Dividing aloe pups, or offsets, is a common method of propagation to create new plants from the parent aloe.
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to divide aloe pups:
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7 Steps for successfully dividing aloe pups (baby aloe)
Below are the 7 simple steps you need to follow to successfully divide aloe pups from the main plant for propagation purposes.
Once you have separated the aloe pups, aloe babies, you can repot them and they will grow into new plants.
Materials Needed:
- Aloe plant with pups
- Small pots or containers
- Well-draining potting mix
- Sharp, clean gardening shears or knife
- Newspaper or paper towels
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Set up a clean and well-lit workspace.
Lay down newspaper or paper towels to catch any soil or plant debris that will fall as you prepare the plant for division.
2. Select a Healthy Aloe Plant
Choose a mature and healthy aloe plant with well-established pups.
You will therefore need a mature plant that has already developed pups.
Pups are small offsets or baby plants that grow at the base of the main plant.
Aloe plants with pups are easy to identify (see image above).
3. Water the Aloe Plant
Water the aloe plant a day or two before dividing to ensure the soil is slightly moist.
Watering the plant prior to division makes it easier to remove the pups and helps ensure less accidental damage to the parent plant and baby aloe.
4. Remove the Aloe from the Pot
If your aloe is potted, gently remove the plant from its pot.
This can make it easier to access the base and separate the pups.
5. Inspect the Pups
Check the pups for size and health.
Ideally, choose pups that are at least a few inches tall and have their own set of roots.
6. Separate the Pups
Using sharp gardening shears (like these ones) or a sharp knife.
Clean the shears with alcohol wipes or similar sterilizer to prevent contamination – this is an important step that is often skipped by amateur plant enthusiasts and is one of the main reasons new plants fail to grow.
Gentle separate the pups from the main plant at the roots. You will be able to do this by hand but will need to cut the offsets away from the main plant.
Ensure that each pup has some roots still attached after it is cut away from the main plant. A pup with no roots will not grow.
7. Let the Cuts Heal
Allow the cut ends of the pups to air dry for a day or two.
This helps the cuts to callus and reduces the risk of infection when planting.
5 Steps to repotting baby aloe (aloe pups repotting)
Below are the 5 simple steps you need to follow to successful propagate new aloe plants from your newly divided aloe pups.
1. Prepare Potting Containers
Fill small pots or containers with well-draining potting mix.
Terracotta pots work well for aloe plants because they have great drainage. The material wicks away excess moisture.
In addition to having great drainage the droplets that form on the outer part of the pot then evaporate and help maintain good humidity levels directly around the plant.
2. Plant the Pups
Plant each pup in its own pot, burying the roots and a small portion of the base of the new plant in the soil.
Use the correct type of soil – see our aloe soil guide.
Water the newly potted pups lightly. Do not soak the soil!
3. Provide Adequate Light
Place the newly potted pups in a location with bright, indirect sunlight.
Aloe plants prefer well-lit conditions.
See our aloe light requirements article.
4. Water After Planting
Water the newly potted pups sparingly in the first few weeks.
It is fine to water aloe from the top though you should avoid setting the leaves. Many aloe plant owners will water their plant from the bottom to ensure the leaves remain dry.
Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Be sure to read our comprehensive guide for watering aloe plants.
5. Monitor Growth
Keep an eye on the new plants for signs of growth and health.
As they establish themselves, you can adjust your care routine accordingly.
By following these steps, you can successfully divide aloe pups and create new, independent aloe plants.
