[Arid_gardener] transplating aloe

[Janet Howe]

Original Question:

I received a potted aloe as a gift. Would like to transplant to my yard.

   
  My questions: 
  1.When is the best time to replant outside? 
  2.Will it require partial shade?
  3. How big should I dig the hole?
  4. How often should it be watered?
  5. Are there any fertilizers that should be used and when?
   
  Thankyou.
  Barbara Peters

Answer:

Barbara, you don't mention the type of aloe you have (some are hardier
than others, can take more sun, more cold, etc.), so I will give you
general guidelines that I have learned - usually they hard way!   

1. Fall is the best time to transplant aloes, because aloe's are winter
growers and there is less stress because of the decreased heat and
intense sunlight.  That being said, however, I've been able to
transplant aloes anytime of the year, just by giving them some extra
TLC.  
2. Almost all types of aloes that will grow in Phoenix need partial
shade, this is especially important in the middle of the summer.  I have
some beneath a mesquite tree that seem to be very happy - they get more
sun in the winter when it drops it's leaves, but gets dappled shade
throughout the day in the summer.  I've also seen aloes that are happy
under less dense shade, such as a palo verde or palo brea.  If you will
have it in area that gets partial direct sun, partial shade, I'd make
sure it was somewhere that gets sun in the morning and is well shaded by
the afternoon.
3. I have found that the plants stay happiest when I dig the hole at
least a couple of times bigger and at least twice as deep than the root
ball of the plant.  The most important consideration is drainage, as
aloes need well draining soil.  Depending upon the type of soil in the
area you will be planting into, add sand and/or pumice (Baker's Nursery
in Central Phoenix is where I get mine) to the soil - I add a lot, and
it ends up being about a 1:1 mixture with native soil - don't amend with
potting soil.  Make sure to position the plant so that once the soil has
settled after watering, the plant doesn't sink - I learned this the hard
way by loosing a couple of plants before I got the hang of it!
4. How often you water depends on the type of soil you use.  Generally,
for well draining soil, deep watering every couple of weeks should be
sufficient, but again, watch your plants, don't over water.  Let the
soil dry out between waterings.  
5. I don't fertilize my aloes often, but during the growing season, I've
fertilized no more than once a month with a standard fertilizer, but at
half strength.  

A couple of other things to keep in mind are that most types of aloes
(unless its an aloe vera) can irritate the skin, so wearing gloves is
recommended.  If you choose to try transplanting now, I'd also make sure
the plant is covered with shade cloth until the weather cools off, to
protect it from too much sun.  I've found that when transplanting in the
summer, it really helps the plant get started.  Good luck!


Janet Howe
Master Gardener volunteer
Maricopa County Cooperative Extension