Pull them off carefully with your hands.

3. Plant the propagated aloe vera offshoots into containers filled with a high-quality potting soil. Choose containers that are 2 to 3 inches larger in diameter than the aloe vera offshoot, making sure there are bottom drainage holes in the container.

4. Set the aloe vera offshoots into the planting container so they are growing at the same depth as in the previous growing environment. Cover the root ball with soil and gently pack to hold the plant in place.

5. Water the aloe vera offshoot until water flows out the bottom drainage holes. Provide water to the aloe vera plant once the soil becomes dry to the touch. Do not over water aloe vera as it is susceptible to root rot from water-saturated soil.

6. Grow outdoor propagated plants in an indoor environment or greenhouse to produce a strong root system before transplanting outdoors. Set the planting container on wooden blocks or in a saucer to allow the free flow of the water through the bottom drainage holes.

References

• Plants for a Future: Aloe vera
• FloriData: Aloe vera
• North Dakota State University: Questions on Houseplants