Aloe offsets

[uzbeck]

I recall seeing a post by Colin Walker about removing Agave offsets to create a well balanced plant. What do members think about using this procedure for Aloes? I have many caespitose Aloe plants and although my natural inclination is to let the plants do their own thing I do not have room for the ever larger pots/pans this would need. I would be interested in what other growers think.

[juster]

I just have to do this with a lot of offsetting plants, both cacti and succulents, there simply isn't room to keep on and on putting them all into larger and larger pots. My echeverias and sempervivums are prime example and I regularly either remove offsets or just pot up and keep a smaller offset. The remainder can be used for branch plant sales or given away. With a nice plant I might decide to pot on the whole plant, did it this year with Aloe jacunda, but it would have been equally happy with being reduced in size.

[Herts Mike]

I always remove any excess to keep plants I want to a size that suits me.

[uzbeck]

Thanks Juster and Herts Mike. Will give it a go. Next problem - I hate throwing plants away so will have lots of potted up cuttings.

[AnTTun]

If it's a small plant I prefer clump, if it's 'bigger' then solitary.