Aloe vera, renowned for its skin-soothing properties and potential health benefits, has become a staple in many households. A recent study found that aloe vera can accelerate the healing of mouth ulcers and may even improve blood sugar management in people with diabetes.1
With its growing popularity, it’s no wonder that many plant enthusiasts are eager to learn how to propagate their own aloe vera plants at home.
We’ll walk you through the simple yet effective methods of aloe vera propagation to expand your succulent collection and share the benefits of this incredible plant with others.
Choosing the Right Method
There are two main methods for propagating aloe vera: using offsets (pups) or leaf cuttings. Offsets are the easiest and most reliable method, as they are essentially baby plants that grow alongside the mother plant.
Leaf cuttings can also be used, but they require more patience and have a lower success rate.
Propagating Aloe Vera Using Offsets (Pups)
- Wait until the offsets are at least one-fifth the size of the parent plant or have several sets of true leaves.
- Using a sharp, clean knife, carefully remove the offsets from the parent plant, ensuring you get as much of the offset’s root system as possible.
- Allow the offsets to callus over for a few days before potting.
- Fill a pot with well-draining succulent potting mix and moisten the soil.
- Plant the offsets in the prepared pot and avoid watering for a few days to prevent rot.
- Place the pot in a warm, bright location and water every 5-10 days during the growing season.
Propagating Aloe Vera Using Leaf Cuttings
- Select a healthy, mature leaf from the outer part of the aloe plant and cut it close to the stem using a clean, sharp knife or scissors.
- Cut the leaf into 3-4 pieces, ensuring each section has a growth node (bump) on the side.
- Allow the cuttings to callus over for a few days to prevent rotting.
- Fill a pot with well-draining succulent potting mix and make holes for the cuttings.
- Insert each cutting into the holes, ensuring the growth nodes are buried.
- Place the pot in a warm, bright location and water sparingly until the cuttings develop roots.
Tips for Success
- Use a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for succulents to prevent overwatering and root rot.
- Provide your aloe vera cuttings or offsets with plenty of bright, indirect light to encourage growth.
- Be patient! It can take several weeks to a few months for your propagated aloe vera plants to establish and show significant growth.
- Fertilize your aloe vera plants with a succulent-specific fertilizer once they come out of dormancy in late winter to early spring.
By following these step-by-step instructions and tips, you’ll be well on your way to successfully propagating aloe vera and enjoying the beauty and benefits of these amazing plants.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.