How Do I Take Cuttings From an Aloe Vera Plant?

Overview

Aloe vera is a plant often found in homes, offices and other workplaces. This succulent's popularity is largely due to its medicinal benefits, as well as its attractive appearance. From healing burns and scrapes to soothing sunburned skin, aloe vera is a handy addition to any first aid kit. If you have an aloe vera plant and would like to start another one, you can propagate a new plant using a cutting from the current plant.

Step 1

Find an aloe vera leaf that is at least 4 to 6 inches long. Make sure the leaf is healthy with no spots on it.

Step 2

Use the sharp knife to cut the leaf free from the aloe vera plant. Make your cut near the bottom of the stem.

Step 3

Lay the cutting in a cool, dry area and leave it there for 2 to 3 days. This allows the fresh cut to heal over.

Step 4

Prepare a pot for your aloe vera cutting by filling it with potting soil and wetting down the soil. You want the soil to be moist but not soaked.

Step 5

Insert the cutting into the soil to a depth that is one-third of the length of the cutting. For example, a 6-inch aloe vera cutting should be inserted to a depth of 2 inches.

Step 6

Set the plant in an area that receives a lot of indirect sunlight. Keep the cutting moist, but do not overwater it.