You can grow aloe vera after cutting by allowing the cut end to callus over, then planting it in well-draining soil. Here's a more detailed explanation:
Steps to Growing Aloe Vera From a Cutting:
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Take a Cutting: Gently remove a healthy leaf from a mature aloe vera plant. Choose a leaf that is relatively thick and plump.
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Allow the Cut End to Callus: This is crucial. Place the cutting in a dry, shaded area for 1-2 days, or even up to a week. This allows the cut end to dry out and form a callus, preventing rot when planted. The callus looks like a thickened, hardened layer over the cut surface.
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Prepare the Potting Mix: Aloe vera needs well-draining soil to thrive. A suitable mix could be:
- Commercial Cactus and Succulent Mix: These are specifically formulated for succulents and provide excellent drainage.
- DIY Mix: Combine regular potting soil with perlite or coarse sand (approximately a 1:1 ratio). This improves drainage and aeration. Rosy Soil's eco-friendly potting soil is also a great option.
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Plant the Cutting:
- Fill a small pot (2-4 inches in diameter) with the prepared potting mix.
- Make a small hole in the center of the soil.
- Insert the callused end of the aloe vera leaf into the hole, burying it about 1-2 inches deep. Ensure the cutting is stable and doesn't wobble.
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Provide Indirect Sunlight: Place the pot in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, as it can scorch the leaf.
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Water Sparingly: Aloe vera is a succulent and doesn't need much water. Water only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering is a common cause of rot. When you do water, water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot.
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Wait for Roots to Develop: Be patient! It can take several weeks or even a couple of months for the aloe vera cutting to develop roots. You can gently tug on the leaf to see if it has rooted. If it resists being pulled out, roots have likely formed.
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Care After Rooting: Once the plant has rooted, continue to provide bright, indirect sunlight and water sparingly. Repot into a larger container as needed. Fertilize very sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Common Issues and Solutions:
- Rotting: This is usually caused by overwatering. Make sure the soil is well-draining and allow it to dry out completely between waterings. If the cutting shows signs of rot, remove it from the soil, cut off the rotted portion, allow it to callus again, and replant in fresh, dry soil.
- Lack of Rooting: Ensure the cutting has callused properly before planting. Also, make sure the soil isn't too wet. If it still doesn't root after a few months, try a different cutting or a different location.
- Leaf Shrivelling: This can be caused by underwatering, but it can also happen if the plant hasn't yet developed roots and is drawing moisture from the leaf itself. Continue to water sparingly and monitor.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow new aloe vera plants from cuttings.
