Removing it from the parent was easy but the roots were very weak when I repotted it. I made sure to let it dry a few days before adding soil, but the roots just feel off once I took it out to make sure it was okay. Im a bit concerned about several black/burnt spots on the leaves and that they feel mushy.

My questions are:
a) Can it be saved and if possible, how?

b) What are the black marks? My aloes aren't receiving direct sunlight so they shouldn't be burnt

c) How important is cactus mix and what is it?

Yes, it can be planted. Use a relatively small pot (like 6 inches/15cm or less, wider than deep, with holes at the bottom). Bury only the very bottom of the stem (more or less the brown part) and nothing above that. Maybe put a rock or two on either side strategically to help keep the stem upright while it is rootless.

Any decent potting soil can be used if you mix it with an equal volume of pumice, perlite, or gritty equivalent (but not fine sand or vermiculite). Wait a week to water. Do not overwater at the beginning, because it will take weeks for roots to sprout and get big enough to properly absorb water.

I wouldn't worry about the black spots.

The more light, the better if this is an indoor plant. Right in front of your sunniest southerly facing window would be ideal.

Baja_Costero said: Yes, it can be planted. Use a relatively small pot (like 6 inches/15cm or less, wider than deep, with holes at the bottom). Bury only the very bottom of the stem (more or less the brown part) and nothing above that. Maybe put a rock or two on either side strategically to help keep the stem upright while it is rootless.

Any decent potting soil can be used if you mix it with an equal volume of pumice, perlite, or gritty equivalent (but not fine sand or vermiculite). Wait a week to water. Do not overwater at the beginning, because it will take weeks for roots to sprout and get big enough to properly absorb water.

I wouldn't worry about the black spots.

The more light, the better if this is an indoor plant. Right in front of your sunniest southerly facing window would be ideal.

Sorry but how do I know what direction the window is facing?

ClipClapCat said: Sorry but how do I know what direction the window is facing?

The important thing is how much sunlight comes through a window. In the morning when the sun comes up in the east, the east facing window will receive the most light, but by near noon that light will be more overhead and not coming through the window. As the sun moves to the west horizon, in many parts of the northern hemisphere it's slants in from the south. That is why a window with southern exposure tends to get the most light. As the sun traverses from sunrise to sunset, that slant causes a lot of light to come in directly, giving the most light to windows with southern exposure. However, depending on your case and where your windows are located and what might block the sun from coming in, just observe which windown have the most bright light coming in throughout the day. That will be the best window to locate a light-loving plant directly in front so it can receive the most light. Blinds, shades, curtains etc. should be open.

needrain said: The important thing is how much sunlight comes through a window. In the morning when the sun comes up in the east, the east facing window will receive the most light, but by near noon that light will be more overhead and not coming through the window. As the sun moves to the west horizon, in many parts of the northern hemisphere it's slants in from the south. That is why a window with southern exposure tends to get the most light. As the sun traverses from sunrise to sunset, that slant causes a lot of light to come in directly, giving the most light to windows with southern exposure. However, depending on your case and where your windows are located and what might block the sun from coming in, just observe which windown have the most bright light coming in throughout the day. That will be the best window to locate a light-loving plant directly in front so it can receive the most light. Blinds, shades, curtains etc. should be open.

Okay so just keep it where there is as much light as possible? Even direct sunlight?

ClipClapCat said: Okay so just keep it where there is as much light as possible? Even direct sunlight?

Direct sunlight through a window is fine. It's a bit different than direct sunlight outdoors. If it goes from indoors to outdoors, then there will need to be an adjustment time for the plant or it might sunburn.

Indoor sunlight is not actually direct, because regular window glass filters out most of the harmful UV rays. So given mild temps and decent airflow, indoor sunlight will not harm or stress your aloe, and the more of it the better.