Aloe is a very common plant that can be found in almost every home. It has a unique healing power that can deal with a variety of ailments. According to legend, it was aloe juice that provided the irresistible beauty to Queen Cleopatra. Wonderful recipes, the main component of which is this plant, are passed on from generation to generation. Growing a plant is easy if you know how to propagate aloe. So, consider this process.
How to propagate aloe?
Since ancient times, the plant is valued precisely for its healing properties. It is used for many different pathologies, including arthritis, ulcers, diabetes, constipation.
The plant is widely used to combat chronic ailments. And this, as you know, is a long process. Unfortunately, one plant is often not enough for such a long therapy. Therefore, the question arises sharply: how to propagate aloe at home?
Several methods are applied. Having examined each of them, you can choose the best one.
Florists, explaining how to propagate aloe, give the following methods:
- basal processes;
- by seeds;
- cuttings;
- top shoots.
What is each of the ways?
Propagation by root shoots
The people call them "kids." Basal shoots are a young shoot. It can appear even in a relatively immature plant. "Kids" are new shoots with delicate leaves. They practically have no thorns, but differ in the presence of their root system. How to propagate aloe at home with the help of "children"?
To obtain planting material, a plant should be removed from the ground. Young shoots are carefully separated from the mother. Now you can proceed to landing.
Initially prepare the ground.
The soil mixture consists of:
- sheet or turf land;
- washed river sand (coarse);
- charcoal;
- fine brick chips.
In addition, be sure to provide a drainage system. It is recommended to lay out small expanded clay on the bottom of the pot with a layer of 2-3 cm. The flowerpot should contain several holes that provide free outflow of water.
This method of reproduction is considered the most reliable. After all, rooting of shoots occurs very quickly. And their further development practically does not cause trouble.
Propagation by cuttings
This method is also very popular among gardeners.
Consider how to propagate aloe cuttings:
- The best period for such a process is the beginning of spring and the first months of summer. This is the time of active vegetation.
- To get the cuttings, you should cut the side shoot. It is recommended to separate it almost near the base.
- For 3-5 days, the stalk withers in the shade. The cut should be sprinkled with charcoal.
- A layer of drainage is placed in the pot at the bottom. On top of 2/3 pour soil. It is best to use special soil for succulents. The remaining third of the pot (1/3) is covered with large wet sand.
- The cuttings must be deepened into the soil by about 1-1.5 cm.
- The flowerpot with the plant is transferred to a well-ventilated, bright room. The air temperature should be around 25 C. Using a spray gun, sand should be constantly moistened. As soon as new leaves begin to appear, it is desirable to increase watering.
- After 2-3 weeks, the young plant is ready for transplantation.
Now you know how to propagate aloe leaves. The procedure is completely uncomplicated and will not cause difficulties even for beginner gardeners.
Propagation by stem cuttings
This method is similar to that described above. However, in this case, not a leaf, but a part of the stem with leaflets and nodes appears as a stalk. For such purposes, the top of the plant is most often used.
How to propagate aloe in this way?
Florists recommend:
- Cut off part of the stem (top). Remove 2-3 leaves.
- Dry the plant in the shade.
- Then it is recommended to simply put it in water.
- After a month, your stalk will give excellent elastic roots. Such a plant is completely ready for planting.
Seed cultivation
This is a fairly rare breeding method. Growing a plant from seeds is a laborious and lengthy process. Indeed, aloe, planted in this way, will acquire its natural decorative appearance only after 2 years.
However, considering how to propagate aloe at home, you should focus on this method. In addition, this method has its fans. And this is not surprising, because observing the stages of plant development is quite exciting.
The procedure for propagation by seeds looks like this:
- Landing is carried out in early spring. It is necessary to purchase seeds in advance.
- A shallow container is used for landing. Aloe needs special soil. The soil is prepared by mixing an equal amount of turf, leaf soil and river sand.
- In the room it is necessary to maintain an air temperature of about 20-22 C. In addition, a lot of light should be provided. For such purposes, a lamp is often used. Do not forget that aloe is a very photophilous plant. Be sure to water the soil. It is best to do this with a spray gun.
- When sprouts appear, plants should be dived. Plant them one at a time in small containers.
- For 1 year, small pots with plants are kept in the greenhouse. And only with the advent of spring can aloe be transplanted into larger flowerpots. Take care of such plants as usual.
Care Tips
Regardless of which propagation method you choose, remember that the plant needs the appropriate conditions:
- Aloe is very fond of light. It will not develop normally in the shade. However, you should protect it from direct sunlight, so as not to provoke a burn.
- It is undemanding to temperature. But do not test it for "strength." The plant will not be able to grow at temperatures below 10-15 C.
- Do not forget about watering. In summer, it is recommended to moisten the soil 1-2 times in 7 days. In winter, 1-2 watering per month is enough.
- Ventilate the room. Aloe can withstand drought, but in the stuffiness it dies.
- From April to September, aloe should be fed. This procedure is performed once a month. An excellent fertilizer is fertilizer for succulents.
As you can see, aloe vera can be multiplied even by a beginner grower. Above all, be careful and patient. In this case, the team of "home doctors" will always come to your aid.