I am moving very soon and I don’ t know how I am going to move my large aloe. Should I try dividing it up or can you suggest someone who could help me?
Aloe plants don’t mind being root-bound, but when they are, will send out additional shoots (called offsets) that can be removed and planted in different pots. This is the equivalent of plant division for aloe, and offsets are best removed in later winter or early spring. Remove the parent from its pot and with a clean, sharp knife cut away a healthy “pup” that has a few roots – in some cases you may be able to pull the pup away from the parent. Put the put in a warm, dimly lit room for a couple of days so that it will callous, then plant. Once a callous has formed, the pup can be planted and should not rot in the soil. Use a pot that is just a bit larger than the pup, pop the plant in, and do not water until the roots have started to grow – this usually takes a couple of weeks. Keep the aloe plant warm, and ensure it has bright indirect light. See SFGate’s How do I divide aloe vera?
If you want to move the plant as is to your new home, since it is now late October and we are heading into winter, consider the move itself – how far will you be moving, and how long will this take – are you moving within the city or hundreds of miles away? You might want to ask your local nursery if they can recommend how to protect the plant during the move – depending on the size and shape of the plant, it could be wrapped and placed in a box or other container, for a short move. Also, consult your moving company – many offer packing materials as well as climate-controlled environments. Lastly, there is a lot of helpful information on the internet. I just googled the phrase “moving homes how to pack large houseplants” and found several useful entries, including About Home’s What You Need to Know About Moving Household and Garden Plants and Apartment Therapy’s How to move long distances with plants.