How to Successfully Repot Aloe Plants

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance houseplant that can keep you company for years, an aloe plant is a good choice. These plants have succulent leaves that allow them to thrive in dry air and survive periods of drought. However, even if you provide your aloe plant with the best of care, it will eventually outgrow its home. When that happens, you need to know how to repot your aloe plant. Here’s what you need to know.

Table of Contents:

Repotting Aloe Plants – The Essentials

You should repot your aloe plant about once every two to three years or when the plant has outgrown its container. Choose a container that is just a few inches larger than the original and use a well-draining soil mix. The late winter is the best time to repot aloe plants.

Why Repotting Your Aloe Plant Might be Necessary

There are numerous reasons why you may need to repot your aloe plant. Here are some of the most common signs it’s time to repot.

The Plant Has Outgrown Its Pot

As the leaves of your aloe plant grow, so do its roots. Over time, the roots may outgrow their current container and become rootbound, which can cause the plant to become stressed.

Another sign that the plant has outgrown its pot is a top-heavy appearance. If the plant’s roots do not have enough space to anchor, the leaves may flop over due to a lack of support.

Repotting the aloe plant into a larger container will provide it with more room to grow, which will lead to better support.

You can also use this time to split and transplant aloe plants if you’re looking to expand your collection.

The Soil Has Become Infected

Some common diseases that impact aloe plants are soil-borne, which infect plants when pathogens are present in the soil. Common soil-borne diseases include fusarium wilt and root rot, which can cause your aloe plant to droop, wilt, or display signs of yellowing foliage.

If the soil has become infected with these pathogens, you should repot your aloe plant in fresh potting soil.1

You Are Using the Wrong Soil Mix

Aloe plants prefer a well-draining soil mix rather than a soil that is nutrient-rich and high in organic matter.

If you find your aloe plant is growing in the wrong type of soil, you will need to repot it. This will give you a chance to replace the soil so your aloe can thrive.

How Often Do Aloe Plants Need Repotting?

You should repot your aloe plant about every two to three years or when it has outgrown its current pot.

Best Times of Year to Consider Repotting Aloe Plants

The best time of year to repot an aloe plant is the late winter or early spring. At this point, the plant is just beginning to resume rapid growth.

However, if you notice your plant has developed a soil-borne disease or is otherwise in serious need of repotting, you can repot your aloe plant at any time of the year.

The Best Soil Mix When Repotting Aloe Plants

Aloe plants prefer well-draining soil (whether you’re growing them indoors or outside), as they do not tolerate standing water. A good soil mix for aloe plants should provide excellent aeration and drainage as well as a low nutrient content.

Materials including perlite, pumice, and sand can help improve both drainage and aeration. These materials will allow excess water to escape while also providing room for gas exchange.

Along with including materials that offer excellent drainage, a good aloe potting mix should also contain some organic matter. Organic materials like peat moss and coco coir will help hold both moisture and nutrients.

When it comes to picking a soil mix for your aloe plant, you have multiple options. You can opt for a pre-mixed soil designed for succulents for an easy choice.

You can also make a soil mix by blending together equal parts of sand, perlite, pine bark fines, and peat moss.

What Tools Will I Need When Repotting Aloe Plants

You won’t need too many specialized tools to repot your aloe plant.

If you’ll be repotting indoors, it can be helpful to have an old towel or blanket to catch any messes. This will also allow for easy cleanup once you’re done repotting.

You will also want to have a potting container that is a bit larger than the original. Finally, an appropriate potting mix is crucial.

Whilst aloe plants offer a host of uses and benefits, the latex layer between an aloe leaf’s skin and flesh is considered toxic, so it’s generally prudent to wear protective gloves when performing these types of plant care activities.

Size & Types of Potting Vessel Considerations

If you’re repotting your aloe plant because it’s rootbound, you’ll want to choose a container that is a bit larger than the original. However, don’t go up in size too much, or else you’ll risk the excess soil becoming waterlogged.

Generally, you should choose a container that is only one to two inches in diameter than the original.

You can also use the original container if size is not an issue. However, if you do so, be sure to thoroughly wash and sanitize the pot before reusing it.

For those looking to split or propagate an aloe plant, you can also consider growing in water as an alternative.

How to Repot Your Aloe Plant

When it’s time to repot your aloe plant, follow these steps:

Spread an old towel or blanket down to catch dirt and allow for easy cleanup.
Obtain a new container that is just an inch or two larger in diameter than the original.
Remove the aloe plant from its container. Dust off any loose potting soil from the plant’s roots.
Inspect the roots for any signs of disease, such as soft or discolored portions. If you notice disease, trim off the infected areas.
Fill the new container with about an inch of potting mix. Place the aloe plant’s root ball in the pot.
Add more potting soil to the container until the remainder of the empty space is filled.

Post Repotting Care

It’s normal for your aloe plant to experience stress after repotting (such as drooping or curling leaves). Therefore, don’t fret if your plant looks a little limp or otherwise unhappy in the week after you repot it.

During this period, just make sure to provide your aloe plant with warm temperatures, low humidity, lots of light, and an adequate amount of water. Avoid overwatering, even if your plant looks limp.

For more, see our in-depth guide on where to position Aloe plants for optimal care and feng shui benefits.

Repotting Aloe Plants FAQs:

Should I Soak My Aloe Plant Before Repotting?

No, you should not soak your aloe plant before repotting. This is an unnecessary step, especially since aloe plants do not like sitting in standing water.

Should You Water an Aloe Plant Immediately After Repotting?

You do not need to water your aloe plant immediately after repotting, especially if you moistened the soil mix beforehand. However, you should water it within a day.

Do Aloe Plants Like Big Pots?

Aloe plants do not need especially large or deep pots.

Why Is My Aloe Plant Limp After Repotting?

Even if you attempt to be careful, repotting is still a stressful process. Your aloe plant may exhibit this stress by appearing limp. If you provide the proper care, your plant should recover within a week or two.

Should I Mist My Aloe Plant After Repotting?

You shouldn’t mist your aloe plant after repotting. Aloe plants like low humidity, and misting them will only raise the humidity.

Should I Fertilize My Aloe Plant After Repotting?

No, you do not need to fertilize your aloe plant immediately after repotting. Aloe plants are not heavy feeders and only need to be fertilized about once a year.

How to Repot Aloe Plants – Wrapping Up

Repotting your aloe plant at the proper time will help keep your plant healthy. Remember to use a well-draining soil mix and choose a pot that is just a bit larger than the original to enable these symbolic plants to thrive.

For more, see our in-depth guide to Aloe plant care at home.

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