How to Propagate Aloe vera? Latest Method Explained in Detail
Aloe vera is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Aloe in the Liliaceae family, also known as Barbados aloe, emerald-leaf aloe, and Curacao aloe. It originates from the Curacao islands and Barbados in the West Indies of the Americas. It has extremely high cultivation value and can also be grown as a household potted variety. Let us take a look at the propagation methods of Aloe vera below!
Division Propagation
A 2-year-old Aloe vera plant can produce 10-15 tillers within 1 year. When the tillers grow to 4-5 small leaves and 3-5 small roots, they can be separated from the mother plant and planted in the field. Division propagation can be carried out throughout the entire growth period of aloe, but the temperature conditions in spring and autumn are most suitable. At this time, small seedlings propagated by division recover quickly and have a high survival rate.
Cuttage Propagation
After Aloe vera grows tall, it can be cut off 10-12 cm from the top of the stem, or a young shoot 10-15 cm long can be cut from the leaf axil. Then hang it upside down in a cool place for one week to let the cut contract and dry, then insert it into a seedbed covered with a shade shed to promote rooting and survival. About 20 days after the young shoot is inserted, after rooting, keep the soil moist and apply appropriate topdressing to promote seedling growth and cultivate strong seedlings. When the cuttage seedlings have 3-5 roots, they can be transplanted into the field.
Leaf Cutting Propagation
Cut a small opening of a few millimeters at the base of an Aloe vera leaf, twist it off along the center, dry the tiny wound, and insert it into sterilized mud and sand. At a temperature above 15°C and in a semi-shaded environment, it can root in one month, and sprout at the latest in five months. This method propagates very slowly, so it is generally rarely used.