Step 1: Collecting and Preparing Eggshells
Collect eggshells in a bottle or container.
Wash them thoroughly to remove the inner membrane, which can cause an unpleasant odor if left uncleaned.
Dry the washed eggshells on a napkin.
Store the dried eggshells in a bottle until you’re ready to use them.
Step 2: Baking the Eggshells
Spread the cleaned eggshells on a baking tray.
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit).
Bake the eggshells for 10 minutes to dry them completely.
Let them cool after removing them from the oven.
Step 3: Grinding the Eggshells
Once cooled, crush the eggshells into small pieces.
Use a blender or food processor to grind them into a fine powder.
The powdered eggshells are now ready to be mixed into the soil.
Why use eggshell powder? Eggshells are rich in calcium, which is essential for plant growth. When ground into powder, calcium is absorbed by the soil much faster, promoting healthy and rapid development in aloe vera plants.
Repotting and Separating Aloe Vera Pups
Now that we have prepared our nutrient-rich soil, it’s time to repot the aloe vera pups.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Time to Separate Pups
Pups should not be too small when separated. Tiny pups often fail to develop on their own and may rot.
Wait until the pups reach a reasonable size before removing them from the mother plant.
Step 2: Removing the Pups
Gently pull the pup from the root without applying too much force.
Since aloe vera has very few roots, pups will come off easily.
If a pup has multiple roots, it is strong enough to grow independently in a pot.
If a pup is attached to another small pup, plant them together to ensure better survival.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Soil Mix
Use a cactus soil mix, which contains plenty of sand and perlite for proper drainage.
Add clay balls to improve soil aeration.
Mix in the eggshell powder to enhance calcium content.
Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent water retention and root rot.
Step 4: Choosing the Right Pot
Use a small pot for young aloe vera pups.
Ensure the pot has plenty of drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Add one tablespoon of eggshell powder per pot before planting.
Mix everything well to create a nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
