What do you do when your Aloe develops a long stem?
For beginners, it could be a tricky question to answer.
Because sometimes, you just don't know what to do in such situations.
Thankfully, though, repotting is the best option in this case.
When an Aloe gets bigger and develops a really long stem, you should go ahead and repot it as soon as possible.
In the following guide, I have shared some useful tips and suggestions on repotting.
So, do check them out below.
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Benefits Of Repotting An Aloe With Long Stem
Repotting is akin to giving your plant another chance at growing well.
It solves several problems that succulents like the Aloe Vera face, such as root rot, long stems, leaning or droopy leaves, and so on.
When your Aloe develops a long stem, you will notice that it sticks out of the soil and starts leaning over.
The plant begins to tip over as the stem becomes tall and heavy, and the plant body might not be able to support the aloe plant.
So, there is no better way to straighten your Aloe than to repot it.
How To Repot An Aloe That Has Developed A Long Stem
There are three ways to repot the long-stemmed Aloe, and you should choose the one that will disrupt the plant the least.
1. Method A: Deep Pot Method
For this method, you will need a deeper pot and some composted manure.
Having a deeper pot will easily accommodate the entire length of the Aloe Vera stem.
It will also allow the roots to grow bigger and stronger in such a pot.
First, fill the new pot with well-draining soil and bury the entire stem, even two or three bottom leaves, if necessary, into the soil.
If you prefer, you can cut off a few leaves, too, to be able to bury the plant properly.
2. Method B: Repotting Long Stems
This method can be used for stems that are longer than usual.
Here is the step-by-step process to repot the long-stemmed plant.
- Get a spare or new plastic container. Cut a hole at the bottom of the pot, and ensure that the hole is bigger than the Aloe plant stem.
- Split the container straight down on the side to the bottom of the drainage hole of the container.
- Make small holes on either side of the slit so that you can use a rope or thread to sew back the pot when the repotting process is over.
- Once the third step is completed, wrap the container around the Aloe Vera plant. Wrap the container in a way that the hole is fitted around the middle of the stem and allow it to remain in a hanging position. Then, you can start threading the container through the holes on the side so that the soil can be added in.
- Fill the container with soil or any other planting matter you prefer. Water the plant and care for it well for a month until it begins developing sufficient roots to support the upper body of the plant.
- Once there are enough roots growing, you can cut them off and remove the hanging pot, placing it in a better position so that the Aloe can continue growing.
3. Method C: Cutting and Repotting
Using a sharp and clean knife, cut the stem in a way that does not damage the plant.
Once you cut it off, lay it on a dry area to ensure all the moisture is eliminated from the part.
The drying out part is important because succulents tend to develop rot and are not allowed to dry completely.
It would be helpful even to cut off two or three leaves from the bottom to bury the stem easier.
Once the repotting process is completed, wait for a couple of days before watering the plant.
The gap between watering is necessary as the Aloe Vera plant needs time to recover after transplant.
In the following section, you will find a few tips to revive the plant without having to resort to repotting methods.
Tips To Avoid Repotting Or Alternate Methods To Revive An Aloe With Long Stem
If you are apprehensive about repotting your Aloe Vera plant, you can try cutting the stem with a sharp knife and then place it back into the same pot.
However, the need to repot the Aloe Vera plant arises from the fact that the stem has outgrown its current container.
It would be better and safer for the well-being of the plant to be transplanted into a deeper container so that the long stem can be buried without sticking out of the soil.
Repotting is not always easy and can be pretty damaging to the plant if not done properly.
If you are unsure about the repotting process, ask someone who is well-versed with plant issues to help you, or refer to online blogs and videos that display a step-by-step process of repotting.
If you still don't find any help, you can simply leave a comment below to ask any related queries.
Meanwhile, in the next section, you will find similar questions and answers that the new gardeners ask.
Have a look at them and see if they answer any of your queries.
FAQs
Using a sharp and clean knife, cut the stem two inches from the top of the stem where the bottom leaves end.
You can also cut off a couple of bottom leaves to avoid the risk of rotting when the stem is buried.
Yes, it is possible to replant an Aloe stem.
When Aloe stems grow taller and begin to stick out from the soil, you will know that it has outgrown its current container.
Here's a guide to know more about transplanting the Aloe Vera stem.
If your plant is growing out of control and look unruly, you can begin cutting off some leaves.
Instead of cutting the top of the Aloe, start by removing the outer leaves, the brown and dried-out leaves, so that your plant remains fresh and neat.
These leaves are not going to help during the growing period anyway.
So, you might as well perform light pruning to manage the overgrown plant.
First, check if the drooping leaves are dry, yellowing, or browning.
If the leaves do not show any symptom other than merely drooping, you can let it be the way it is and instead repot the plant so that the leaves become plump again.
However, if the leaves look wilted, sunburnt, and brown, you are better off trimming them entirely to save the plant.
Succulents do not need more moisture than their regular watering requirement.
Misting leads to root rot and damage to the plant entirely due to overwhelming moisture.
Aloe Veras should not be misted at all.
However, if the leaves are dirty or dusty, spray a small amount of water and use a clean cloth to wipe down the surface.
Even this should only be done twice in a year or so, and avoid doing it during winters.
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