I have a confession to make. I can’t resist checking the “discounted plant” aisle at the grocery store. Last summer, I spotted an aloe plant there for 99 cents. Honestly, it looked so pitiful it probably wasn’t worth a quarter. Its leaves were shriveled, the color was more brown than green, and it sat slumped over like it had given up.
But I couldn’t leave it there. Into my buggy it went, and I was determined to nurse it back to health. With a little TLC and a sunny spot on my back deck, it’s safe to say that aloe made a comeback! I wish I had a before picture, but this is the after and it’s time to be repotted again.
So, what is an aloe plant, and why should you grow one?
Aloe is a succulent, known for its fleshy leaves that store water and its reputation as a natural healer. It’s native to arid regions, which means it thrives on neglect more than pampering. I think the problem was it had been over watered in the grocery store. That might explain why it bounced back so well after its rough start.
The key to a healthy aloe plant is well-draining soil. When I repotted mine, I used a cactus or succulent mix, which is light and doesn’t hold too much moisture. If you only have regular potting soil, mix in some sand or perlite to keep it from becoming too heavy.
Aloe loves bright, indirect sunlight—think of a spot where it can get bright light but not bake in direct hot sun. If it gets too much direct sun, the leaves can scorch, so balance is key. On my back deck, which is covered, it received bright light, but I didn’t place it in direct sunlight. And don’t go overboard with watering! The soil needs to dry out completely between waterings, or you risk root rot. If you’re the kind of person who forgets to water your plants now and then, aloe will forgive you. It won’t survive outdoors where I live so I bring it in for the winter and place it in a sunny east facing window where it is doing fine.
Why Keep Aloe Around?
One of the best things about aloe is its practical uses. If you’ve ever dealt with a minor burn, a little too much sun, or a small skin irritation, aloe can come to the rescue. Snapping off a leaf and using the gel inside is like having a mini first-aid kit at your fingertips. Just remember, it’s not a cure-all, but for those little skin issues, it’s a great plant to have nearby. Always test a small area of skin before applying liberally. *Consult your health care provider for a serious burn or skin irritation.
If you’ve fallen in love with your aloe plant and want more plants, the good news is they’re easy to propagate. There are two simple ways to do it—by leaf cuttings or by using pups (the little offshoots that pop up around the base of the plant).
Propagating from a Leaf Cutting
If your aloe plant has a big, healthy leaf, you can use it to start a new plant. Just snip it off close to the base of the mother plant. Don’t rush to plant it, though—let the cut end dry out for a few days until it forms a callous. This step helps prevent rot when you plant it.
Once the leaf is ready, place it in well-draining soil (remember, a cactus or succulent mix works best). Keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy, and be patient. In time, you’ll notice new plantlets starting to grow from the base of the leaf.
Propagating from Pups
Aloe pups, or offsets, are like the plant’s way of giving you free bonus plants! These little clones grow at the base of the mother plant and are super easy to separate.
When you’re ready, gently wiggle the pup away from the main plant, making sure it has a bit of its own root system attached. Pop it into its own pot with—you guessed it—well-draining soil. Go easy on the water at first, as aloe plants don’t like wet feet. Once the pup is established, it’ll thrive on the same care as the mother plant.
And there you have it—two ways to turn one aloe plant into many. It’s like getting a gift that keeps on giving, and honestly, who doesn’t love that? Have you ever tried propagating aloe? If not, give it a go and let me know how it works out!
Happy Gardening!
Karen
Hi Karen – I live in northern Il zone 4. Will your information work for me up here ?
Hi Karen – I live in northern Il – zone 4. Will your information work for me ?
Penny,
All of the gardening info I provide works in all zones. We just have to shift the dates. Instead of zones, I focus on your last frost dates, and first frost date in the fall. In Zone 4 you have a shorter growing period than I do in zone 8, so you may have to choose vegetables that have shorter maturity dates and start with transplants rather than seeds. But, where you place your garden, creating a healthy soil, interplanting with herbs and flowers works for everyone. Hope this helps. Karen
You nursed it back to health, because you ARE a nurse. It’s your nature. Wonderful outcome! Nothing like the empowering feeling of bringing a plant back from the brink of death. Thanks
Thank you! Now that I am retired, I have to find something to nurse!