Aloe vera is a sprawling, easy-care leaf succulent that is cultivated in this country as a houseplant for sunny locations. Regular repotting is good for the healthy development of the plant and also saves fertilizer.
Repotting is good for aloe vera
The aloe plants usually grow in basal rosettes or clumped together at the end of the stem or branch. New leaves emerge from the center of the plant. When fully grown, these are about 50 cm long, thick-fleshed, tapering at the top and covered with thorns at the edges.
Depending on the species, the indoor aloe is usually a fast-growing plant, so you should consider the ever-increasing space requirements before you buy it. The true aloe needs a larger container every 2-3 years. This should always contain a drainage layer so that no waterlogging can form.
Well drained soil is important
Sandy, dry and well-drained soil is particularly suitable for growing aloe vera. A mixture of commercially available indoor plant soil with sand and possibly some peat or ready-made cactus or succulent substrate is well permeable to water so that excess irrigation water can drain off.
When and how is repotted?
The robust aloe vera can be repotted at any time - except during flowering. However, it makes sense to do this after the hibernation. The best time is between May and June. If you regularly transplant your aloe vera into a larger pot, the additional fertilizer is not necessary because the plant can absorb enough nutrients from the fresh soil. When repotting, you should consider the following:
- Do not water the aloe vera for a long time before repotting, so that the root ball can be easily loosened,
- Place aloe vera in a larger vessel with a prepared drainage layer of gravel and sand,
- fill up with fresh soil
- place the repotted plant in the sun for a few days,
- no fertilizing is required after repotting.
tips
If the leaves of your aloe vera get brown spots, this is usually due to excessive watering. If the whole plant is affected, you may be able to save it by repotting it in fresh, dry soil. Do not water in the first few weeks after repotting!