Propagating from pups is the easiest method and the one with the highest success rate.
If you attempt to propagatealoevera from a cutting placed in water, it will rot before it grows roots.
The chances of the cutting rooting in potting soil are much better but require patience.
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For instant gratification (and new plants), pups are your best bet.
Growing aloe vera from seed is easy but takes time.
And the seeds collected from any backyard plant wont do, as aloe vera easily cross-pollinates withother aloe species.
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Tip: Use Succulent Potting Mix
Using a succulent potting mix is best.
Eventually, they will get so big that the plant will outgrow its pot.
To propagate aloe vera, however, you dont need to wait that long.
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The pups are ready to be transplanted when they have a few sets of leaves.
Take the plant with its entire roots out of the pot.
Do not apply any force though.
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Ideally, all the pups will have their own roots but some of them might not.
Those without their own roots typically develop roots quickly once planted.
verify that you dont damage the roots.
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If the pups roots are entangled with the roots of the mother plant, gently pull them apart.
Inspect the roots and leaves and cut off any brown roots or dried leaves with a sharp knife.
Then pot them as described below.
Replanting the Pups
Separate the pups with roots from the ones without.
The pups need new pots about four inches in diameter.
verify the pots have drainage holes.
Place the pup inside the hole so the base of the plant is above the soil line.
Add more potting soil to fill the pot.
Gently press down on the soil to compact it.
The soil should fill the container to about half an inch below the rim.
Watering too much and too often will lead toroot rot.
Keep the plants out of strong direct sunlight during that time.
Once the plants are established, they needvery little water and fertilizer.
To establish the pups that did not have roots, mist the soil to encourage root development.
It will take longer before you know whether these pups have established enough roots to survive.
