Expert: Maureen - 12/19/2010

Question
Hi Maureen,
I'm not sure of my terminology, but an aloe vera plant at work was severely over growing it's planter.  I broke a couple of clusters off at the joints and put them in a jar of water.  Will they root from there or do I need to pot them in soil?
Thanks,
Shelley

Answer
Dear Shelley,

If you broke of clusters first you need to let them callous over which can take a couple of weeks for an aloe.(It's better for the plant to cut with a sharp sterilized knife to prevent disease.)  Then I would pot up in 1/2 sphagnum and 1/2 sand or perlite very slightly moistened.  Don't water again till you see new growth.  You can mist occasionally if you like.

I've never rooted an aloe in water but suspect it might root but have a weaker root system that will then have to adapt to soil.

By the way, this is better done in the summer if possible as growth in winter slows normally. Also in the spring put the mother plant in a larger pot.

Hope this helps.

Maureen

Dear Shelley,
I saw you rated an 8 for clarity.  What was I not clear and how can I make it better to understand?  I want you to have a successful experience and you insight will help me be a better respondent.

Maureen?