Aloe vera belongs to the lily family and is primarily known as a medicinal plant for its positive properties. The succulent plant can be propagated by three different methods, whereby the chances of success can vary greatly. In addition, the workload and the time it takes to produce a well-rooted young plant differ. The children of the mother plant are perfect for quick and easy propagation.
sowing
Raising with the help of seeds takes significantly longer than propagation by cuttings. However, if you want to breed a very specific and rare variety of aloe vera, this method is well suited. In principle, sowing is possible all year round, but there are certain seasons and climatic conditions in which the propagation by seeds works better. Mild temperature values are optimal for the germination process, direct sunlight and heat should be avoided. To promote germination, the growing containers can be converted into small greenhouses. To do this, simply put a transparent film over the pot. However, the vessel must be ventilated daily, otherwise mold can form. As soon as the young plants are growing vigorously and the seedlings are about two fingers high, they are pricked out and individually placed in different pots.
- Seeds are available from specialist shops and garden centers
- Mail order is ideal for extremely rare specimens
- Own harvest is also possible
- Sowing in spring is ideal because of better light conditions
- Aloe vera seeds are light germs
- Need a very bright and warm place to germinate
- Potting soil is ideally suited as a substrate
- Alternatively, a mixture of sand and earth is also possible
- Scatter seeds loosely over the substrate
- Keep sowing moderately moist, must not dry out
- It is essential to prevent waterlogging
- After a few weeks, seedlings will appear
Multiplication by Kindel
The simplest and most popular method to propagate Aloe vera are the offshoots, which are also known as Kindel. These sprouts sprout from the side of the trunk, but only when the mother plant is around three years old. This method of propagation is therefore not possible in the early years of plants that are still very young. Before separating the children, make sure that they have already formed their own roots. This greatly simplifies reproduction. In order to get an exact picture of the growth progress of the offshoots, the entire mother plant is taken out of the pot and then the matching child is removed. Aloe vera is a very frugal plant and shouldn't be watered too much. It
should only be given enough water to ensure that the substrate does not dry out completely.- Carefully separate the Kindel from the mother plant
- Offshoots should be at least 5 cm long
- Use only sharp and disinfected cutting tools
- Avoid injuries to other parts of the plant
- Allow the interfaces to air dry for a few days
- Transplant seedlings into their own containers
- Use in slightly moist succulent substrate
- Place in a warm and bright location
- Avoid direct sunlight, however
Tip: The first watering units should be waited about a week after transplanting. The young aloe vera is then poured and cared for as usual.
Propagate with cuttings
If the plant is not old enough or takes a long time to develop Kindel, the Aloe vera can also be propagated by cuttings from the well-developed leaves. In general, cuttings can be propagated at any time of the year, but success largely depends on the temperature values. It should be noted that the leaves of Aloe vera are very susceptible to signs of putrefaction due to their extremely water-rich tissue. In order not to unnecessarily injure the mother plant, only sharp and clean knives may be used for cutting. Otherwise there will be bruises, which will then start to rot. The pot for the cutting shouldn't be too big. The young aloe vera is only put into its final pot when the growing vessel is well rooted.
- Ideally to be carried out during the growing season in spring
- Cut off sufficiently large and externally growing leaves
- Then divide the sheet into several equally sized pieces
- Let the cut surfaces dry for a few days
- Then plant cuttings in sandy and slightly moist soil
- Insert about 1-2 cm deep into the substrate and press lightly
- Leaf piece should stand upright
- Wait with the first casting unit until the roots form
- Then keep the substrate evenly moist, but not too wet
- A light and warm location is ideal for the cuttings
- Protect from too much sun
Note: Only the upper half of a leaf can be used as a cutting, but longer specimens must then be attached to supporting rods so that they do not fall over.
Maintain young plants
Aloe vera is a desert plant and can do without water for some time. Drought is better withstood than too many watering units, as the plant can accumulate liquid very well. However, the small young plants can only store a little water at the beginning and would suffer unnecessarily from waterlogging. In addition, aloe vera has a tendency to fungus and rot. In addition, the young cuttings do not tolerate a lot of sunlight at the beginning until they have fully developed their root system. When the cuttings start to take root, they dry out and begin to shrink a little. If the same size is kept and the consistency is getting softer, the pieces of leaf will rot. Choosing the right soil is extremely important for cultivation, as this can prevent signs of rot. Loamy and humus-rich soil is not suitable for the succulents, they need a poor substrate.
- In the beginning, a rather dark location is ideal
- Only move to a bright and sunny place after the roots have formed
- Do not water young plants from above, only from the side
- In general, economical watering is advisable
- Waterlogging can cause greater damage
- Temporary drought, on the other hand, is well tolerated
- Sandy cactus soil is ideal for growing
- Rotting cuttings do not take root, must be removed
- Root formation can be stimulated by root hormone
- Alternatively, give honey, willow water or cinnamon