How to repot succulents is a skill that many gardeners wish to acquire. Succulents generally benefit from repotting every one to two years, or when they outgrow their current pot. However, assessing the root health and pot size is important rather than relying solely on a fixed timeframe.
Together, we’ll explore the various steps required to perform this task successfully, so continue reading this article as we have listed the right steps to take.
How to Repot Succulents With Ease?
To repot succulents with ease, you should select a suitable container, and gather the right supplies; then, you can prepare the succulent and remove it from the old pot. You must examine the roots, prepare the new container, plant the succulent, fill the gaps, and give it the right care.
In addition, you must also try to check and see the signs that your succulent may need repotting, and these include roots growing out of the drainage hole or holes, the plant becoming unstable in its pot, or slowed growth despite proper care. Additionally, if the soil dries out too quickly after watering, it might indicate that the pot is too small to hold enough moisture for the plant.
1. Select a Suitable Container
When choosing a new container to repot succulents, consider the size. You must go for one slightly larger than the current pot, giving the root ball about an inch or two of extra space for growth while avoiding excessive size, because if the plant is placed in a quite larger pot, you may water it differently, causing rot. Remember that succulents prefer being slightly root-bound.
Ensure proper drainage by selecting a pot with holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging and root rot. If you happen to find a fantastic pot without drainage holes, no problem! Place your succulent in a well-draining pot and then put it inside the beautiful pot, allowing for easy removal and preventing water accumulation.
Consider the material of the pot, such as ceramic, terracotta, plastic, or glass, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Terracotta offers better airflow but dries out faster, while plastic materials retain moisture but may limit airflow. In addition, you may also go for ceramic pots, if you wish to choose one that is visually appealing but may have drainage hole issues, so if it has holes, this would be fixed.
Pick a container material that suits your style and your succulent’s needs, like the right holes at the bottom of the pot. Additionally, consider the pot’s shape and design, as shallow or wide-opening pots are often preferred for succulents due to their effective soil drying and prevention of excess moisture buildup.
Before use, ensure to clean the pot thoroughly by washing it with warm water and mild soap or soaking it in a diluted bleach solution. After this, you must try to rinse thoroughly and this way, it will remove any potential pathogens or residues from previous plants.
2. Gather Supplies
Selecting suitable supplies for repotting your succulent is vital for its ongoing well-being and development. Begin by acquiring well-draining soil, a small trowel, or a spoon, and consider wearing gloves for hand protection.
Now, obtain a pot and procure well-draining soil that avoids excessive water retention. You can purchase a specialized succulent or cactus potting mix designed with sand or perlite for enhanced drainage. You can create your own mixture by combining regular soil with coarse sand or perlite in equal parts because the new plant needs this to thrive and establish its roots.
In addition to this, also remember that you must acquire a small trowel or spoon to aid in scooping and manipulating the soil while repotting. This tool facilitates creating room for the succulent in the new pot, minimizing potential harm to its roots. Finally, it may be wise to wear gloves to shield your hands from thorns, spines, or irritants that certain succulent species might possess.
3. Prepare the Succulent
Preparing to repot succulents involves giving them a gentle, even watering session a few days prior. The goal is to moisten the soil without saturating it. After watering, let the soil dry slightly but not completely before repotting.
Regular potting soil is not recommended for succulents as it retains too much moisture, increasing the risk of root rot. It’s better to use well-draining soil specifically formulated for succulents or cacti, so keep this in mind, if you wish to avoid any long term transplantation shock.
Ideally, it’s best to repot succulents during their dormant period or after flowering. However, if repotting is necessary, proceed with caution to avoid damaging the flowers or buds. Minimize disturbance to the roots as much as possible.
This waiting period allows excess moisture to evaporate and ensures the soil holds together, protecting the delicate roots during repotting. Remember to consider the specific watering needs of your succulent species, as different types have varying preferences. Understanding and catering to their requirements is essential for their well-being and properly enhancing the plant’s growth.
4. Remove the Succulent from Its Current Container
To begin, hold the succulent’s base with one hand and tap or squeeze the pot gently with the other. This helps loosen the soil and encourages the roots to detach from the inner walls of the pot. If you encounter resistance, use a blunt tool like a spoon or small trowel to pry the soil away from the edges carefully.
Once the soil is loose enough, remove the succulent by gripping its base and tilting the pot while tapping the bottom. As you do this, it should allow the succulent to slide out smoothly. If the roots still cling to the pot, use the blunt tool to dislodge them by running them along the inner edges.
After freeing the succulent, inspect the roots for any signs of trouble. In such a manner, you should try to look for dark, mushy, or slimy roots, as they may indicate root rot. Trim off any unhealthy or diseased roots with clean and sharp scissors or pruning shears to promote healthier growth.
Removing some old soil around the roots may be helpful, especially if it’s compacted or retains excessive moisture. After this, you can go ahead and shake off any loose soil or remove it gently by hand, taking care not to harm the delicate roots. Removing some old soil also allows for a thorough examination of the roots.
5. Examine the Roots
Carefully examine the succulent’s roots during the repotting process for any signs of trouble. Healthy roots should be light in color, firm, and plump, but in case you see that they appear healthy, proceed with repotting after removing excess soil. However, soft, brown, mushy, or blackened roots indicate root rot or disease, often caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
Address this issue by trimming affected roots with sharp scissors, and making clean cuts above the damaged area. Dispose of the trimmed roots to prevent the spread of disease. After trimming, check the remaining roots for any signs of rot or disease.
Sprinkle powdered cinnamon on minor issues for its natural antifungal properties. Prioritize dealing with pests like mealybugs or aphids on the roots before repotting. Rinse the roots gently with water or use an insecticidal soap solution to remove pests, ensuring thorough washing before continuing with repotting.
6. Prepare the New Container
To fill the new pot, begin with a layer of well-draining soil mix at the bottom, ensuring its thickness matches the succulent’s root height. Place the succulent gently in the pot’s center, as you are positioning the base level with or slightly above the rim to prevent water pooling and potential rot.
Adjust the soil level as necessary to achieve the desired height and stability, being mindful not to bury the stem too deeply. Fill the gaps around the roots with the soil, using fingers or a small trowel to secure the succulent without excessive compaction. You can now leave a small gap between the soil and pot rim for watering convenience, avoiding overflow.
7. Plant the Succulent in the New Container
When transferring your succulent to a new pot, ensure ideal positioning for growth and stability. Create a hole in the center of the pot’s soil using fingers or a tool, slightly larger than the root ball. Hold the succulent delicately, aligning its base with or slightly above the pot’s rim. For this, you should assess its placement, adjusting if needed by nudging the plant or tilting the pot, because this is where it will now start to grow and develop.
Fill gaps around the roots with well-draining soil gradually, avoiding burying lower leaves. Press the soil gently for stability, mindful of not compacting excessively. Check the succulent’s height and adjust by adding or removing soil accordingly, and then you can fix it again.
8. Fill the Gaps
After positioning the succulent in its new and bigger pot, it’s time to take care of those little gaps. Gently, you must now press the soil around the base of the plant, ensuring a snug fit. You can use your fingers or the back of a spoon to lightly pack the soil lightly, ensuring it supports the succulent without being too compact.
Take a moment to observe if there are any empty spaces between the plant and the edge of the pot. These gaps must be filled to provide stability and prevent the succulent from wobbling. Adjust the soil level accordingly by adding more soil if needed or removing some if there’s an excess.
While securing the succulent in place is important, be mindful not to pack the soil too tightly, because this would hinder water from dripping below, and the roots won’t be as irrigated. Succulents thrive in well-draining soil, and excessive compacting can hinder proper water drainage, potentially leading to root problems. Keep the soil loose enough to allow water to flow through easily, promoting a healthy root system.
As you work on filling the gaps and pressing the soil, ensure that the soil level remains consistent with the base of the succulent or slightly below the rim of the pot. Avoid burying the plant too deep, as this can cause issues like stem rot. Maintaining an appropriate soil level will create a favorable environment for the succulent’s growth while allowing proper water flow.
9. Let It Settle, and Water
After repotting your succulent, it’s important to let it settle in its new pot before resuming watering. This step allows the repotted succulent plant to adjust to its new environment. It gives the roots time to recover from any disturbance that may have occurred during the repotting process.
It’s best to hold off on watering for a few days during the settling period. This allows the succulent potting soil to gradually dry out, reducing the risk of overwatering and potential root rot. The succulent may experience some stress during this time as it acclimates to the new pot, so giving it space to adapt is essential.
The duration of the settling period can change based on different circumstances, such as temperature and humidity, but a general guideline is to wait approximately three to five days. Keep an eye on the soil’s moisture level by gently inserting your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle, and now, if the soil feels dry at this depth, it’s a good indicator that the succulent is ready for its next watering.
Once the settling period is over, you can resume your regular watering routine, taking into account the specific watering plant care needs of your succulent species. Remember that succulents generally prefer infrequent watering with thorough soaking, allowing the soil to dry out every time that you water it.
It’s significant not to overwater, as this can lead to issues like root rot. Observe your succulent closely after repotting and adjust your watering schedule accordingly based on its individual requirements. With time, you will better understand how your succulent prefers to be watered, allowing you to provide optimal care for its health and growth.
Conclusion
If your goal is to growing succulents successfully after every repotting activity, then you’re already there; let’s do a quick recap of everything we’ve covered so far:
- First, you need to select the right containers while gathering the supplies.
- Next, you need to prepare the succulent before removing it from its old container.
- After this, it’s best to examine the roots while checking the plant size for its new container. Then, plant the succulent and fill in the gaps in the soil.
- You must also allow the soil to settle before watering the plant correctly.
And there you have it; you’ve learned the secrets to mastering the art of repotting succulents and can now begin to use your newfound skills.
- Grow Mango Tree Indoors: Best Tips and Tricks For You - September 21, 2023
- Are Lilacs Deer Resistant? 10 Other Deer Resistant Plants - September 19, 2023
- 7 Plants With Red Stems To Add Color to Your Garden - September 18, 2023
