Overview

When a child in Hawaii gets a cut or scrape Mom will generally cut off a piece of the aloe vera plant and spread the smelly, thick secretion over the injury. Most homes have at least one aloe vera growing, either indoors or out, for moments such as these. Although the aloe vera plant looks like a cactus, it is a succulent, but just as easy to grow. It has no special soil requirements and doesn't mind being stuck in the same pot for great lengths of time. Unless you live in one of the warmer areas of the country, you must grow your aloe vera plant indoors.

Step 1

Keep an eye on the area of soil around the base of your aloe vera plant. It will produce offsets, also known as pups, which are little, immature aloe vera plants. When the leaves of the offsets have opened, it is safe to remove them from the mother plant.

Step 2

Fill the planting pot with equal parts of potting soil and sand. Water it well and allow the water to drain from the bottom of the pot. Create a depression in the soil large enough to plant the pup.

Step 3

Pull the pup from the soil, being careful not to leave too many roots behind.

Step 4

Place the pup into the planting hole and pack the soil around it.

Step 5

Place the potted offset in a sunny location and keep the soil moist while it establishes new roots. Remember, aloe vera is a succulent and will need lots of water to keep its leaves soft.