Aloe Vera roots can break off for several reasons, such as root rot, pest infestation, rough handling, being root-bound, or experiencing poor drainage.
To tackle this problem effectively, cut the damaged roots and repot the Aloe plant. Typically, the plant will form new roots within 3-4 weeks. In case your plant lacks any roots, try the water propagation method.
In this guide, you will find a detailed step-by-step process to resolve this issue in your Aloe. So, let's dive in!
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8 Tips To Revive Aloe Vera From Broken Roots
Follow these steps to deal with the broken roots on your Aloe plant.
1. Remove The Aloe Plant From The Pot
Whether you've pulled off your Aloe accidentally or intentionally, the first thing you should do is remove it entirely from the pot.
This step is important because it will give you an idea of the damage to the roots and other parts of the plant.
But while doing so, make sure you don't damage it any further. Try to work on it from all sides and get the plant out of the pot.
2. Assess The Condition Of The Roots
Next thing, inspect the roots.
Are they intact? Do they look damaged?
Check the plant from all angles and see if there are any roots attached to it. This is again crucial because you will get to know whether there are any roots left for the plant to grow again in the future.
If there are no roots on the Aloe plant, you might have to try water propagation to get the plant back to its normal life. So, take a close look at the roots and lower stem of your Aloe.
3. Rinse The Damaged Stem With Water
Done with the primary inspection?
Now, rinse the damaged part of the plant with water. Try to get rid of as much dirt from the surface as possible. It will give you an even better idea to look into the damage.
When cleaning the plant, you must ensure that you're not hurting any remaining roots.
4. Repot The Plant If Some Of The Roots Are Intact
That's right!
As I said earlier, there is no point in cleaning the plant further if you see any roots. Just prune the broken roots and leaves with the help of scissors.
However, do not perform hard pruning at this stage, as the plant might already be shocked by sudden damage.
Once you have pruned the unwanted parts, place the plant back in the same pot.
If needed, add some fresh soil mix to it. Water it thoroughly and keep it where it can get indirect sunlight throughout the day.
If indirect sunlight is not possible, you may keep it near a well-lit window for 3-4 hours each day. Please do not keep it in the direct sun, as the plant might find it hard to keep up with this excess stress.
5. Place The Plant In A Water Container
Not finding any roots attached to the plant yet? No issues!
You can try the water propagation method to make the plant produce more roots in a few weeks. This is the last option you have when it comes to rooting and getting a new Aloe Vera plant.
Often, though, the leaf propagation method doesn't work as effectively.
So, you must focus on root propagation only.
If your plant is too big, following the same method inside the house could be an issue. If you have a patio or a small garden at home, you should put this whole setup in such places.
Get a bucket, pour enough water, and place the plant inside.
Note: The bottom part of the stem needs to dip into the water.
So, you should place it accordingly.
Also, you must change the water every couple of days. And before putting the plant into it, you must rinse it properly.
There should not be any dirt left on the part that will be submerged in the water.
6. Observe Your Aloe For A Couple Of Weeks
Now, it's time to wait!
Whether the plant is repotted into the planter or in the water bucket, you must wait and observe the progress.
For the potted plant, you don't have to do much. Ensure the leaves are not flat and the soil is not too dry. If the soil gets dry, you should water the plant again.
In fact, it could be a good sign for your plant, as the roots might have started working on their functions.
On the other hand, if you have placed a rootless plant into the water bucket, you will need to keep an eye on it.
As mentioned earlier, you will also have to replace the water from the bucket. But don't keep the plant outside of water for too long. Replace the water and put the plant back into it immediately.
The root formation will need time in both these methods, so you have to be patient for a while.
7. Move The Plant Back To The Planter
Seeing any root formation on the plant that you had kept in the water bucket?
If yes, that's good news! You can safely repot the plant into its previous or new pot.
However, there is one thing you need to remember before performing this step. The new roots on the stem should be strong enough to hold the ground.
You can keep the plants in the same bucket for a few more days if they are tiny. You shouldn't be planting your Aloe with tiny roots in the soil.
If your potted plant is doing well, you don't have to do anything else. Keep taking care of the plant, and it should do well in the future.
8. Do Not Remove The Thriving Plant Again
You should remember this while dealing with the broken Aloe Vera roots.
If you have not done this type of propagation before, you might feel the urge to see if there is new growth underneath the soil. But that's what you should avoid doing, especially during the initial days of repotting.
Let the plant do what it does best in such situations. Do not disturb the revival process if you have already seen the formation of the roots at the time of propagation.
Try Leaf Propagation
Leaf propagation is a tricky process, and it doesn't yield great results even after taking good care of the leaves.
Still, you can give it a try!
If your Aloe's roots have already broken off, you can use this method to have a new Aloe in the garden.
So, how do you do it? It's easy!
Just place the entire leaf in the pot and keep watering it regularly.
Note: Try to use the entire leaf for this process.
You should harvest a few leaves from the bottom stem so that it helps in the root formation process. You may also use broken leaves if you want but don't expect magical results with such damaged parts.
Here's how you can grow new Aloe plants from leaf cuttings -
Do Not Throw Away Your Aloe Vera Plant
The Aloe plant is one of the most versatile plants in your indoor garden.
So, you shouldn't throw the plant away even if its roots have broken off or some leaves look damaged. Use the leaf propagation method if there are no other options left.
Alternatively, you can take the pulp from the leaves and store it in the refrigerator. Use this harvested pulp however and whenever you want.
The rest of the plant can be used to make homemade compost.
Cut the leaves and large stems into small pieces and put them into your compost bin. Since the Aloe plant contains a lot of moisture, it won't take much time to decompose in the bin.
As you can see, there are many ways through which you can use this plant.
So, don't throw it away even if it seems damaged.
FAQs
Yes, you can replant Aloe without roots.
However, if the plant is small, you should consider using the water propagation method. It will have more chances of forming roots at the bottom.
If not, plant it in a different planter altogether.
You can use water or soil propagation methods to regrow roots in your Aloe Vera plant.
Apart from that, you may also use root propagation products to help expedite this process. However, do read the instructions shared on such products before applying them to your Aloe plant.
No, if the Aloe leaf is broken into two pieces, it won't grow again. If there is a slight cut on its surface, it may survive and do well for the rest of its lifecycle.
Yes, Aloe Vera grows roots in water. You have to ensure that the base of the plant remains under the water, though.
You can either plant such leaves in the soil for root formation or use their pulp for external use. Apart from that, there is no use for broken Aloe Vera leaves.
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