Repotting large plant
by
Sylvia
+4
I have a very large, both tall and spread out aloe plant that needs repotting. It has long spread out pieces likened to tentacles. It has set three smaller plants also. How on earth can I repot it without breaking it up? The "tentacles" or "arms" are long and fragile. Thanks
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Thankfully, Aloe has shallow roots. If it breaks up at all, you can put the smaller pieces around the larger one. Using root stimulant isn't necessary, but it will help the plants acclimate to the new soil. This will be messy! Best to do outside if possible.
Would the safest situation.... be to break the existing pot?
If the plant is truly root bound -that would make a transfer quite easy.
If it was broken over a slick firm surface like a piece of posterboard you could just slide the plant into the new pot.
If the tentacles are quite long perhaps they could be padded with something like a foam swimming pool noodle or twisted craft paper for these fragile arms to make a protective supportive collar.I would try to wrap to the plants extensions arms ( somewhat upright) circumferentially bottom upwards with a clear stretchy food wrap, much like they use packaging sleeves things for moving. It may take two people to do this one to hold the plant one to do the wrapping.
Before removing the plant you might want to tie a piece of rope or a long piece of cloth around the plant to keep the plant stays together.
This is a messy job, best done outdoors. Be sure to loosen the soil well before trying to lift out the plant. The smaller plants can be potted up separately; even given away as gifts!
I agree with needing two people! I you have a really big beach towel, try wrapping it around the plant gently, yet firmly to not break any of the branches. One can cradle and hang on to the plant while the other pulls off the old pot. Make sure you have the new pot ready to go so that you can just loosen the plant a little and put it in. Leave the towel on and held in place until you get the soil all in and settled, even put it back where it should be before you take it off and let it spread out again. It would be much easier to work with the soil that way.
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/cut-aloe-vera-repotting-68330.html
Here's an article that might help - https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/repotting-a-large-plant.htm