How to Remove New Starts From Aloe Plants

Overview

The aloe vera plant, prized for its medicinal uses, propagates by growing juvenile plants off of its base. These baby plants are technically known as "starts." Cut off a newly formed aloe vera start and replant it in its own pot to begin expanding your collection of aloe vera plants. Before you know it, you'll have a veritable garden of aloe vera plants.

Step 1

Measure the aloe vera starts with a ruler. The start is ready for removal when it measures 2 inches in length or more.

Step 2

Use a knife to gently separate the aloe vera start from the mother plant. They will be connected at their respective bases. Make a clean cut, ensuring that several roots are attached to the start.

Step 3

Set the aloe vera start in a cool, dry area for 24 hours to give the cut on the plant time to dry.

Step 4

Prepare a new pot for the aloe vera start while you're waiting for it to dry. Add an inch of gravel to the bottom of a pot and top it off with soilless potting mix or a potting mix specifically formulated for cacti.

Step 5

Replant the aloe vera start in the pot, burying it so the plant's base is resting on the surface of the soil. Water at regular intervals so that the soil has time to dry out between watering sessions.