When a plant gets root-bound, it will send out more new shoots or pups. If these are not taken out for replanting when they are 3 to 4 inches high, they will suck the life from the mother plarlt, which will get bright green and spread its leaves horizontally rather than vertically. The plants will grow in any kind of soil but good drainage is essential. The pups should be repotted when large enough, watered well and not watered again for about 3 weeks, forcing new roots to seek water. The transplanted pup may turn grey or brown for a while, which is normal.
New pups make wonderful presents.
Cutting Off Part of a Leaf - it does not harm the plant to harvest part or all of a leaf since the wound is quickly sealed and healed. However, since the leaf will not grow back, one should cut on the leaves closest to the ground. These are also the oldest, therefore the most potent medicinally. Usually caused by insufficient light. Although Aloe Vera turns brown in harsh sunlight, it does need a fair amount of light.