Growing aloe vera is easy, but what is difficult is growing it from scratch and keeping it alive. Unlike succulents (plants with thick fleshy stems and leaves to store water) and other cacti, growing aloe vera from leaves is difficult. There is little chance that aloe vera leaves can take root and grow into a healthy plant. Therefore, most planters grow aloe vera using saplings because it gives greater success.
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Method 1 of 3: Growing from Leaves
Step 1. Understand that it is very likely that aloe vera leaves will not be able to root and grow
Although there is still the possibility of aloe vera leaves growing, this possibility is very small. Aloe vera leaves have high humidity and tend to rot before they can take root. A more effective way is to grow aloe from "saplings".
Step 2. Look for aloe vera leaves that are at least 8 cm long
Ask the garden owner for permission first if this is not your plant.
Step 3. Cut the leaves at the base using a sharp and clean knife
Try to cut it at an angle down, toward the stem. The knife must be very clean so that the leaves do not become infected.
Step 4. Place the leaves in a warm place until a thin layer forms on the leaf pieces
This can take a few days to two weeks. This thin layer is useful for preventing infection when the leaves come into contact with the soil. Aloe vera that has been infected will not be able to survive for a long time.
Step 5. Prepare a pot that has a drain hole at the bottom
Like other plants, aloe vera likes water, but does not like stagnant water. If the pot you are using does not have a drain hole, the soil will remain wet. This can cause the roots to rot and your aloe vera will die.
Step 6. Fill the pot with cactus soil, and moisten it with water
If you don't have soil for cacti, make your own soil by mixing one part sand with one part potting soil.
- It's a good idea to fill the bottom of the pot with gravel first. This can facilitate the flow of water disposal.
- The pH level of the soil should be between 6 to 8. If the pH of the soil is not high enough, add dolomite (agricultural lime) which can be found at the farm shop.
Step 7. Insert the cut off part of the leaf into the soil
Make sure one-third of the leaf is covered with soil.
Try dipping the cut leaves in root growth hormone first. If you don't have one, just use honey or cinnamon powder. Both of these ingredients can kill bacteria
Step 8. Place the plant in a sunny and warm place, then water it carefully
For the first four weeks, you should keep the soil moist. Once the leaves have been transplanted, wait for the soil to dry completely before you water it again. To learn how to take more intensive care of aloe vera, click here.
Don't worry if your aloe vera leaves dry out or shrivel up while the plant is growing roots
Method 2 of 3: Planting from Saplings
Step 1. Look for aloe vera seedlings
Tillers are part of the main plant. Saplings are usually smaller and lighter in color, and have their own set of roots. Look for saplings around the base of the plant. Some things to consider when choosing the tillers you want to cut:
- The tillers should be one-fifth the size of the main plant.
- Choose saplings that have at least 4 leaves and a few centimeters high.
Step 2. Remove the entire plant from the pot, if possible
This makes it easier for you to find where the saplings attach to the main plant. You may need to clean the soil stuck to the roots so that the saplings can be seen more clearly. Tillers are attached to the main plant, but have their own set of roots.
Step 3. Remove or cut the saplings from the main plant, but try not to break the roots
You can separate the tillers easily. If not, use a clean, sharp knife to cut it. Allow the cut to dry for a few days before you proceed. This can prevent infection.
- The sapling must have roots that are still attached.
- Once you have separated the saplings from the main plant, return the larger plants to the pots.
Step 4. Look for a pot with a drain hole in the bottom
This is a very important thing. Like other plants, aloe vera likes water, but does not like stagnant water. If your pot doesn't have a drain hole, the soil will continue to be submerged in water. This can cause the roots to rot and your plant will die.
Step 5. Fill your pot with cactus soil
If you don't have one, make your own by mixing one part soil with one part sand.
- It's a good idea to fill the bottom of the pot with gravel first. This can facilitate the flow of water disposal.
- The pH level of the soil should be between 6 and 8. If the soil pH is not high enough, add dolomite, which can be found at the farm store.
Step 6. Make a small hole in the soil and insert the aloe vera saplings into it
The hole should be deep enough to cover the roots up to a quarter of the plant (from the tip of the root to the top). Many expert gardeners recommend soaking the roots in a growth hormone first to speed up their growth.
Step 7. Pat the soil around the plant and water
Water your plant until the soil is wet, but not waterlogged. Aloe vera is a desert plant so it doesn't need too much water.
Step 8. Place the plant in a sunny spot and water the plant again one week later
After this, you can water it as usual. To learn how to take more intensive care of aloe vera, click here.
Method 3 of 3: Caring for Plants
Step 1. Make sure your aloe vera gets plenty of bright sunlight
Ideally, aloe vera should get 8 to 10 hours of sunlight a day. This can be achieved by placing the plant in a south or west facing window. If necessary, move the plant from one window to another throughout the day.
If you live in an area with cold weather, keep the plant away from windows at night. These areas tend to be so cold that it can kill your plants
Step 2. Wait for the soil to dry completely before you water it again
When you water it, make sure the soil is completely wet. Also, make sure that the water can flow out of the pot smoothly. Don't overdo it when watering your plants.
- In areas that have 4 seasons, aloe vera tends to be in a dormant state during winter. At this time, your plants don't need a lot of water.
- Aloe vera needs more water when the weather is hot, especially when conditions are hot and dry.
Step 3. Fertilize once a year
The fertilizer used must be water-based and contain lots of phosphorus. Prepare the mixture in half dose.
Step 4. Watch out for pests, fungi, and diseases
Use organic and natural pesticides to prevent pests, such as mealybugs and aphids. Mold can be easily avoided by keeping the soil dry.
Step 5. Pay attention to the leaves
Leaves are a good indicator of plant health, and can indicate what your aloe vera needs.
- Aloe vera leaves should be plump and straight. If the leaves are thin and curly, your aloe vera needs more water.
- The aloe vera leaf should grow straight up. If the leaves are drooping, it means your aloe needs more sunlight.
Step 6. Know what to do if your plant growth is too slow
Sometimes aloe vera does not grow properly. Fortunately, you can find out the cause easily. Even the problem solving is also easy.
- The soil is too wet. Reduce the frequency of watering your plants.
- Plants need more sunlight. Move the aloe vera to an area that gets a lot of sun.
- You are fertilizing too much. Transfer the aloe vera to a new pot and add more soil.
- The soil may be too alkaline. Add sulfur to the soil.
- Plant roots do not have enough space to develop roots. Move the plant to a larger pot.
Tips
- Don't use the leaves until the plant is really strong. If you plant aloe vera for treatment, wait about two months before you can use the leaves.
- Aloe vera grows towards the sun. This can make your plant grow sideways. Try to rotate the pot every few days so that your plant can grow in a straight line.
- Aloe vera placed indoors cannot grow to a very large size unless you place it in direct sunlight and water it regularly. If properly cared for, indoor aloe vera can grow to a length of more than 60 cm in a regular pot.
- You can grow it outdoors if you live in a hot area. If you live in a cold area, grow aloe vera indoors.
Warning
- Make sure you use a clean, sterile knife to cut the aloe vera leaf or saplings.
- If there are dead leaves, remove them using a clean knife. This can prevent the plant from rotting and avoid mold.
- Do not overdo it when watering aloe vera. Wait for the soil to dry completely before watering it again.
- Be careful when harvesting leaves or seedlings from large plants. Some of them have very sharp spines.
