Propagate Aloe Vera

I get lots of requests for information on propagating Aloe Vera, so here is my take on the subject.

Watch For Aloe Vera Plant Pups

As a succulent, Aloe is easy to keep and grow. It requires well-drained, loose, sandy soil that is low in nutrients. It needs room, lots of it, because it's a fast grower during the summer months. From a central whorl, it sends up small shoots or "pups". Your plant has the potential of becoming huge if you give it enough room to grow, and unlike many potted plants, you don't have to gradually step up the pot size.

Harvest Aloe Vera Plant Shoots (Pups)

Aloe only needs consistent watering during the spring and summer months, after that it can be watered once every couple of weeks or less. If in doubt about watering your plant, don't. Once the pups are at least a couple of inches long, they can be removed from the mother plant and set aside to let the torn end harden off (or callus over). Then they can be placed in their own pots.

Aloe Vera Plants and Frost

The one critical thing you need to watch with Aloe Vera is the temperature. If exposed to a hard freeze, you plant will turn into a dead, soggy mess before your eyes. I put my plants out of doors in spring and leave them out through summer and into fall. After one very bad experience, I now watch the weather reports, being careful to bring them back indoors before the first frost.

If you do suffer a disaster, though, don't throw your plant away. Sometimes enough root survives to make a come back, but it will take a couple of months.

Aloe Vera Plants and Water

As a matter of interest where water is concerned: About five years ago, I placed a pot in a little used guestroom and forgot to water it. It went at least two months without water, and looked fine. I don't recommend this, but it gives you an idea of how well Aloe Vera manages the water stored in its leaves.