Propagation of Aloe From Seed

Aloe plants grow in dry, frost-free regions like the Mediterranean and North Africa.

Aloe plants are a succulent with close to 200 varieties. The most common is aloe vera, a variety that is used to treat burns, cuts and other minor skin irritations. Aloe plants require a frost-free growing region, but in colder climates, these spiky plants make hardy and interesting houseplants.

Aloe Flowers and Seeds

Aloe plants do not bloom regularly year after year like many other perennials. In an unnatural environment, like a house or other indoor area, aloe plants can live for years without flowering. Planted outdoors in a suitable climate, aloe plants bloom every few years sporadically. When an aloe plant does bloom, it sends up a tall flower stem with a flower head covered with tiny flowers at the top. Each tiny flower contains an aloe seed that can be collected and planted.

Germination Process

Plant aloe seeds as soon as possible after collecting or purchasing them. Use a coarse seed starting mix. Finely crushed stone mixed with sand works well and provides good drainage. A seed starting flat with drainage holes provides a suitable environment for starting the seeds. Place the aloe seeds onto the seed starting mix spaced 1 inch apart and cover them with 1/4 inch more of the planting medium. Keep the seeds at or above 65 F and supply consistent moisture until they germinate. This usually takes anywhere from one to six months.

Transplanting the Seedlings

Keep the seedlings at or above 65 F as they emerge from the soil. When the aloe seedlings are 1 inch tall they can be planted into individual 2-inch pots. To create a good soil mix that has both the ability to hold moisture and drain well when there is excess moisture, use a potting soil formulated for cacti and succulents. A homemade mix of equal parts peat moss, coarse sand and potting soil works well. When transplanting the aloe seedlings, be careful not to damage the delicate, new root systems.

Seed Propagation Versus Offsets

Seed propagation of aloe is less common than propagation of rooted offsets. Aloe plants produce clones of the parent plant around the base. As these clones develop, they can be cut away and potted or replanted in a new area. Propagation of aloe from offsets is faster than from seed, but there is good reason to start from seed. Offsets are clones of the parent plant and hold only the genetic material of one plant, while an aloe started from seed holds the genetic material from two plants. This creates more genetic diversity among the population.

References

• Arizona Cooperative Extension; Growing Aloe Vera; Jeff Schalau; March 2006
• Plants for a Future Database: Aloe Vera