How to Duplicate an Aloe Vera Plant: Propagation Guide

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Learn how to clone your aloe vera using leaves or offsets
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Growing Aloe Vera is easy. Planting it is a little trickier. Unlike other succulents and cacti, it is difficult to grow Aloe Vera from just a leaf. The chances of the leaf actually taking root and growing into a healthy plant are slim. Therefore, most gardeners plant Aloe Vera using offshoots, which tends to result in more successful plants.

Aloe Vera Propagation at a Glance

To propagate aloe vera using leaves, cut a leaf at its base using a sharp, clean knife. Leave it someplace warm until a film forms over the cut. Then, plant the leaf cut-side-down in a pot filled with cactus soil. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot and keep the soil moist until the leaf propagates.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Growing from a Leaf

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  1. While it is possible to grow an Aloe Vera plant from a leaf, the chances of the leaf taking root are very slim. Aloe Vera leaves have a lot of moisture, and tend to rot before they can take root. Growing an Aloe Vera plant from an "offset" is more effective. [1]
  2. If this is not your personal plant, ask for the gardener's permission first.
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  3. Cut the leaf at the base using a sharp , clean knife. Try to cut at a downward angle, towards the stem. The knife must be very clean, or you risk infecting the leaf.
  4. This can take as little a few days to as long as two weeks. This film will help keep the cut part from getting infected by the soil. [3] An infected Aloe Vera leaf won't survive for very long.
  5. Like most plants, Aloe Vera likes water, but it hates to sit in it. If your pot does not have a drain hole, the soil will stay soaking wet. This can lead to root rot, which can kill a plant—including the hardy Aloe Vera.
  6. If you don't have any cactus soil, you can mix your own by mixing one part sand and one part potting soil. [4]
    • Consider filling the bottom of your pot with gravel first. This will help the pot drain even more.
    • The pH level should be 6.0 to 8.0. If the pH is not high enough, add some gardening lime. You can buy it from a garden shop.
  7. Make sure that about one-third of the leaf is in the soil.
    • Consider dipping the cut base in some sort of root hormone first. If you don't have any on hand, ground cinnamon or honey will work as well. [5] This is not the same as root hormone, which chemically induces rooting in plants. You can also try combining root hormone and honey to get the benefits of both. If you do not want to use a chemical rooting hormone, then another option is to make your own using willow.
  8. For the first four weeks of so, you will want to keep the soil moist. Once the leaf is done transplanting, wait until the soil is completely dry before you water it again.
    • Don't worry if the leaf shrinks or dries while it is developing roots.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Growing from an Offset

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  1. Offsets, also known as "pups" are part of the main plant. They are usually smaller and brighter in color. They will also have their own set of roots. Search for them along the base. Here are some things you should look for when selecting an offset to cut:
    • The offset should be one-fifth the size of the main plant.
    • Choose an offset that has at least four leaves, and is several inches tall.
  2. This will make it easier to find where the offshoot joins the main plant. You may have to brush the soil away from the roots to see the offshoot better. It may be attached to the main plant, but it should have its own set of roots.
  3. The offshoot may come away easily. If it doesn't, you will need to cut it using a sharp, sterile knife. (Sterilize the knife with ethyl alcohol first because this will not harm the plant.) Just cut the pup directly from the stem. [6] Let the wound scab over for a few days before you move on. This will prevent any infections. [7]
    • The offshoot must have some roots attached to it.
    • Once you have pried the offshoot away from the main plant, you can put the larger plant back into its pot.
  4. This is very important. Like most plants, Aloe Vera likes water, but it hates sitting in it. If your pot does not have a drain hole, the soil will become waterlogged. This can lead to root rot, which can kill your Aloe Vera.
  5. If you don't have any cactus soil, mix one part sand with one part soil.
    • Consider filling the bottom of your pot with gravel first. This will help the pot drain even more.
    • The pH level should be 6.0 to 8.0. If the pH is not high enough, add some gardening lime. You can buy it from a gardening shop.
  6. The hole should be deep enough to fit the roots as well as one-fourth of the plant (from where the roots end, and upwards). Many expert gardeners recommend that you dip the roots in root growth hormone first, to help the roots grow faster. [8]
  7. Water the plant enough so that the soil is damp, but not soaking. Aloe Vera is a desert plant, so it really does not need much water.
  8. After this, you can water your Aloe Vera like your normally would. [9]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Caring for Your Plant

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  1. Make sure that your plant gets plenty of bright sunlight . Ideally, Aloe Vera should get 8 to 10 hours of sunlight each day. You can get this by placing it in a south or west-facing window. If necessary, move the plant from window to window throughout the day.
    • If it is cold where you live, move the plant away from the windows at night. These areas tend to get very cold, which can kill your plant. [10]
  2. When you do water the plant, make sure that the soil is completely soaked through. Also, make sure that the water is draining freely from the pot. Do not over-water your plant.
    • Aloe Vera tends to go dormant during the winter months. It won't need as much water. [11]
    • Aloe Vera will need more water during the summer months, especially when it is hot and dry.
  3. The fertilizer should be water-based, and heavy in phosphorus. Prepare the mix at half strength. [12]
  4. Use a natural, organic pesticide to keep pests, such as mealy bugs and scale, at bay. You can avoid fungus easily simply by keeping the soil dry.
    • If you notice any mealy bugs or scale, then you can wipe them off with a cotton swab and some ethyl alcohol. [13]
  5. They are great indicators of health, and what your Aloe Vera needs.
    • Aloe vera leaves should be plump and straight. If you notice the leaves becoming thin and curly, give your Aloe Vera more water.
    • Aloe Vera leaves should grow straight up. If the leaves droop, the plant needs more sun.
  6. Sometimes, Aloe Vera does not grow well. Fortunately, it is easy to figure out what is wrong. It is even easier to fix these common problems.
    • The soil is too damp. Water the plant less often.
    • The plant needs more sunlight. Move it to a sunnier spot.
    • You added too much fertilizer. Move the plant to a new pot and add more soil.
    • The soil might be too alkaline. Add some soil sulfur.
    • The plant doesn't have enough room for its roots. Move it to a bigger pot.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I take a cutting from an aloe vera plant?
    Artemisia Nursery
    Plant Nursery & Garden Shop
    Artemisia Nursery is a retail plant nursery in Northeast Los Angeles specializing in California native plants. Artemisia Nursery is a worker-owned small business with plans to become a worker-owned cooperative. In addition to California native plants, Artemisia Nursery offers a selection of succulents, heirloom veggie and herb starts, house plants, pottery, and gardening tools and supplies. Drawing on the knowledge of the founders, Artemisia Nursery also offers consultations, designs, and installations.
    Artemisia Nursery
    Plant Nursery & Garden Shop
    Expert Answer
    Cut off a piece of the stem, not a leaf. Only a stem cutting can form roots. Slice the base of the piece you want to cut off with a sharp, sterile knife.
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  • Question
    Can you regrow aloe from a single leaf?
    Artemisia Nursery
    Plant Nursery & Garden Shop
    Artemisia Nursery is a retail plant nursery in Northeast Los Angeles specializing in California native plants. Artemisia Nursery is a worker-owned small business with plans to become a worker-owned cooperative. In addition to California native plants, Artemisia Nursery offers a selection of succulents, heirloom veggie and herb starts, house plants, pottery, and gardening tools and supplies. Drawing on the knowledge of the founders, Artemisia Nursery also offers consultations, designs, and installations.
    Artemisia Nursery
    Plant Nursery & Garden Shop
    Expert Answer
    Aloe vera can be propagated by stem cutting, but it won't take from a single leaf. You can also propagate aloe vera by cutting a pup directly off the stem of the main plant. Then, you'll have a whole new plant.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Tips

      • Try putting some white rocks over the soil around your aloe plant. This will help to reflect the sun up onto the plant. [14]
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      • Plant Aloe Vera outdoors only if you live in Zones 9 or 10. If you don't live in these zones, keep the plant indoors. [15]
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      • Aloe Vera grown indoors don't grow very large unless kept in direct sun and kept watered. With proper care, indoor Aloe Veras can grow to be over 2 feet long in a basic planter.
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      Warnings

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      Things You'll Need

      • Pot with a drain hole
      • Cactus soil
      • Sharp, sterile knife
      • Aloe Vera
      • Root growth hormone (optional)
      • Water

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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.aloeplant.info/how-to-propagate-your-aloe-vera-plant/
      2. ↑ Artemisia Nursery. Plant Nursery & Garden Shop. Expert Interview. 7 August 2020.
      3. ↑ http://www.houseplantsexpert.com/propagating-an-aloe-vera-plant-and-repotting.html
      4. ↑ http://www.aloeplant.info/how-to-propagate-your-aloe-vera-plant/
      5. ↑ http://www.houseplantsexpert.com/propagating-an-aloe-vera-plant-and-repotting.html
      6. ↑ Artemisia Nursery. Plant Nursery & Garden Shop. Expert Interview. 7 August 2020.
      7. ↑ http://www.howtogrowstuff.com/how-to-grow-aloe-vera/
      8. ↑ http://www.howtogrowstuff.com/how-to-grow-aloe-vera/
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVFE4MWzyCg
      1. ↑ http://pioneerthinking.com/gardening/how-to-preserve-and-regrow-an-aloe-vera-leaf
      2. ↑ http://www.gardenista.com/posts/diy-how-to-propagate-aloe-vera-the-plant-of-immortality
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVFE4MWzyCg
      4. ↑ https://www.joyusgarden.com/plant-purpose-care-tips-aloe-vera/
      5. ↑ http://www.howtogrowstuff.com/how-to-grow-aloe-vera/
      6. ↑ http://www.howtogrowstuff.com/how-to-grow-aloe-vera/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Growing an aloe plant from just a leaf is challenging, but with a little care and patience, it is possible. Start by selecting an aloe leaf that’s at least 8 cm (3.15 in) long. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut the leaf off close to the base, cutting downward at an angle towards the stem. Place the cut leaf in a warm place and leave it there long enough for a protective film to form over the cut. This may take up to 2 weeks. When you’re ready to pot the leaf, take a plant pot with some drainage holes at the bottom and fill it with cactus soil. You can also put a little gravel at the bottom to improve drainage, which will help prevent your aloe from getting too soggy. Dip the cut end of the leaf in rooting hormone, then stick it in the soil with the cut side facing down. About 1/3rd of the length of the leaf should be under the surface of the soil. Put the pot in a warm, sunny spot, and check the soil regularly to make sure it stays moist. Any time the soil starts to dry out, water your aloe again. If the rooting is successful, your new aloe plant should be established within about 4 to 6 weeks. For a greater chance of success, try growing an aloe from an offset instead of a leaf cutting. An offset is a smaller aloe plant that grows from the roots of the parent plant. If you spot one of these little plants, pull the whole aloe out of the soil so you can find where the offset attaches to the main plant. Use a sharp knife sterilized with ethyl alcohol to carefully slice the offset off of the main aloe. Make sure there are some roots attached to the offset, or it probably won’t grow. Replant the rest of the aloe and put the offset aside for a few days so the cut starts to heal over. Get a pot with drainage holes and fill it with cactus soil, then make a small hole in the soil that’s deep enough to cover the offset’s roots and the bottom ¼ of its leaves. If you like, dip the roots of the offset in rooting hormone before setting it in the hole. Fill in the soil around the base of the plant, then add enough water to make the soil damp, but not soaking wet. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot, then water it again after about a week. Once your aloe is established, keep it in a spot where it gets full sun 8 to 10 hours a day. Water your aloe any time the soil starts to dry out, and give it a dose of high-phosphorous liquid fertilizer once a year, in the spring. For more tips from our Gardener reviewer, including how to care for your plant once it's grown, read on!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Abdurahman O

        Apr 20, 2017

        "This article was really helpful. I used to have an aloe vera plant, and there were lots of pups. The aloe became ..." more
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