To remove a baby aloe pup from its mother plant, you will need to take the entire aloe out of the pot use a sharp knife and cut the pup off of the root system leaving it some root, let it scar and dry for about an hour and then repot it.
Separating aloe vera pups (also known as offsets) is a common way to propagate your plant and give the mother plant more space to grow. It's a straightforward process when done correctly.
Here's a step-by-step guide based on standard practices, incorporating the provided reference:
Preparing for Separation
Before you begin, gather your tools and prepare your workspace.
- Tools Needed:
- Sharp knife (or clean, sharp gardening snips/pruners)
- Gloves (optional, as aloe sap can be irritating)
- New pots for the pups
- Well-draining potting mix (specifically for succulents or cacti is ideal)
- New soil for the mother plant (if repotting her)
The Separation Process
The key is to handle both the mother plant and the pup gently while making a clean cut.
- Remove the Mother Plant: Carefully take the entire aloe out of the pot. Tip the pot on its side and gently slide the plant out. You may need to tap the pot lightly to loosen the soil. Try to keep the root ball as intact as possible initially.
- Locate the Pups: Identify the baby aloe pups growing from the base of the mother plant. Pups should be at least a few inches tall and ideally have developed some roots of their own.
- Clean the Roots: Gently brush away excess soil from the root system of the mother plant and the pup you want to separate. This makes it easier to see where the pup is attached.
- Make the Cut: Using your sharp knife (ensure it's clean to prevent infection), cut the pup off of the root system leaving it some root. Aim to make a clean cut as close to the mother plant's stem or root system as possible without damaging the mother plant's main roots extensively. Ensure the pup has a portion of its own root system attached if possible.
- Allow to Scar: After cutting, let it scar and dry for about an hour. Place the pup in a dry spot away from direct sunlight. This allows the cut surface to callous over, which helps prevent rot when you plant it.
- Repotting:
- Repot the Pup: Then repot it in its own small pot filled with well-draining succulent mix. Plant it just deep enough so the base is covered and it can stand upright. Do not water immediately; wait a few days to a week to allow any minor cuts or abrasions to heal fully before introducing moisture.
- Repot the Mother: You can place the mother plant back into her original pot, adding fresh soil if needed, or repot her into a larger pot if she has outgrown the current one. Water the mother plant lightly after repotting if her soil was dry.
Post-Separation Care
After separation and repotting, both the mother plant and the new pup need time to recover and establish.
- Place the newly potted pup in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
- Wait to water the pup until the soil is completely dry, typically several days to a week after potting.
- Water the mother plant as you normally would once she has settled back into her pot.
By following these steps, you can successfully remove and repot baby aloe plants, allowing them to grow into healthy, independent plants.
