How to Propagate Aloe arborescens? A Detailed Guide to Common Propagation Methods

The Aloe arborescens plant has thick, juicy leaves and is highly effective at strengthening the stomach, regulating the intestines and boosting metabolism, so it is commonly grown as a household potted plant. So, how do you propagate Aloe arborescens?

1. How do you propagate Aloe arborescens?

1. Division: the best time to divide Aloe arborescens is in spring and autumn, when the temperature is 20-25°C and the aloe has sprouted new plants. Pull the plant out of the soil, clear the soil from the roots, use a sterilised blade to cut the young plant away from the mother plant and plant it in soil, then water thoroughly; it will take root and survive in about 1 month.

2. Cuttings: for Aloe arborescens cuttings, choose a clear day and cut the aloe off at the middle of the stem, or cut an 8-10 cm young shoot, strip the leaves from the lower 5 cm, and place it in a cool, ventilated spot. Once it has dried slightly, insert it into soil, place it in a spot sheltered from wind and rain and relatively warm, and water thoroughly to encourage rooting; roots will sprout and it will survive in about 1 month.

2. How to grow Aloe arborescens

1. Potting soil

The potting soil for growing it must hold water, retain fertiliser and be airy, with a pH between 6.8 and 7.0. It is usually made from leaf mould, garden soil and river sand in a ratio of 2:2:1, then disinfected with 40% formalin, sealed with plastic film for two days, and then aired in the sun.

2. Potting up

It is better to pot up in spring and summer, with an indoor temperature of 15-28°C. Put some broken tiles in the bottom of the pot to help drainage and aeration, then fill in the prepared potting soil, choose a strong seedling, place the aloe in the pot and spread out the roots. After filling with soil, lift the aloe seedling upward a little, firm it down, straighten it and water thoroughly.

3. Acclimatisation

Pay special attention to acclimatisation. Before it turns green again, do not water it much and do not fertilise it, otherwise the roots will rot. Newly potted Aloe arborescens must not be exposed to direct sunlight either. During this period, mist the leaves often, which can speed up the return to green and rooting.

4. Fertilising

It needs nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, boron, copper, zinc and organic fertiliser. Liquid fertiliser is usually applied by watering or by spraying on the leaves. Fertilise when growth is faster in spring and autumn, once every half a month to a month, but stop fertilising during the dormant period from November to March of the following year.

5. Watering

Although it is highly drought tolerant, it still needs timely, moderate and reasonable watering, either in the early morning or in the evening, generally once every 15 to 20 days. The principle is “water when dry, let it dry between waterings; when dry, water thoroughly”. In summer you can spray water on the aloe leaves to keep the foliage emerald green, and you must also protect it from blazing sun.

6. Repotting

Generally, repotting is needed about every two years, and it is best done in spring. Put the Aloe arborescens together with its root ball into a larger new pot, then add new soil, firm it down and water thoroughly, and place it in partial shade. After it has acclimatised, move it into the sun and it can be cared for normally.

Aloe arborescens does not tolerate waterlogging, and overly wet soil easily causes root rot, so when choosing potting soil you must choose a loose, airy sandy soil mix.