How do I propagate my Aloe Vera houseplant?

The Aloe Vera is a versatile houseplant that you will want as many of as possible. Not only is it air-purifying, its sap also has healing properties, which makes the Aloe Vera more appealing still. There are two ways to propagate an Aloe Vera: with roots or without. Whichever method you choose, there are four things your plant always needs in order to grow well: warmth, sunlight, water and, of course, plenty of attention.

Propagating Aloe Vera without roots

When you want to propagate an Aloe Vera without roots, you do it with a side shoot. This is a new shoot growing on the side of the mother plant, usually close to the base. Because this cutting has no roots of its own, it is really an extension of the larger plant, and the cutting's roots will eventually become the same roots as the mother plant's.

Propagating Aloe Vera with roots

When you propagate an Aloe Vera with roots, we call it a root cutting. These are cuttings that grow straight out of the soil but are not attached to the mother plant. The roots of the mother plant spread through the pot, and sometimes a root comes up above the surface. That root forms a new Aloe Vera plant all by itself, which you can separate and repot as a cutting in its own right.

How do you propagate an Aloe Vera houseplant?

There is a difference between the two kinds of cuttings: with roots or without. Even so, the method is the same for both. Start by choosing the right cutting: a root cutting or a side shoot. It is important to take the cutting as low down on the plant as you can, but without damaging the roots. You can push the cutting into the potting soil a little, as long as you stay above the roots. Gently twist the cutting so it comes loose, but take care not to twist too hard. A sudden movement can snap the roots. Make sure you pull the cutting straight up rather than at an angle, so it does not break at a weak point and can carry on growing. And there you have it, your very own Aloe Vera cutting!

Caring for the Aloe Vera cutting

Once you have detached the cutting, it is essential to look after it well. An important first step is choosing the pot. Pick a pot of about 6 cm across, preferably a transparent one. That way you can see how the roots are developing and easily judge how moist the soil is. Set the cutting carefully into the soil and give it a little water afterwards, but let the soil dry out properly between waterings. Letting the cutting dry out between waterings encourages root growth, so you can move it into a bigger pot sooner.

Temperature matters a great deal for the growth of your cutting too. Aloe Vera loves warmth, so do not put it anywhere too cold. Make sure the cutting gets as much sunlight as possible, ideally on a windowsill or close to a window.

As for watering, there is not much to do. The Aloe Vera is used to dry, desert-like conditions and so does not need much water. Too much water can even harm the cutting.