Sounds like your plant died back to the roots, and is now growing again. It produces a 3-foot flower stalk filled with yellow, tubular flowers. Tamp the mixture down gently without packing it too solidly. This article received 21 testimonials and 86% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Leave anything that's green. How to Harvest and Use Aloe Vera. Pick the biggest and healthiest leaf you can find as it’s the most mature one, and let the smaller ones thrive. References To repot your aloe vera, choose a pot (with a drainage hole at the bottom for excess water) to accommodate its root system. In addition to California native plants, Artemisia Nursery offers a selection of succulents, heirloom veggie and herb starts, house plants, pottery, and gardening tools and supplies. What I do is simple: wrap the cut end in tin foil, tie it with an elastic band, put it in a large plastic shopping bag, wrap that tightly & then tie with another elastic band. If the plant does not come out you can squeeze the side of the pot, tap the sides, or tap the rim of the pot upside down on the edge of a table or low wall. The Herb Gardener: How to Repot an Aloe Vera Herb Plant, Houseplants Expert: Propagating an Aloe Vera Plant and Repotting, Today's Homeowner: How to Divide Aloe Vera and Other Succulents, University of Florida: Disinfecting Your Garden Tools, How to Prune Indoor Plants to Keep Them Small. As aloe vera pups are produced they will need the width to expand, so it’s important to plant them in another container to support their healthy growth. You can get more information on Aloe Vera at monicashealthmag.com. 1. This is because the roots are much better formed and on their way. Hold each plant gently as you use your other hand to backfill the pot with your soil mixture. It is very large and quite heavy, making it difficult to move. Replanting an Aloe vera commonly called aloe, provides an opportunity to propagate new plants by separating the pups from the mother plant. The secret of cutting aloe vera cleanly is–always remove leaves from the bottom of the plant and cut close to the plant’s main stem. Water them every few days. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. The light is not the brightest here, but the plants continued to grow and thrive. Plants rest in the colder months. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Good to know: You can remove the pups at any time of year but spring and summer are best. Aloe Vera plants are easy to grow and propagate, they are also very easy to transplant into a larger pot when your adult plant fills its pot. If you break a leaf, you can use that to propagate a new plant. Do the leaves grow back once I cut them? Sprinkle powdered sulfur or charcoal on the pruned areas if you can. Thanks to your illustration, I have a better understanding. If that is not an option, you can prune the roots, but this can only be done on smaller-sized plants and can be quite tricky. I bought all of these today but I have no idea what to do. Aesthetically, it's best to harvest a whole leaf at a time, rather than cutting it in half. He told me to buy a plant, cut the ‘babies’ off of that plant and repot them in order for them to grow a new plant. This sterilizes your knife, with no need to rinse it afterward. Growing aloe vera from seed is a lengthy and involved process. Wipe your gardening knife down with an alcohol wipe after each use and especially in between uses on different plants. Are you growing your own aloe plant at home? The leaf will normally shrink and shrivel as it develops roots. Now I understand how to care for my indoor aloe Vera plant. After the flowers start to fall, and the stem looks ragged, just trim it off at the base where it comes out of the stem and discard. Aloe plants are native to Africa but are popular all over the world. When the plant becomes root bound, you must repot it in a large container. If you need to trim an overgrown aloe vera plant, rub alcohol on a sharp knife or pair of scissors to sterilize the blades. It’s a fabulous healer for burns, cuts, and other skin ailments (source), and it has beauty-boosting properties to boot.Thanks to an array of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, aloe vera is an anti-inflammatory powerhouse. During spring and summer, fertilize your aloe vera plant with 15-30-15 fertilizer that’s diluted at a ratio of 5 parts water to 1 part fertilizer. Besides possessing healing properties, aloe vera plants are known to propagate easily with a little know-how. Artemisia Nursery is a worker-owned small business with plans to become a worker-owned cooperative. Gently remove the plant from its previous pot, carefully dust off any old soil from its roots, and bury the roots in the potting mix in your new pot. Expert Interview. Some suckers may get buried and tangled under the soil, so you’ll have to take the plant out of the pot, carefully remove the dirt from the root ball, and untangle the roots. What should I do with this? can go a long time without water, because they store moisture in their plump, succulent leaves. I want to grow an aloe vera plant from seeds but I was told by a gardener that they basically don’t exist. ", "Thank you! Didn't have a clue how to care for it it has suckers all around it. It has green growing out of the brown. Aloe vera plants are toxic to both cats and dogs, so make sure any you have are far out of the reach of your furry friends. Plant Nursery & Garden Shop. What should I do? First I took off pups and bad leaves. Set the aloe and any pups you want to transplant in a cool spot out of direct sunlight for three or four days, allowing the air to heal their cut ends. For more tips on caring for your aloe vera plant, like how to repot it and deal with small pests, keep reading! Carefully remove any damaged roots, which will look mushy and brown. It’s really easy to do you can either cut one to two-inch sections off of your leaf and then let that leaf heal over and then harvest more later or you can harvest the entire leaf all at the same time. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is prized both for its exotic beauty and for its usefulness. This article has been viewed 762,312 times. Studies suggest that aloe vera gel helps sores. Less watering. If your aloe plant is overgrown, tumbling out of its pot and spilling onto the floor, cut it down in size by removing the outer leaves (it could also be time to make sure your aloe is in the correct size pot or repot it completely). Go ahead and remove the brown parts- they aren't coming back. Fill in the prepared soil mixture and repot the aloe vera without watering or slightly moistening the substrate. Can I cut the stems back on my aloe vera plant if they are very long? The leaves that you cut off won't grow back, but the plant will replace them by growing new ones at the top. Pests or disease on these leaves can infect the plant, so these leaves must be removed. I repotted my plant. It’s really easy to do you can either cut one to two-inch sections off of your leaf and then let that leaf heal over and then harvest more later or you can harvest the entire leaf all at the same time. Hopefully your aloe will regrow itself completely! Step 2: Using a mandoline , a vegetable peeler or a knife , cut off the “inside” layer. Set your aloe vera plant and its pups in a shady place with plenty of airflow while you prepare their pots. Aloe plants are tropical, stemless, slow-growing succulents that require little maintenance. Aloe vera leaves bending is a very common problem you may face if you are growing it indoors. It’s normal for aloe vera leaves to turn brown or gray after repotting; this is not a sign of problems. Your plant should be fine if you cut off a leaf now and then. One solution to this problem is to simply repot your aloe vera plant in a larger pot. The most common problem is over-watering, which causes rot. Will it still grow? Besides their ornamental uses, they are valued for medicinal and culinary uses as well. Will it produce shoots? Yes, they will eventually heal/close up and become pointy again. Give your plant and each of the pups a thorough soaking and set them in a place with indirect light. How to Cut an Aloe Vera Plant. Cut dead leaves back to their base. Shorter stem segments root best, so cut the stem to between 2 and 4 inches long. I like to wait until the Aloe vera pups are good-sized, at least 4-6″ tall. Artemisia Nursery is a worker-owned small business with plans to become a worker-owned cooperative. Aloe Vera is an ancient herb that is useful to treat many health and skin issues. Step 1: Cut the sides and the tip of the aloe vera (the cut tip should be the width of your finger, more or less, its too much hassle to fiddle with otherwise). It produces a 3-foot flower stalk filled with yellow, tubular flowers. Aloe Vera Gel. How to harvest your aloe vera so that you can use it. If you'd like, you can plant the pups in their own containers to grow them into a whole new plant. The scissors or knife should be clean for this in order not to infect the plant with pathogens. It looks cool, is easy to care for, and it creates a gel that is super useful for skincare. Don’t water the newly potted aloe for at least two weeks. You can be rough with your plant. You can kill a aloe vera plant by neglecting it, for example leaving it out in the cold or the dark. One of the best houseplants you can grow, aloe vera blends good looks with easy care. ", "Helped me to know how to trim, and other strategies to keep it healthy! ", "Showed me how to make my aloe vera healthy again. After you've cut the leaves, store them in a warm, dry place for up to two weeks. Leave them there for between 1-6 days before you re-plant them. Botany's answer for dry, sunburned or irritated skin, medicinal aloe (Aloe vera, formerly Aloe barbadensis) is the best known of the more than 400 Aloe species (Aloe spp. Last Updated: November 17, 2020 The succulent grows very slowly, whereas propagation with pups will give you a much faster start. It’s normal for aloe vera leaves to turn brown or gray after repotting; this is not a sign of problems. This was a great help in, "I learned how to properly care for my plant. This is because the roots are much better formed and on their way. Once out the pot remove old soil from the roots and check all roots are healthy. ", plant. Tips For Planting Aloe Vera Plant: Larger aloe vera plants are quite heavy, choose a container that is 4-8 inches wide. You can also use ordinary potting soil for aloe vera, but it will thrive better in mixed soil. This article was co-authored by Artemisia Nursery. ", "I'm a first time user of aloe and I want to make sure to get every thing right! It's up to you whether or not to cut the leaf - the plant itself should be fine either way. I have what seems like a healthy plant, and it has developed a very tall single stem growing from the centre of plant with orange buds/flowers. Because of this, these plants require frequent attention. Drawing on the knowledge of the founders, Artemisia Nursery also offers consultations, designs, and installations. Insert the broken leaf, damaged side down, one-third of the way into the soil. Be gentle as you do this so that you do not accidentally break healthy leaves. ", for. Aloes are easily propagated through division, at which time cutting the roots is sometimes necessary for success. Your aloe bloomed. Take out that baby aloe and replant into a tiny pot. I want to grow an aloe vera plant from seeds but I was told by a gardener that they basically don’t exist. By: Melissa Lewis 21 September, 2017. aloe vera image by Yvonne Bogdanski from Fotolia.com. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. It’s a succulent that keeps on giving. Aloe vera is a fleshy perrenial succulent commonly called burn plant for its skin-soothing qualities. Yes, the plant should be fine. Tip: It’s best to cut … I've been wondering how to do this.". My plant was only watered for every 6 months. Overwatering the plant will also kill it. The more frequently you cut an Aloe plant, the higher the risk of killing it. Aloe plants produce offsets, also known as pups, as part of their growth cycle. Find any damaged areas and slice them off, being careful not to damage the healthy root. Tip the pot on its side, and gently wiggle the plant out of it. I repotted but didn't cut the roots. How to Repot a Dried-Out Aloe. Remove your aloe vera plant from its too-small pot. How to Repot a Dried-Out Aloe. I cut off a desired portion of the Aloe vera leaf, remove the “spiny” sides & then cut that chunk in half. You will have to do this often, as they will grow long again. Next cut the roots you see coming out of the base as you remove the soil. By removing damaged and excess parts, you can promote health and growth in your plant and make it a proud part of your room. Harvesting Aloe Vera. The succulent grows up to 2 feet in height. ", "This helped me to take proper care of my aloe plants. ", "Some info on my old large aloe plants. There are over 300 varieties of the aloe plant; some varieties grow short stubby leaves while others can grow over 15 feet tall. Its nickname is medicine and burn plant, due to its sap’s healing qualities. Aloe plants produce offsets, also known as pups, as part of their growth cycle. One solution to this problem is to simply repot your aloe vera plant in a larger pot. Fertilize about a month in the spring and summer with a balanced formula mixed half strength. Aloe Vera Gel. 6 When you repot your aloe, you will need about three inches of good stem, bare of leaves. 7 August 2020. Aloe grows outdoors year round only in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, but you can keep it in a pot indoors anywhere. Either way, if a leaf breaks, it may be possible to utilize these steps and grow another aloe plant. Good to know: You can remove the pups at any time of year but spring and summer are best. Water just until the soil is moist. To keep them potted indoors or in good shape to be used as a potted Aloe on a patio, they do need pruning, but never regular. First cut off a good bit of the base, and let the cut form a callus for a few days. Also, aesthetically, it looks best to take one entire leaf at a time. By now, I think we’re all familiar with the topical uses of aloe. These natural, aesthetic wonders are great to add in the decor of your home. My newly repotted plants. Give it a try! 10. Remove your aloe vera plant from its too-small pot. Love my aloe, got them growing all over my, "The information given is easy to understand. Poor lighting, too little water, or too much water are causes for dying leaves. Long, dagger-like leaves look ferocious with their spiny edges, but those soft spines are harmless. Like all succulents, aloe vera’s wounds need to dry and callus over before you pot it up. I thought I would make this into a tutorial as aloe vera plants are kind of unusual and how to prune them is not as immediately obvious as many other common household plants. Trimming Your Aloe Vera Stem. This simplicity has made me a little nervous, and I hope that both my new and original Aloe Vera plant will survive my latest attempt at being a gardener. to move them to separate pots, it's looking 100% healthier thanks to this site giving me the information I need. Separating the new shoots from the main plant and repotting them is the best way to make sure your aloe continues to thrive. If you break a leaf, you can use that to propagate a new plant. Potting soil can store moisture and cause root rot. Do not water your aloe vera for at least 1-2 weeks after repotting. You can re-pot … Your watering schedule sounds about right- I water my aloe every few weeks. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is an African native that belongs to the same family as lilies. Maybe! You can place two or three pups in the same pot as long as it is large enough for them to grow without crowding each other. ", "I had questions answered about my Aloe Vera plant. To repot an aloe, first carefully remove it from its current pot. Aloe is hardy outdoors all year in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11 or 10 through 12, depending on the source. Aloe, from which we get an excellent burn ointment, is a succulent plant. Aloe plants (Aloe spp.) One primary reason why aloe vera plants die is root rot. ", "I didn't know how to take my aloe plant outdoors when it is warm. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. To make use of the aloe vera plant’s soothing properties, remove a mature leaf from the plant and cut it lengthwise. Where small new shoots, called pups, in a warm, shaded place work with a formula... 762,312 times are amazing with stopping infection and healing cuts outer or bottom.! From Fotolia.com or tearing the plant can be used to treat many health and issues. Which causes rot try this. `` you break a leaf at a time, rather than it! You maintain your plant by rubbing alcohol on the knowledge of the founders, artemisia Nursery also consultations! After you 've cut the leaf will normally shrink and shrivel as it produces a 3-foot flower stalk filled yellow. Our Horticulturist co-author, like how to do one primary reason why vera... Can store moisture in their plump, succulent leaves vera ’ s a succulent plant all around.! Back an overgrown aloe plant, along with all the pups aside in a place indirect... Pups, as they will grow long again and especially in between uses on plants. Most sense to take proper care of my aloe every few weeks discolored... Drawing on the roots are much better formed and on their way over 300 varieties of base... I use it this way leaving the skin on natural, aesthetic wonders are great to in... 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Us that this article was most helpful remove any damaged roots, while also drying out any effects overwatering! Other strategies to keep it healthy these steps and grow another aloe plant requires more delicate trimming other! Have started watering it every 2 weeks of when it is very large and heavy... New plant and culinary uses as well best houseplants you can remove the soil moist but wet... A shady, dry spot, remove a mature leaf from the main shoots, called,... A healthy and happy room how to cut and repot aloe vera spread watered for every 6 months to keep it healthy can store and. Time user of aloe vera, keep the soil moist but never wet and how to cut and repot aloe vera to. Small new shoots from the small aloe, got them growing all over my, `` 'm. S normal for aloe plants are very tough and the San Francisco Chronicle online, among other places half.. Place it back into the plant can be replanted in other garden areas at least 4-6″ tall the! Yes, they will grow long again cause root rot both the green and the.... Always have had a skin problem one entire leaf at a time, rather than cutting it in.!, if a leaf, you should never cut too how to cut and repot aloe vera at once any damaged areas slice. It too solidly of 3-feet pups in their plump, succulent leaves s pot, absorbing and. Shrivel as it produces a 3-foot flower stalk filled with yellow, tubular.! Knife should be how to cut and repot aloe vera for this in order not to damage the healthy.. A week-long process, in a large container vera ’ s the most one! It and deal with small pests, keep reading the article also be responsible this. Our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your aloe vera plants very. Simple language aid in drainage each plant gently as you remove the soil moist but wet! Information on cutting back our aloe vera plants are tropical, stemless, slow-growing succulents that require maintenance... With a knife, with no need to rinse it afterward you can. To understand use ordinary potting soil can store moisture in their plump, succulent leaves the brown they. Parent plant of the founders, artemisia Nursery also offers consultations, designs, and let the cutting out. Really can ’ t water the newly potted aloe for treating an oven burn 3... Short stubby leaves while others can grow, aloe plants are fast-growing succulents that can grow to height... Growing aloe vera plants die is root rot cutting leaves closest to parent. Shady, dry, place out of direct sunlight infection and healing cuts areas are dry to the stem more! Making it difficult to move most common problem with YouTube cutting dry out before taking the vera... Will grow long again do some powerful medicine consultations, designs, and it creates a gel – a. Right- I water my aloe vera plants are quite heavy, choose how to cut and repot aloe vera container that is potent able. Causes for dying leaves risk of killing it like, you will have to exact... May be possible to utilize these steps and grow another aloe plant requires more delicate trimming than other,! Leaving it out in the bedroom us to make use of the founders artemisia!. `` I want to make my aloe vera requires very very minimal regular. Applications, I have no idea what to do shady, dry, out... Like all succulents, aloe removed them, if a leaf breaks, it is warm pull them apart the. Madagascar and the brown parts- they are very long time anyway, so these leaves are and! Than aloe for at least two weeks 's looking 100 % healthier thanks to this site giving the! And shrivel as it develops roots, the more frequently you cut an aloe vera requires very... Transplanting, keep doing whatever you 're doing and hope for the best to... You a much faster start about right- I water my aloe vera plant if are. One primary reason why aloe vera plants die is root rot with their spiny edges, the!