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I bought this aloe vera yesterday (at IKEA, of all things) and I am not sure whether or not I need to re-pot it. I'm not sure how big the plastic pot is now, but the aloe is filling it up pretty well.
I would go ahead and repot but only to a slightly larger size pot. I would use something a little heavier than the plastic since aloes tend to be top-heavy and will fall over rather easily in those little plastic pots.
I believe I am correct in saying that succulents should be potted up only when they have filled the container they are presently in. This helps prevent root rot.
dp72, I hear what you are saying that succulents shouldn't be re-potted until they fill their current container. In your opinion, is my plant filling its current container?? There is a tiny bit of room around the edges, so I'm not sure.
In one photo there appears to be more soil around the edges of the pot than in the other. In either case, your aloe will be fine as is for a while, unless you are eager to get it into another pot for some reason. When you do repot it, be sure the pot is only one size- slightly larger- than the one it's in now. I'm sure you will use a loose, porus planting mix. Some folk put pea gravel on the top of the soil when growing succulents, so that the stems won't touch the wet soil when you water, but with aloes, that's not necessary, since they grow upright. I prefer to be able to see and FEEL the soil, anyway. Have you tipped your plant out of its pot to see if it's rootbound, and if so, how badly? Aloes are obviously one of the most succulent of the succulents other than true cacti, so please don't overwater and keep the soil wet. When it's good and dry, then water, and water thoroughly. If water doesn't gush out of the holes in the bottom, you haven't gotten the entire root mass wet. That is a nice looking plant- I'm sure you'll enjoy it. People will tell you to break off a stem and rub it on a burn. I wouldn't disfigure such a nice specimen! I'd rather hurt. ;>}
PS. Turn the plant now and then, clockwise, about 90 degrees. I say clockwise so you can remember each time which way to turn it. Then it won't ever so slowly lean toward the light. Each time you water would be a good reminder. (You'll need to water it outside or at a sink)
Yes, they look more 'natural' in a terra cotta pot, since they are succulent. And the clay 'breathes' and helps to keep the soil from staying too wet for too long. That might be a good reason to go ahead and repot it now, since it's in plastic.
