How to Repot Aloe Vera Plants: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to repot aloe vera plants at home with this step-by-step guide.

You will agree with many plant enthusiasts that aloe vera is one of the easiest houseplants to grow because it easily adapts to indoor conditions. However, understanding when and how to repot aloe vera plants is vital in ensuring they blossom and remain healthy for many years. So, when should you repot your aloe vera? Well, read through this step-by-step guide and understand the signs to look out for. Furthermore, learn how to carefully repot aloe vera plants so they will continue to grow and blossom with ease.

When to Repot Aloe Vera Plant

Repotting aloe vera after a couple of years is important because it ensures that it remains healthy. Consider repotting your aloe vera plant when you witness the following situations:

1. The plant is newly bought: Normally, many vendors sell aloe vera plants in standard potting soil. Many are the cases when the soil is not purposed for long-term growth and is not well-drained. Therefore, repotting your aloe vera plant into a new pot/container with well-draining and nutritious soil helps the plant live longer.
2. Aloe Vera Plant Outgrows its Container: Aloe vera are heavy-rooted plants and easily outgrow a container. Therefore, once you notice that your aloe vera plant is becoming top-heavy with fat leaves or its offshoots are reaching the edge of the pot, consider repotting it. Aloe vera plants grow at a sluggish rate when in a tight space and, at times, stop growing at all if they fill the pot. Hence, repotting the aloe vera in a larger pot enables it to access more nutrients and water, thereby enhancing new growth
3. Pests Invade Your Plant: When you notice pests or fungus around your aloe vera plants, repot them immediately. Pests such as fungus gnats are common houseplant pests that infest potting soil. Therefore, repotting your aloe vera plant using a fresh soil mixture and in a new container is one of many ways to eliminate the pests.
4. It flourishes into a Root-Bound Plant: Root-bound plants have firmly packed roots that nearly fill the pot or container. You can tell if your plant is root-bound when you notice roots emerging from the bottom of its container. Repotting your aloe vera ensures that its roots get more space to grow, thereby ensuring increased access to water and better airflow.

How to Repot Aloe Vera Plant, Step-by-Step

Repotting aloe vera is not hard. However, it is different from other indoor plants because of various factors such as soil type, container type or potting soil mix to use. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to repot aloe vera plants for maximum growth.

1. Select the Correct Container

Ensure the new container is at least 2-3 inches deeper and 2 inches wider than the diameter of the aloe vera plant. Additionally, ensure the container is well-drained, allowing water to flow easily through it. It’s advisable to repot your aloe vera plant in a slightly wider pot than the original one because they do well in small pots/containers. Besides, small pots help your aloe vera plant grow easily in its new space.

2. Fill ¾ of the new pot with nutritious soil mix

Carefully fill ¾ of the new pot with a nutritious mix that includes rock and organic components. The rock component provides strength and air pockets for better drainage.

3. Gently remove the aloe vera plant from its original pot

Carefully remove the aloe vera plant from its original pot and remove a considerable amount of soil from the root ball.

4. Examine the Roots

Carefully examine for any issues with the plant’s roots. If some roots are intertwined, carefully unwind them before you repot the plant.

5. Cut off dead leaves

If your aloe vera plant has dead leaves around the base, it’s advisable to remove them, thereby ensuring sufficient airflow and a clean plant. More space at the base of your aloe vera plant also allows the plant to dry faster, thus preventing rot from excess moisture.

6. Remove offshoots

Aloe vera plants propagate themselves by growing pups or offshoots. If your aloe vera plant has some offshoots (pups) at the base of the mother plant, consider removing them and transplanting them into well-drained containers.

6. Plant the aloe vera plant in the new container

Make a small hole in the top of the soil mixture and strategically position your aloe vera plant. Ensure the roots are fully covered with soil, but keep the leaves exposed.

7. Delay watering your newly repotted plant

Delay a day or two before watering your newly repotted aloe vera plant. This allows the disrupted roots to heal before being soaked with water. Later, water the soil without directly touching the aloe vera plant. Additionally, allow the soil to dry between your watering sessions. This is important because it allows your aloe vera plant to get accustomed to the new conditions.