How to Repot Succulents: A Comprehensive Guide

Last Updated on May 10, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford

Repotting your succulents is an essential aspect of their care, helping to ensure their overall health and well-being. Over time, succulents can outgrow their pots or require a fresh batch of soil for optimal growth. This how-to article will provide you with detailed instructions on how to repot your succulent, helping you to keep it healthy and thriving.

Repotting succulents might be necessary for a few reasons:

• Outgrowing their current pot
• Needing better drainage
• Requiring fresh soil with more nutrients

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Step-by-step Instructions on Repotting Succulents

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This guide will show you how to repot your succulent, considering the right type of soil, pot selection, and timing. We'll also discuss common problems or mistakes to avoid and provide post-repotting care tips.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Active Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Materials

• Succulent
• Pot
• Drainage material (optional)
• Soil

Tools

• Gloves
• Trowel or spade
• Small knife (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Choose the Right Time
   
   The best time to repot succulents is during their growing season, typically between spring and summer. Repotting during their dormant period (autumn and winter) can cause unnecessary stress and hinder their growth.
2. Step 2: Select a Proper Pot
   Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one, providing more space for your succulent to expand. Ensure that the pot has drainage holes to prevent overwatering.
3. Step 3: Pick the Right Soil
   
   Select a well-draining soil mix specifically designed for succulents or make your own using a mix of equal parts cactus soil, perlite, and coarse sand. This type of soil allows for better root health by preventing soil compaction and excess moisture.
4. Step 4: Remove the Succulent
   
   Gently remove your succulent from its current pot, taking care not to damage the roots. If the plant is stuck or difficult to remove, try squeezing the sides of the pot or using a butter knife to loosen the soil and roots.
5. Step 5: Clean the Roots
   
   Gently shake off any excess soil from the roots and remove any dead or damaged roots.
6. Step 6: Repot the Succulent
   
   Add a layer of the new soil mix to your chosen pot. Place the succulent into the pot, ensuring it is well-positioned, and add more soil mix, pressing gently around the base of the plant.
7. Step 7: Allow Time to Settle
   Wait a few days before giving your newly repotted succulent a good, thorough watering. This allows the roots to settle and recover from the repotting process, reducing the risk of root rot.

How to repot succulents that are too tall.

If your succulent has become too tall for its current pot, you can address this by replanting the top portion of it or beheading it. To replant the top portion of your succulent:

1. Cut off the top of your succulent with a sharp, clean knife.
2. Allow the cut area to dry for a few days to prevent rotting.
3. Plant the top portion of your succulent in its own pot with fresh soil and water it accordingly.

Alternatively, you can behead your succulent by cutting off the entire head of the plant and planting it root-side down in a new pot. This will help your succulent to start growing again and produce a new head.

How to repot succulents after buying.

When purchasing a succulent, it is best to repot it right away. This ensures that the health of your succulent is maintained and allows you to assess condition. Here are the steps repotting a newly purchased succulent:

1. Choose a pot with adequate drainage holes and fill it with fresh soil mix.
2. Gently remove the plant from its plastic container or bag, taking care not to damage the roots.
3. Place the succulent in its new pot and fill it with soil mix, pressing gently around the base of the plant.
4. Water your newly repotted succulent thoroughly and allow it to settle for a few days before giving it another good watering.

How to repot succulents from Benguet.

Benguet is a province in the Philippines known for its cool climate, making it an ideal place to grow succulents. When repotting succulents from Benguet, follow these steps:

1. Choose a pot with adequate drainage holes and fill it with fresh soil mix.
2. Gently remove the plant from its former pot, taking care not to damage the roots.
3. Place the succulent in its new pot and fill it with soil mix, pressing gently around the base of the plant.
4. Add some slow-release fertilizer to help your succulents adjust to their new home.
5. Water your newly repotted succulent thoroughly and allow it to settle for a few days before giving it another good watering.
6. Place your newly repotted succulent in an area with sufficient light but not direct sunlight, and mist the leaves regularly to increase humidity.

Common Mistakes and Problems to Avoid

1. Using regular potting soil instead of a well-draining soil mix

Using regular potting soil instead of a well-draining soil mix can lead to overwatering and root rot, due to the lack of air pockets.

2. Choosing a pot without drainage holes

Choosing a pot without drainage holes can also cause overwatering and encourage root rot, as water cannot escape the pot.

3. Repotting during the dormant period

Repotting during the dormant period can put unnecessary stress on the succulent and hinder its growth.

4. Overwatering immediately after repotting

Finally, overwatering immediately after repotting can lead to root rot as the roots are still settling from the repotting process. It is important to wait a few days before watering your newly repotted plant.

Post-repotting Care Tips

Water your succulent sparingly and allow the soil to dry completely between waterings

Provide ample sunlight or artificial light for growth, but gradually introduce the plant to brighter light

Use an organic fertilizer every few weeks or months, depending on the type of succulent

Check for pests and treat them as soon as possible to prevent infestation

Ensure the pot has good drainage and is not sitting in a saucer full of water

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