Should I cut the brown tips off my aloe plant?

Brown, dry leaf tips on an aloe plant are normal and not necessarily a cause for concern. You can use clean scissors to trim off any dry, cracked tips to improve the plant's appearance.

Why is my aloe vera plant turning brown and soft?

Soft, mushy, and browning leaves on an aloe vera plant are telltale signs of overwatering or root rot. Reduce watering frequency and allow the soil to fully dry out between waterings. Remove any mushy, rotten leaves.

What does aloe rot look like?

Aloe rot typically appears as soft, mushy, discolored leaves that turn brown or black. The leaves may also smell foul when the plant is severely overwatered and rotting from the roots.

How to tell when aloe needs water?

One of the clearest signs your aloe vera needs water is when its plump leaves start to wrinkle, shrivel and become thinner. Smooth, plump leaves indicate the plant is adequately hydrated.

Is Epsom salt good for aloe vera plants?

Epsom salt can be beneficial for aloe vera plants when used sparingly. The magnesium and sulfur help promote lush, green growth and can aid with seed germination. However, too much can build up salt levels and damage the plant.

Propagation 101: A beginner's guide

Propagating your plants is a simple, cost-effective way to create new growth. With just a little know-how and patience, you can turn one healthy plant into many, filling your space with greenery and life.

Understanding Plant Propagation

Let's first cover the basics of plant propagation. It involves several methods, including seed propagation, stem cutting, leaf cutting, division, and layering. Each method has its own advantages and is suitable for different types of plants and situations. The most common (and successful) methods are water and soil propagation, which we will cover in the guide.

Water Propagation

Water propagation is an easy, beginner-friendly method that can produce roots fast. Water-rooted plants can be transferred to soil or remain as they are; it really comes down to personal preference. Plants that do well with water propagation include pothos, philodendrons, pileas, alocasias, and peace lilies.

Select a Healthy Cutting: Choose a healthy stem from your pothos plant, preferably one with at least two nodes (the points where leaves attach to the stem).
Prepare the Cutting: Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears to cut the stem just below a node. Remove any leaves from the lower portion of the cutting to prevent them from rotting in the water.
Place in Water: Fill a clean glass or jar with room temperature water. Place the cutting in the water, making sure that the node where you made the cut is submerged.
Change the Water: Every few days, change the water in the container to prevent stagnation and algae growth. Trim any rotting or yellowing leaves from the cutting as needed.
Monitor Growth: Over the next few weeks, roots should begin to develop from the nodes submerged in water. Once the roots are several inches long, your cutting is ready to be transferred to soil.

Propogating Pothos Plant to Generate New Roots

Soil Propagation

While water propagation is generally considered the easier method, experts say cuttings rooted in soil develop stronger root systems, allowing them to better withstand their environments. Some cuttings are also only able to grow via soil, such as succulents.

Prepare a Pot: Choose a small pot with drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting mix. Moisten the soil slightly to make it easier to work with.
Take a Cutting: Select a healthy stem from your pothos plant and cut it just below a node using sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears.
Plant the Cutting: Make a hole in the soil with your finger or a pencil and gently insert the cutting, burying the node and the lower portion of the stem in the soil.
Water the Cutting: Water the soil lightly to settle it around the cutting and encourage root growth. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Provide Ideal Conditions: Place the pot in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can cause the cutting to dry out or become scorched.
Monitor Growth: Over the next few weeks, roots should begin to develop from the buried node. Once the cutting has established roots and shows signs of new growth, you can treat it like a mature pothos plant.

Root Division

Root division involves separating a mature plant into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots and stems. This technique works well for many types of plants, including perennials, grasses, and some shrubs.

To begin propagating plants through root division, start by selecting a healthy, mature plant that has developed multiple stems or "clumps" of growth. Plants with dense root systems, such as hostas or daylilies, are particularly well-suited for this method. Gently remove the plant from its pot or dig it up from the garden, taking care to preserve as much of the root system as possible.

Next, use a clean, sharp knife or garden spade to carefully separate the plant's roots into smaller sections. Each division should have its own set of roots and several stems or growing points. Make clean cuts to avoid damaging the roots, and discard any damaged or unhealthy sections.

Once you've divided the plant, replant each section in its own container or garden bed filled with well-draining soil. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots, and place the newly propagated plants in a location with appropriate light and moisture conditions for their species.

As the newly propagated plants establish themselves, continue to provide proper care and maintenance, including regular watering and fertilizing as needed. With time and patience, you'll soon enjoy a thriving collection of plants grown from root division propagation.