How to Re-Pot Aloe

Aloe will thrive in the proper growing container,

The aloe plant is a succulent, flowering plant native to Africa. The most commonly planted species of the aloe plant is Aloe Vera, or True Aloe. However, any type of aloe plant will survive in a pot with the proper care and climate conditions. While aloe grows slowly, eventually the plant will outgrow its container and require re-potting. If you notice your plant has stopped growing, or its roots begin emerging above the soil, it is time to re-pot your aloe.

Things You'll Need

• Container
• Weed barrier
• Sharp scissors
• Gravel
• Potting soil
• Water

Instructions

1. Select a new container for your aloe plant which is at least four inches wider than its current pot. The container you select should have a greater width than depth to allow the roots to spread out, rather than grow down. The container must have a drainage hole in the bottom to allow proper water drainage.

2. Cut a piece of weed barrier sheet to fit into the bottom of your chosen container. This prevents soil from falling out of the drainage holes. Weed barrier is a thin gray or black cloth sold in rolls at hardware and gardening stores. You can cut it with a sharp pair of household scissors.

3. Pour one inch of small gravel into the bottom of the container to aid proper water drainage. Proper water drainage is imperative to your aloe plant's growth.

4. Fill the container halfway with potting soil. The soil at this height will allow you to pot your aloe plant at the correct depth.

5. Take your aloe plant out of its current container carefully. Place one hand around the plant, supporting it at its base and allowing the leaves to slip between your fingers. Turn the pot upside down and tap it lightly until the aloe's roots release from the container.

6. Place the aloe into the center of its new container with the roots facing downward. Pour potting soil around the aloe's roots, filling the container the rest of the way with soil.

7. Water the aloe immediately to dampen its soil and return it to its usual location.

Tips & Warnings

• If the aloe plant has new aloe sprouts growing in its old container, do not transplant them into the same pot. Plant each aloe sprout in its own container. The container should have a diameter approximately three times the sprout's width.

References

• "Aloe Vera: Nature's Soothing Healer"; Diane Gage; 1996
• "Gardening All-in-One For Dummies"; The National Gardening Association, Bob Beckstrom, Karan Davis Cutler and Kathleen Fisher; 2003