How to Prune an Aloe Plant
Most members of the Aloe genus come with fleshy, succulent leaves with a tendril-like appearance and thorns lining the sides. The best known variety of aloe is aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), but other aloe plants work well as specimen plants or houseplants. Aloes in general are hardy, and need only a little water to survive. Regular pruning will help them look their best. In the case of aloe vera, you need to prune to harvest the gel within the leaves.
Trim off any leaf tips or whole leaves that have turned pinkish-brown. These parts are dying, so removing them helps the aloe plant stay healthy and green. Use a knife for small and medium-sized plants, or sheers for large, thick leaves. The exposed end of the leaf will seal up on its own in time.
Cut off a section of green leaf of an aloe vera plant to use its gel. Take as large a section as needed, but do not prune and harvest more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Prune away any offshoots from the aloe plant. These are essentially propagated baby aloe plants, so cut them loose from the parent, dig them up with a hand spade, and transplant them into a new pot or garden plot as desired.
Things You Will Need
Hand spade (optional)