Expert: Greg Simpson - 4/21/2006

Question
Dear Greg,
I have 2 big clumps of aloe vero plants sitting on my counter that i got from my friend. I was woundering if i can break them a part and replant them. (I have the stocks and the roots). I was aslo woundering how to do that??? Do i need to put them in water to get new roots??? How do i sperate them???HOW DO I PLANT THEM??

Thanks much
Dale  

Answer
Dear Dale,

Aloe vera is one of the easiest to propagate. You can seperate them if you like, but do not put them in water to root them! They need to dry out (at the cut area) before replanting. Plant them in a fast draining soil, one that lets water pass through it quickly.

Water thoroughly when the soil is dry (this could take a week or a month depending on where you live). You can also use a product called "Superthrive", which helps with transplant shock and promotes rooting. Just follow the directions on the bottle.

Plant the stem (if unrooted) in the soil about 3". It will take a month or two to root, so be patient. Hope this helps, good luck!

Sincerely,

Greg