When I have pups like yours, with little roots, Ill plant them up in pure pumice first for a few months. Ill keep them shaded and apply water fairly often. Since the water doesnt stay in the medium the roots can grow and the chance of rot is very low. This has worked for me on agaves and aloes.

After reading this thread, I realized I have a chinesis aloe. Lol. What brought me here though was because my whole aloe turned a light to medium brown. I recently (about 2 weeks or so ago) re.potted the thing into a bigger pot. He was in the small 4 inch plastic container that I bought him in over a year ago. So I did that. I fertilized him right away, which was the first time I’ve fertilized him this season.... it is spring here going into summer now. (I’m in zone 5b-6a (Western New York) depending on the map) anyways, I used potting soil and LOTS of perilite. The thing is, the soil feels very compacted. I even have poked a bamboo skewer into the soil to try to U.N. pack it some. Not sure if this is normal at first? The plant seemed to be doing okay, until I put him outside for about 4 days in direct sun (he was previously sitting in a south facing window sill in the house and did really well) I was told he needed more sun light by an avid Gardner so I put him outside. It’s rained on and off here for the past few days, so now that it’s brown, I’m not really sure what caused it because I did so many possible things that could have caused it. I mean, he was bone dry the other day before I watered him..... I was trying to let him dry out completely as I was worried about root rot. So I watered him thoroughly, but then it rained the very next day lol so was it under watered or overwatered? It was it because of too much sun? I’m so confused! Lol I don’t want the little bugger to die on me. I’ve grown quite fond of him! He’s a smaller guy, hasn’t grown much over the past year I’ve had him, and after reading this thread, I now know why..... these ornamental ones grow slowly. Can anyone help me? I’ve since brought him inside and out of any source of sunlight. I should add that it’s very hot and humid here during summer, as I’m right on the shores of Lake Erie

What kind of Aloe plant do you have? Are your plants going to be indoors or out? The pot size is less relevant if you are using a good gritty mix that drains quickly and well. A potting mixture that stays wet or damp is what will damage your plant. My Aloes have liked a pot that is wider rather than deep. Why do I keep hearing that Aloe plants like to be pot bound? It doesn't make sense to me. I don't like shoes that are too small. This Aloe x spinosissima was root bound after a year in a 4-inch pot. And after having room to spread it's roots - This is an Aloe vera pup in a 6 inch azalea pot. As it grew, I had to repot. And now it resides at the side of my house. Obviously, I have the luxury of planting my succulents in the ground and not having to bring them in during the winter. Not everyone can do so. For your immediate needs - use a very gritty mix so you can water deeply and well, but it will drain and dry out quickly. You do not want your plant to sit in moisture. Give it plenty of light, outdoor sunlight if possible. I generally start all my pups in a 4 inch pot. But that can change depending on the root system and the plant. Good luck!

Ha! tsugajunkie will be here all night! Socks - I watered the soil to help solidify the root structure and took it off this morning. It was on 15 hrs or so.