Cactus/replanting aloe vera
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Question
I bought a huge aloe plant from home depot a few months ago and it had 3 huge plants in it. tonight i replanted it into 3 new pots and i used scotts premium potting soil because that is what the garden place employee told me to use i also mixed in the remaining soil that was in the original pot. i was wondering if there was anything else i could do to ensure survival of the replant. the plants seem a little unstable to me and that also worries me. they don't have white spots on them and i was reading a lot of articles that say that indicates a healthy plant. what else can i do to help these guys stay alive.
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thanks,
jessica
It looks like you did a good job repotting and separating the plants Keep them in a sunny window and don't keep them constantly wet. Water from the bottom about once a week or so so the roots can soak up water from the bottom. If the plants are wobbly, stake them with 2-4 stakes - what ever it takes to stabilize them. It will take about a month for the new roots to get established.
Scotts premium is a tad dense for my taste but should be fine for these very forgiving succulents. I would not have mixed the old soil back in unless it was sterilized first because one doesn't know what might be lurking in it. If you want to reuse soil put it in a baking dish at 250 degrees for about 1/2 hour or you could also microwave it.
Don't worry about that now. I'm sure your plants will do well. Good job!
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Maureen
Expertise
I can answer questions regarding the care and propagation of cactus and succulents and would actually group these together as folks often mistake one for the other and often their care is quite different. I also have a cold hardy cactus and succulent garden that has been quite successful. The subject in regard to classification of type is enormous and I wouldn't be able to answer all questions by any means. It is really IMPORTANT TO INCLUDE A PHOTO if at all possible and LET ME KNOW WHERE YOU ARE FROM, especially in terms of climate.
Experience
I have learned by reading books, by trial and error and by consulting with folks with much more knowledge. I have primarily grown C&S for the last 20 years.
Organizations
Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts.
Education/Credentials
No formal training. See experience.
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