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 he althy development of the plant and also saves on fertilizer.
When and how should you repot aloe vera?
Aloe vera should be repotted every 2-3 years, preferably between May and June. Use sandy, well-drained soil and a larger container with a drainage layer. Do not water the plant for a while before repotting and leave it out of the sun for a few days after repotting.
The aloe plants usually grow in basal rosettes or clustered together at the end of the trunk or branch. New leaves emerge in 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.
The room aloe is also - depending on the species - usually a fast-growing plant, so you should take the ever-increasing space requirements into account before purchasing. The real aloe needs a larger container every 2-3 years. This should always contain a drainage layer to prevent waterlogging.
Permeable soil is important
Sandy, dry and well-drained soil is particularly suitable for growing aloe vera. A mixture of commercially available houseplant soil (€9.00 on Amazon) with sand and possibly. Some peat or finished cactus or succulent substrate is well permeable to water so that excess irrigation water can drain away.
When and how do you repot?
The robust aloe vera can be repotted at any time - except during flowering. However, it makes sense to do this after the winter rest. The best time is between May and June. If you regularly transplant your aloe vera into a larger pot, there is no need for additional fertilizer because the plant can absorb enough nutrients from the fresh soil. When repotting, you should note the following:
- Do not water aloe vera for a long time before repotting so that the root ball can be easily loosened,
- Place aloe vera in a larger container with a prepared drainage layer of gravel and sand,
- fill with fresh soil,
- place the repotted plant protected from the sun for a few days,
- No fertilizing is necessary after repotting.
Tip
If the leaves of your aloe vera get brown spots, this is usually due to excessive watering. If the entire plant is affected, you may be able to save it by repotting it into fresh, dry soil. Do not water in the first few weeks after repotting!
