How to Divide Aloe Plants

Aloe plants (Aloe spp.) consist of 250 different species. These succulent plants produce thick leaves full of sap, which grow in a rosette. Some varieties of aloe have spines on the edges of the leaves. All aloe plants grow tall flower stalks topped with tubular blossoms, but they rarely produce flowers and seeds when grown indoors. Plant divisions are the easiest way to propagate aloe plants. Aloe plants naturally produce offsets, or pups, when they are growing well. Divide the aloe plants in spring before new growth begins.

Hand trowel
Sharp knife
Container
Soap
Water
Bleach
Potting soil
Crushed lava rock
Spray bottle

Instructions

- 1
  Loosen the soil around the roots of the aloe plants carefully with a hand trowel. Find the root connection to the pups. Cut the aloe pups away from the parent plant with a sharp knife.
- 2
  Place the separated plantlets in a cool, dark area for two to three hours. This begins the healing process as a callus forms over the cut section of the pup. Calluses form a barrier to protect the young plant from plant disease and rot.
- 3
  Wash a shallow container with soapy water. Rinse the plant pot with a mixture of one part bleach and nine parts water. Let the container air dry.
- 4
  Mix together one part potting soil and four parts crushed lava rock, sand or pumice. Fill the plant pot with the soil mixture. Leave 2 inches of space between the soil and the top of the container. Spray the soil mix with water until it is damp.
- 5
  Dig a small hole in the soil with your fingers and place the roots of the pup into the hole. Firm the soil around the aloe pup to hold it in place. Do not water the newly planted aloe plantlet for two weeks.

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