Things You'll Need
Hand trowel
Knife
Newspaper
Container
Cactus potting mix
Houseplant fertilizer
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is an African native that belongs to the same family as lilies. Its nickname is medicine and burn plant, due to its sap's healing qualities. The succulent grows up to 2 feet in height. It produces a 3-foot flower stalk filled with yellow, tubular flowers. Mature aloe vera plants produce pups or shoots that grow around the parent's base. If left untouched, the pups form into a massive clump. Transplanting the pups or shoots is basic. Even novice gardeners can transplant and grow aloe vera shoots.
Step 1
Grab the base of small aloe vera shoots with your hand. Pull the shoot firmly from the ground. Twist the roots as you pull if needed releasing them from the soil.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Dig larger aloe vera shoots from around the parent plant using a hand trowel. Stick the trowel between the parent plant and the shoot. Press down into the soil and cut any roots holding the parent and shoot together. Pull the aloe shoot from the soil.
Step 3
Cut through the root system using a sharp knife releasing the shoot from the parent. Slice through the soil and cut the roots apart. Pull the aloe shoot from its location in the soil.
Step 4
Set the shoots on newspaper. Place the shoots in a partially shady location. Allow the shoots to heal for two to three days before transplanting. Allowing the cut portion to form a scab decreases disease, according to the Arizona Cooperative Extension.
Step 5
Fill a container with a well-draining potting mix suitable for cactus. Select a container with big drain holes in its bottom. Watering the potting mix before planting the shoots settles the soil.
Step 6
Dig out an area in the potting mix that large enough to house the roots. Place the roots into the hole. Cover the roots with potting mix and firm it around the plant using your fingers.
Step 7
Water the shoot after transplanting. Apply additional water when the soil feels dry. Allow the potting mix to dry between each watering.
Step 8
Fertilize the aloe vera monthly during the growing season. Use a blend suitable for houseplants. Follow package instructions concerning use and mixing.
Step 9
Set the container outdoors in sunny to partially shady conditions. Set indoor plants by a bright window. Bring outdoor aloe vera plants into a warm location if weather conditions are frosty or freezing.
Tip
The plant is hardy and endures neglect and drought conditions. Propagate new aloe vera plants through seeding.
Warning
Aloe vera does not tolerate wet or saturated conditions.
Video of the Day