As someone who loves to garden and keep various plants in my home, I have always been a big fan of aloe vera. Not only is it a beautiful and low-maintenance plant, but it also has a wide range of health benefits when used tropically or ingested. If you’re like me, you might have even considered transplanting your aloe vera plant to a bigger pot or a new location in your garden.
In this article, I will guide you through how to successfully transplant aloe vera and provide tips for maintaining its health after the move.
What’s the Best Time for Transplanting Aloe Vera?
The best time to transplant aloe vera plants is in the spring or early summer when the weather is warm and the plant is actively growing. This will allow the plant to recover from the transplanting process and establish itself in its new location more quickly. Avoid transplanting aloe vera plants during the hottest part of the summer, as this can be stressful for the plant. Also, avoid transplanting aloe vera plants during the winter, when the plant is dormant and may not have enough energy to recover from the transplanting process.
Why Should I Transplant Aloe Vera?
There are a few reasons why you might want to transplant an aloe vera plant:
The plant has outgrown its current pot: Aloe vera plants can grow quite large over time, and if they become pot-bound (i.e., their roots have filled the pot and are crowded), they may need to be transplanted into a larger pot to give them more room to grow.
The plant is not getting enough sunlight: Aloe vera plants need plenty of sunlight to thrive, and if they are not getting enough light in their current location, transplanting them to a sunnier spot may help them grow better.
The plant is not healthy: If an aloe vera plant is not looking healthy (e.g., the leaves are yellow or wilted), transplanting it to a new pot with fresh soil and better care may help it recover.
You want to propagate the plant: If you want to propagate your aloe vera plant by dividing it into multiple plants, transplanting is necessary. Simply divide the plant into smaller pieces, each with at least one healthy leaf, and transplant each piece into its pot.
Overall, transplanting an aloe vera plant can be a good way to give it a fresh start and help it grow more successfully. Just be sure to handle the plant carefully and provide it with the right care and conditions after transplanting.
How To Transplant Aloe Vera
Transplanting your Aloe Vera plant can be a great way to give it more space to grow and to refresh the soil it is growing in. However, it’s important to follow the proper steps to ensure that your plant stays healthy during the transplanting process.
1. Take Your Aloe Plant Out of Its Pot.
To repot an aloe, first carefully remove it from its current pot. Gently lift the plant, supporting it with the roots, and remove the old dirt from around the roots. When you see offshoots up to four inches tall growing around the base of your aloe plant, carefully remove it from its pot. Handle the plant with the root ball as much as possible to avoid damaging the plant.
When transplanting large aloes, it’s particularly important to lift the plant by the root ball. Gently shake the plant or use gloved fingers to remove any existing potting soil.
2. Divide Your Aloe Plant
If there are any pups, you should be able to separate them from the main root mass. If the plant is rootbound, you may need to cut the roots apart with a knife. Don’t worry. Aloe plants are extremely tough, and the roots can withstand being severed. They should be fine as long as some roots remain attached to each pup.
Examine the plant’s base for offshoots with its root systems. Separate the offshoots from the main plant while preserving their new root systems. Use a clean knife to remove offshoots attached to their parent plant carefully.
3. Allow Your Aloe Plants to Heal
After you’ve divided your aloe, leave the plants out for at least one night in a warm, dry place. This will aid in the healing of any wounds to the roots. Leave the parent plant and offshoot out of the soil for at least 24 hours in a dry, temperate location. To speed up healing, healthy aloe plants form calluses over wounds.
4. Repot Your Aloe
Plant your aloe plants in new pots once you notice calluses forming on them- small plants can be doubled up in containers at least 4 inches (10 cm.) across. Find a clean pot (preferably a new one) that is large enough (about twice as big). If it’s filthy, wash it and thoroughly dry it. Repot them in new containers, preferably clay containers with drainage holes.
Apply a small amount of rooting hormone before repotting damaged offshoots with weak root systems. Use a well-draining soil mix, such as one made specifically for cacti. Cactus potting mix ingredients include coarse sand, perlite, pumice, crushed granite, gravel, and regular garden soil. To remove lumps, break them up with your hands. You want a texture that is smooth and even. Add a layer of rocks to the bottom of the new pot. The rocks will allow water to drain and keep the soil from becoming overly wet. Root rot is caused by wet soil.
In the new pot, place the aloe on top of the soil. Soil should be added under the root ball as needed until the base of the aloe is flush with the lip of the pot. Fill in the pot by adding more soil around the root ball. With the flat of your hand, pat it down. Wash the dirt off the pot’s exterior.
5. Take Care of Your New Aloe Plants
New aloe plants thrive in dry, indirect light. Plant your potted offshoots near a south-facing window that receives indirect sunlight. Water your new aloe plants sparingly until their roots have established themselves, which should take one to two weeks after planting. Overwatering can cause root rot.
Temperature is the final major factor to consider when transplanting aloe. Because of their warm and dry climates, aloe plants naturally thrive in the United States’ south and southwest regions. Moderate water and warm, sunny conditions are critical for the plant’s health.
As a result, aloe cannot survive the winter in many areas, forcing many people to grow their plants indoors. So, as much as you may want to move your indoor plant to the outdoors, you must consider the weather. Your aloe will not thrive in cold temperatures and will most likely die if the temperature falls below freezing.
However, with potted aloe plants, you can move the plant in and out of the house depending on the weather. You can take it outside to get the best sunlight and then bring it inside at night when it gets cold.
Important Tip: When the top inch or two of soil is dry, water your aloe plant deeply until water flows from the bottom drainage hole. Aloes despise sitting in water, and oversaturating the plant may promote rot. Watering your aloe first in the morning allows the foliage to dry before nightfall.
FAQs
How often should I water my newly transplanted aloe vera plant?
It’s important to let the soil dry out completely before watering your aloe vera plant. This will typically be every 7-10 days but may vary depending on your home’s temperature and humidity levels. Check the soil moisture regularly by sticking your finger about an inch. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If the soil is still moist, wait a few more days before watering.
Can I transplant my aloe vera plant outside?
Aloe vera plants are native to arid regions and do best in well-draining soil. They can be grown outside in warm, dry climates but must be protected from frost. Keeping your aloe vera plant as a houseplant is best if you live in a colder climate.
How do I prepare the new pot for my aloe vera plant?
Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current pot and has drainage holes to prevent excess water from accumulating. Fill the pot with a well-draining soil mix, such as a cactus or succulent mix. You can also mix in some perlite or pumice to improve drainage.
Final Thoughts
Aloe vera is a lovely and hardy plant in your garden, but it must be transplanted regularly as part of the upkeep. Keep an eye on your aloe vera plants and refer to this guide whenever you need to transplant aloe vera plants safely.