Hello, human friend. I am your Aloe Vera plant. I feel a bit cramped in my current pot, and my roots are yearning for more space to stretch and gather nutrients. I sense you wish to help me move to a new home. This is a delicate process for me, so please follow these steps carefully to ensure I thrive in my new space.
Before you lift me from my current pot, please have everything ready. I need a new pot that is only one to two inches larger in diameter than my current one. A pot that is too large will hold excess soil that stays wet for too long, and my roots are very susceptible to rot. The most critical feature is drainage holes! Please ensure my new pot has excellent drainage. For my soil, I crave a well-draining mix. A cactus or succulent potting mix is perfect for me, as it mimics my natural, arid habitat and will prevent my roots from sitting in water.
Please be very gentle now. If my soil is very dry, you may water me lightly a day or two before repotting to make the removal easier. Turn my current pot on its side and carefully slide me out. You might need to tap the sides and bottom of the pot to loosen the soil's grip. Never pull me out by my leaves, as you could damage them and my central core. Cradle the base of my main stem and support my root ball as you guide me out.
Now, take a close look at my root system. Gently brush away the old, spent soil from around my roots. This is a good time to check for any roots that are dark brown, black, or mushy—these are rotten and should be carefully trimmed away with clean, sharp scissors. Healthy roots are firm and a light tan color. If my roots are tightly wound in a circle (root-bound), please gently tease them apart with your fingers. This encourages them to grow outward into the new soil instead of continuing to circle.
Place a layer of fresh, dry potting mix in the bottom of the new pot. The depth should allow me to sit so that the base of my stem is about an inch below the rim of the pot. Center me in the new pot. My goal is to sit at the same soil level I was accustomed to; do not plant me deeper, as this could cause my stem to rot. Once I am positioned correctly, begin filling in around my roots with the new potting mix. Gently firm the soil around me to eliminate large air pockets, but please do not pack it down too tightly—my roots need access to air and water.
This move has been a slight shock to my system. Please do not water me immediately. Wait about five to seven days before giving me a thorough drink. This waiting period allows any tiny, accidental breaks in my roots to callus over, protecting me from rot. After this initial period, water me deeply until water flows from the drainage holes, then allow my soil to dry out completely before watering again. Place me in a spot with bright, indirect light for a week or two as I adjust and begin to explore my new home with my roots.
