How to Repot Succulents: 3 Important Steps You Should Know

We usually get asked about how and when to repot succulents. While it may sound intimidating and difficult, repotting succulent does not take much effort to be done properly. Follow this article to find out the important things you need to know about repotting.

 

Repotting succulents is not as hard as you think

When to Repot & Why

There are various reasons why it's necessary to repot your succulents. But no matter what the reason is, it’s always best to do it right before their growing season, which usually happens in early spring or early fall to most succulents. This way, the succulents will have enough time to recover from the repotting.

 

Signs to help you determine the right time when to repot:

• Newly purchased succulents. Newly bought succulents usually come in small, plastic containers, which can hinder their growth. So after bringing home your new baby, it's highly recommended to transfer them to a different planter within 2 weeks (preferably one that will help with moisture and has proper drainage, like a terracotta pot).
• The succulent starts to outgrow its pot. When this happens, you'll usually see that the roots begin to stick out of the pot holes as the space is getting too tight, preventing them from growing to their full potential. 

Should you repot your succulent during dormancy?

The answer is no. Dormancy is the period when plant is alive but is not actively growing. Risking repotting them might disrupt their growing cycle and could do some harm to your succulents. Most succulents are either summer- or winter- dormant, hence make string and fall the perfect time for a little repotting. Repotting summer-dormant succulents in the fall and winter-dormant ones in the spring with give them time to get used to the new pot and soil before growth season.

 

On average, you should repot your succulents every two years to make sure the soil is fresh and fertile and there is enough space for the plant to grow. Timing is also an important factor you should care about. We would recommend repotting in growth season (usually spring or summer) so that the damage to the plant will be kept to minimum and the plant has more survival chance.

The Preparation

So, the next step would be to prepare the succulent that needs to be repotted and all the materials you'll need.

1. Moisture plays an important role to successfully repot succulents, so make sure to keep it hydrated by watering thoroughly a day or 2 before repotting.
2. Prepare the new pot.A clay pot or any pot or container of your choice will do as long as it's at least 10% taller and wider than your plant and should have a good drainage hole at the bottom (you can drill one yourself if it doesn't).
3. A good soil mix. Make sure it's porous enough and well-drained to prevent your succulents from sitting in the wet for too long. You can also try blending your own soil mix.
4. A trowel or small shovel. Use it to remove the succulent from its current pot. For repotting smaller succulents or propagating buds and seeds, you can use metal tweezers instead to allow you to plant them effectively and carefully.
5. Coffee Filters.Using this is a great and cheap way to cover the drainage hole compared to other materials used as a filter. 

 

Step-by-step guide to repot your succulent

Step 1: Remove the plant from the old pot.

Start by turning the plant sideways and grabbing the plant at the base of the stem. Tap the bottom of the container, then shake it a little bit. You may also use either a stick or your hands to help loosen the soil, then give the stem a gentle pull to help remove the plant from its old pot. If you are still unable to remove the succulent, you may also poke through the drainage holes using chopsticks to loosen the soil more.

 

You may choose to break the old pot instead by carefully hammering it. Although you'd be sacrificing it, this would allow you to remove the plant from its old pot without hurting its root system.

Step 2: Clean and dry the root system.

After getting the succulents out of the old pot, the next thing you should do is to remove as much soil as you can off the roots by simply brushing them away or giving the roots a gentle tap or tickle. If you choose to clean the roots with water, make sure to let them dry in a cool place away from direct sunlight for about 3 to 5 days. Additionally, you may trim the roots of your succulents in case they have become too long.

Step 3: Put the plant in a new pot.

Before you plant your succulent, fill at least two-thirds of the new pot with soil mix. Once done, gently place the succulent in the center and cover the roots completely by adding more soil. Make sure the leaves of the succulent sit completely above the soil, to prevent rotting.

 

How to repot cactus

The same steps above apply if you are to repot a cactus. Just make sure to use a kitchen tong or wear gloves, like a gardening gloves, work gloves, or leather gloves, before you proceed with the steps below to avoid getting pricked with the thorns.

How to repot succulent arrangements

Repotting succulent arrangements, on the other hand, is quite difficult. But to make it easier, carefully remove each plant from the old pot so you wouldn't break any of its roots. Do this by making cuts through roots and soil, then removing any of the old dirt off as much as you can from the roots. Once you are done, closely inspect the roots of your succulents before placing them in their new pot. In case you see that the roots of 1 or 2 plants are damaged, make sure to leave them out of the pot for about 2 to 3 days or until they callous over.

Caution & Warning

• It is important to remember that you should never repot your succulent if it starts to flower. Repotting may stop the blooming process, and the flower may fall off the succulent.
• Do not overwater: During the repotting process, be careful not to soak the plant in water for too long or water it right after you put it in a new pot. Your succulent will get root rot if it gets too much water in the process.

 

 

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While repotting succulents is not hard, it is crucial that you should follow the instruction carefully. However, succulent is a resilient plant, so if you just want to switch from your current pot to other cute pots, do not be afraid to experiment and have fun with the plant. Good luck!

 

Watch the video below (and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more great videos) to see How and when to repot your succulents in 3 easy steps

 

See more about Water Therapy for Succulents

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