What to Do When Aloe Vera Overflows the Pot
As a star variety in the home green plant industry, aloe vera is deeply loved by plant enthusiasts for its strong vitality and unique shape. However, its vigorous繁殖 ability often leads to plants overflowing the pot, which not only affects the ornamental value but may also threaten the plant's health. This article will explain the handling techniques from the perspective of scientific maintenance.
Detailed Aloe Vera Overflow Handling Methods
Choosing the Best Time for Dividing Plants
In spring and autumn (March-May / September-November) when the temperature is stable at 18-25°C, aloe vera is in a semi-dormant state, and transplanting at this time can reduce root damage. If the side buds exceed one-third the size of the mother plant, you can start the division process.
Professional Four-Step Division Method
1. Stop watering and remove the pot: Stop watering 3 days in advance, tilt the pot and tap the bottom lightly to completely remove the soil ball. 2. Separate the side buds: After cleaning the roots with a bamboo skewer, choose side buds with 3 or more leaves and rotate 45 degrees to separate. 3. Wound treatment: Place in a shaded area for 12-24 hours to form a protective film on the cut before repotting. 4. Substrate preparation: Perlite: Vermiculite: Decomposed leaf soil = 1:1:2, add 5% bone meal to enhance fertility.
Scientific Potting and Maintenance
Choose a red pottery pot (5cm smaller in diameter than the mother plant's leaf spread), and lay a 3cm layer of pottery stones at the bottom of the pot. Fill the soil to 1/3 to secure the plant, keeping the junction between the root and stem 1cm above the soil surface. Use misting to water during the slow seedling period, and gradually expose to scattered light after 15 days.
The Five Major Impacts of Overflow on Aloe Vera
Nutrient Competition Crisis
Experimental data shows that for a group of aloe vera with more than 5 plants, the nutrients obtained by each plant are reduced by 62%. This is manifested by thinner new leaves, longer leaf spacing, and a decline in disease resistance by more than 50%.
Root Suffocation Risk
Dense roots can reduce soil porosity to below 25% (healthy standard requires >40%), which can easily cause root rot disease. Regular division can increase the survival rate to 92%.
Lack of Aesthetic Shape
Plants with more than 15 side buds have a reduced ornamental value by 78%. By dividing, you can obtain 5-8 standard pots, achieving geometric multiplication.
Properly handling the overflow phenomenon can not only extend the life cycle of aloe vera but also create new horticultural landscapes. It is recommended to conduct a health check every spring, maintaining a golden density of 3-5 plants per pot. Mastering the division skills, you will harvest an endless supply of aloe vera family members, creating your own succulent kingdom.