How to Prune Aloe Vera Plants

Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) is an African aloe plant that has been used medicinally for over 6,000 years. It requires a bright location and a minimum temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit to thrive. Aloe vera plants can be grown indoors on a bright windowsill or outdoors in well-drained soil and full sun or light shade. It is a low maintenance and long-lived plant that requires little care.

Sharp knife
Hand pruners

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any withered leaves from the base of your aloe vera plant using hand pruners. Cut them off as close as possible to the base of the plant.
- 2
  Cut off any living but damaged leaves or leaves that are showing signs of rot. Cut cleanly through the leaves close to the base of the plant.
- 3
  Cut off any old flower spikes after the flowers have died off but before the seedpods grow. This prevents your plant from putting its energy into seeds rather than growing new leaves. For cosmetic reasons, cut through the flower stems below the level of the leaves.
- 4
  Remove any offsets or pups from the main plant once they have at least three of their own leaves. These can be grown in standard potting compost to produce new plants or discarded.

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