Aloe Vera plants, can you have too many? I guess not. I have a huge aloe plant growing in my garden, but I needed a small one for photos as a houseplant. This details how to repot Aloe Vera, including how to separate it, the steps to take, the soil mix to use, and the aftercare.
A ginormous Aloe vera plant grows in a pot next to my patio and stands 4′ tall x 5′ wide. It’s not a good size for the house! It’s in dire need of repotting, but that will be documented in another post and video soon.
The aloe being repotted here is much more suited for growing indoors. It was growing in a 4″ pot, and because roots appeared out of the drain holes, I wanted to put it into a 6″ pot. Plus, I get to show you how I do it!
Aloe vera is a popular succulent known for its healing properties, Repotting your aloe vera regularly is crucial for keeping it healthy and thriving This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about repotting aloe vera successfully
When to Repot Aloe Vera
Here are the signs that indicate it’s time to repot your aloe vera:
- The plant becomes top-heavy or unstable in its pot.
- New growth is smaller.
- You see roots coming out of the drainage holes.
- The plant is newly purchased and in nursery soil.
- You want to propagate new plants from offsets.
Ideally, aloe vera should be repotted every 2-3 years. Repotting in spring when the plant is actively growing is best.
Supplies Needed
Before repotting gather these supplies
- Aloe vera or cactus potting mix
- Container 2-3 inches larger than the current pot
- Clean scissors or knife
- Trowel or shovel
- Gardening gloves (optional)
Step-By-Step Repotting Instructions
Follow these steps to successfully repot your aloe vera
-
Water the plant thoroughly a day before repotting. This makes removal easier.
-
Fill the new pot about 1/3 full with fresh cactus or aloe mix. Ensure it has drainage holes.
-
Remove the plant from its old pot. Knock off loose soil and gently tease apart any bound roots.
-
Inspect roots and trim any that are dead or damaged using clean scissors.
-
Separate any offsets or pups and set them aside. Cut these off carefully with a knife, retaining some roots.
-
Position the plant in the new pot. Its base should sit just above the soil level.
-
Fill in around the roots with more fresh soil. Firm it down gently but don’t pack too hard.
-
Water lightly right away to settle the soil. Then let the plant dry out completely before watering again.
-
Place in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct hot sun right after repotting.
-
Wait 2 weeks before repotting any offsets you removed to allow cuts to heal.
Tips for Repotting Aloe Vera
Follow these best practices for optimal results:
-
Choose a porous potting mix that drains well. Aloe vera is prone to root rot.
-
Pick a container with drainage holes made of terracotta or ceramic. Plastic retains too much moisture.
-
Don’t cover any leaves with soil when repotting.
-
Allow 1-2 days before watering newly repotted plants.
-
Propagate offsets when they are 2-3 inches tall. Let cut surfaces dry and callus over.
-
Give newly repotted aloe bright, indirect light. No direct sun right away.
Aftercare
Once your aloe vera is repotted, follow these care tips:
-
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
-
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during growing season.
-
Monitor for common pests like fungus gnats.
-
Remove dead leaves and spent flowers stalks to keep the plant tidy.
-
Consider repotting again in 2-3 years as the plant grows. Use fresh potting mix.
Troubleshooting Issues
Here are some common repotting issues and how to avoid them:
Plant decline – Likely caused by overwatering, improper light, or choosing a pot that’s too large.
Root rot – Use very well-draining soil and don’t overwater. Let pots dry out between waterings.
Transplant shock – Give the plant bright indirect light after repotting and avoid fertilizing right away.
Pests – Repot in sterile, fresh mix and isolate from other plants until issue resolves.
Repotting your aloe vera properly is easy with some preparation and care. Pay close attention to soil, container, light, and watering needs. Propagate offsets for brand new plants. With the right technique, repotted aloe will thrive for years to come!
A Guide On How To Repot Aloe Vera Plants
During the growing season, spring and summer are the best times. Early fall is fine if you’re in a temperate climate like me in Tucson, AZ.
Aloes don’t mind being potbound, so there is no need to repot yours unless it’s showing signs of stress or outgrowing the pot. At some point, your plant will appreciate a fresh soil mix.
Mine growing outdoors has produced so many aloe pups that the plant is busting out of the pot, so the time has come, and I’ll be doing it in a few weeks when the weather cools.
Soil For Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that likes dry conditions. It stores water in its fleshy leaves and roots, so the potting mix needs to yield good drainage to prevent root rot. You can see the succulent soil mix I use in the below.
Regular potting soil holds too much water, meaning there’s a greater chance the plant’s roots will stay too wet. A succulent and cactus mix is best because it’s gritty( or chunky) and provides the excellent drainage needed.
Succulents don’t like wet soil, especially those that are growing indoors. Aloe vera likes its soil to dry out between waterings.
Here’s Succulent & Cactus Mix Recipe I use. If you don’t want to make your own, you can buy some online: Dr. Earth, EB Stone, Bonsai Jack, and Tank’s. Other popular choices are Cactus Cult and Hoffman’s.
This post on Succulent Soil Mix will give you more details. This is the
How To Repot And Divide Aloe Vera Plants ( Repotting Tips )
FAQ
When should I repot an aloe vera plant?
Aloe vera tends to need repotting every two to five years, but this depends on the age of the plant and its soil. Your plant will probably need to change pots once you notice it growing more slowly, or once the offshoots reach the edge of the pot.
What kind of soil does an aloe plant need?
Aloe plants thrive in well-draining soil that prevents root rot. A cactus or succulent mix is ideal, or you can create your own by combining potting soil with perlite or sand.
How to repot aloe vera without killing it?
Let the soil dry FULLY AND COMPLETELY. It’s an aloe so it will survive just fine. Then get a thin chopstick and gently insert it into the soil as deep as you can, wiggle it around, then move to another spot and do it again. This will gently loosen the soil without disturbing the roots too much.
Do aloe plants like small or big pots?
The pot you use should only be slightly larger than the current pot the plant is in. While the aloe hybrids will cheerfully take over larger pots, given time, they grow faster and happier when they don’t have too much room for the roots to expand first.
Should you repot aloe vera?
Aloe vera has a shallow and wide root system that likes to spread out close to the surface. As the plant grows and needs repotting, it’s best to move up to a wider pot, rather than a deeper one. Repot your aloe when it becomes rootbound or if its pups seem to be overcrowded.
How do you repot aloe vera plants?
Often house plants will come in peat-y compost which retains water. As aloe veras like a free-draining, gritty soil, repot your plant in either a specially-formulated succulent compost [as detailed above] or mix your own with three parts peat-free compost and one-part horticultural grit, available from garden centres.’
Do aloe vera plants droop after repotting?
Healthy aloe vera plants don’t usually have any problems after repotting. But don’t panic if yours looks a little droopy at first. If it doesn’t bounce back after a few days, it may be suffering from transplant shock. Check that you’re not overwatering, and avoid fertilizing it for at least one month.