Is your cactus or succulent plant ready for a new pot? Or are you just curious when your cactus or succulent needs to be reputed? Then you are in the right place with this post. We’ll explain when and how you should pot your cactus and succulents.
When Should I Repot My Cactus Or Succulent?
There are a number of indicators that your plant itself indicates that it wants to be repotted. First, the roots get so big that the plant bursts out of its pot. This often happens with cacti with a large taproot or succulents with a thick root system. This will let your plant know that it would like a larger pot.
You can also see it if you hold the plant up and look under the pot. Do you see that your cactus or succulent is developing a whole new root system under your pot? Then it is also time for a new pot. It is therefore best to cut the plastic from the pot around the roots today. It will damage the roots of your cactus or succulent plant as little as possible.
The third reason for repotting could also be that your cactus or succulent is simply getting too big for the pot it’s in. Even now it is time for your plant to want a new pot.
Does your cactus or succulent plant show none of the above? Then you can use the rule that it would like to be in new soil every 3-4 four years. This is because the old earth contains less and less food and is actually just used up.
How Big Should The New Pot Be?
We always use the rule that the new pot is 1 size larger. This is often a few centimetres. This is because cacti and succulents like to stand in a cramped pot with their roots. The soil can also remain wet for too long if you put your cactus or succulent plant in a pot that is too large. If you do, make sure you don’t water too much in the beginning. It will take a few months before your cactus or succulent plant has also developed a larger and good root system in the new large pot.
How Do I Not Damage The Cactus And Succulent Plant During Repotting?
This is very important for many cacti and succulents. Cacti will often immediately punish you with spines in your hand. But many succulents such as an Echeveria also have a wax layer on their leaves. If you touch it with your fingers, you will see all prints on it and the wax layer will come off.
Try to hold your cactus or succulent plant by the root ball as much as possible. If this does not work for succulents, you can try to grab the plant from below. There is often less or no wax layer on the underside of the leaves. With cacti you can also use, for example, 2 pieces of polystyrene foam or barbecue tongs to lift the cactus.
Handy Repotting Tip!
We have a handy repotting tip for you, so that you will soon be able to repot your cactus and succulents like a boss. Keep the old pot that your plant was in for this. Fill the new pot with a layer of soil. Then put the old (empty) pot in it and fill everything completely with soil. Then press the soil well and remove the old pot. The hole that remains is just as big as the root ball of your plant. You can tuck the plant in here.