How to Divide Aloe Vera Pups
Instructions for how to divide aloe vera pups from the parent plant. Begin with a mature plant with aloe pups at least a few inches tall. Don't water the plant for a week before dividing it, and be gentle when you do it. However, don't be afraid to cut a pup from the parent plant if need be. For a more visual guide, watch the video at the bottom.
Servings 10 plants
Cost $10
Equipment
- 1 kitchen knife clean and sharp
- plant pots (3-4") plastic or terracotta
Ingredients
- 1 gallon succulent potting soil 4 liters
- plant supports optional
Instructions
- Begin with a mature aloe vera plant with pups at least three inches long. Smaller pups often won't have grown roots yet.
- Take the plant out of its pot and then brush as much of the potting mix from it as possible.
- Gently pull each aloe vera pup that has roots away from the parent plant. Many will come off with only the slightest tug.
- For aloe vera pups that won't give, use a sharp and clean knife to carefully cut it from the parent plant. Make the smallest cut possible.
- Place the aloe vera plants in a place that's indoors and out of direct sunlight. Leave them there for at least a day but up to a week before repotting. This gives time for any cuts or micro-tears to heal.
- Plant each aloe vera pup and the parent plant in individual pots using a free-draining potting mix for succulents or cacti. Plant each up to the base of the lowest leaves.
- Wait three days before watering the plants. Water as usual afterward, remembering that aloe vera prefers a drier potting mix and will suffer if it’s too wet. I only water my plants when the potting mix has completely dried out.
