Understanding how to care for succulents is one thing, but knowing how to repot succulents is entirely another. If you’re a fan of these adorable tiny houseplants, you already know that while they’re tough, they require some care. This is especially true if they’ve outgrown their container or if the soil hasn’t been replaced in a few years.
It may appear to be a daunting undertaking. Still, you must take the time to maintain your succulents healthy and growing. It doesn’t take long, and the results are well worth the effort.
Don’t be concerned if this is your first time. We’ll walk you through all you need to know, with helpful hints along the way. This is how you repot succulents.
When is the best time to repot succulents?
You should always repot your succulent shortly before its growing season, which is usually in early spring or late fall – double check your succulent type to be sure. Avoid repotting throughout the summer and winter months since your succulent will remain inactive, and you may be doing more harm than good.
Signs that your succulent needs repoting include:
- It’s outgrowing its container: When it outgrows its container, roots will grow out of the drainage holes.
- It’s a new succulent: If you’ve recently purchased a succulent, it may come in a temporary plastic planter. However, it will require a more permanent home, so repot it in a week or two.
- It’s been a couple of years: If it’s been more than two years since you last changed the soil, your succulent could benefit from a new batch.
- The plant appears to be in poor health: If your succulent has seen better days, repotting can help rejuvenate it.
- Your succulent has produced offsets: Some succulents make offsets, which can be cut away from the base and repotted to create a new plant.
- You need to water it more frequently: If you observe the water draining considerably faster than it used to, new soil is necessary.
How to repot succulents?
It’s important to note that before you begin repotting your succulent, it should be semi-hydrated, so water it a few days ahead. You should also remove any dead leaves before repotting.
How to repot succulents?
STEP 1:
First, you must prepare your succulent’s new habitat. Find a pot that is somewhat larger than the one it is currently in. You’ll need a roughly 20% larger in width and height. Terra-cotta pots with drainage holes are often a good choice.
STEP 2:
Place a small stone over the hole at the base of the new pot to aid drainage. You can even cover it with a clay shard from a shattered pot.
STEP 3:
Fill the new pot to roughly 3/4 with succulent soil. You mustn’t use standard compost since it is too dense and will not drain quickly enough. There is also dedicated cactus soil, so make sure you choose the soil that is most suited to your succulent.
STEP 4:
The following step is removing your succulent from its container. You should probably lay down some newspaper or do this outside because it can get dirty. First, inspect the pot’s underside for roots that have grown through. You will need to tease them loose from their grip if they have carefully.
STEP 5:
Now, turn the planter on its side, grab the succulent at its base (wear gloves if touching a cactus), and twist it to check if it comes loose. You may need to tap the bottom of the pot a few times to encourage it. Be gentle but consistent till it frees itself. If your succulent refuses to budge, you can always smash the old pot with a hammer. This is better for the roots of your succulents, but you will lose a pot.
STEP 6:
Now that the succulent has been removed from the pot, it may have some soil mixed in with the roots. Try to ignore as much of this as possible. To assist separate the old soil, ‘tickle’ the roots. If the roots appear knotted and entangled, try to free them carefully. If the roots have grown too long, you can clip them back now.
STEP 7:
Gently set your succulent on top of the soil in your new pot. Depending on the height, you may wish to dig a shallow hole for it. Next, fill the planter with extra soil mix until the roots are completely covered, using one hand to maintain it upright. However, ensure the soil isn’t contacting the leaves, as this can cause them to decay. Filling the pot to the full with soil mix will also result in a mess when you try to water your succulent!
STEP 8:
Gently press the earth down to consolidate it. You now have a new home for your succulent to develop into. Wait a week before watering it again as a general rule.
