How to Grow Aloe Vera From Stems

Aloe vera is often referred to as the "healing plant" because of the medicinal properties found within its leaves. As a houseplant, it is very easy to care for, as it will tolerate shade to partly sunny conditions, temperatures down to 45 degrees Fahrenheit and only occasional watering. Growing new plants from cuttings is also fairly easy, provided you start with a leaf that contains the part that was attached to the stem, rather than just the tip of a leaf.

Things You'll Need

Aloe vera stem
Sand
Vermiculite

Cactus soil mix
Popsicle stick

Instructions

- 1
  Allow the leaf stem to dry out and form a thin film over the wet cut area. Allowing the cutting to "scar over" will prevent it from rotting before roots can form. How long this will take varies, ranging from overnight to several days. The stem will be fine if you wait two to three days before moving on to the next step.
- 2
  Fill a small pot with sand, cactus soil mix or a mixture of sand and vermiculite. The soil needs to be deep enough that you can place at least one-third of the cutting under it. Moisten the soil with water so it is damp but not wet.
- 3
  Place the stem base end — the part that connected to the original plant — down so approximately one-third of it is under the soil.
- 4
  Prop up the stem slightly with a Popsicle stick or similar item.
- 5
  Keep the soil damp for the next six to 12 weeks. Don't over-water the stem, or it could rot. Expect the stem to shrivel slightly. It will be living off stored food until the roots develop.
- 6
  Repot the aloe vera in well-draining soil, such as cactus soil mix, once the roots have grown at least 1 inch long. At this point, you can treat it like a regular aloe vera plant.

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