On average, succulent houseplants have fully rooted their pot and are repotted every 2 years. Fast-growing species may need this every year, while slow-growing specimens may take up to 5 years. In this guide you can read when and how to transplant succulents professionally.
Slow-growing succulents only need repotting every five years
The best time is in spring
Changing to a new pot with fresh succulent soil means pure stress for every succulent. A time in the middle of the summer growth period is therefore only useful in emergencies. The phase between the end of the winter growth dormancy and the beginning of the main growth period is more suitable.
Instructions for repotting succulents - this is how it works
If roots and side shoots reach close to the edge of the pot, it is high time to move to a larger pot. The diameter of this should be large enough that there is space between one and two fingers between the root ball and the edge of the pot. Please only use containers that have one or more openings in the bottom for water drainage. How to proceed step by step:
- Spread out shards of clay or expanded clay (€19.73) on the bottom of the pot as drainage
- Lay a water- and air-permeable fleece over it
- Fill in a first layer of succulent soil and press down
- Unpot the plant and remove the old substrate
- Cut off damaged, diseased roots with a disinfected knife
- Place in the middle of the fresh soil
While holding the succulent with one hand, fill in the fresh soil with the other hand. It is important to note that the previous planting depth is maintained. Press the substrate down a little for a good ground contact. Freshly repotted succulents can relax from the stress for 8 days in a partially shaded location. Then start the usual care program again.
tips
Repotting cacti with strong thorns carries a high risk of injury. While these succulents aren't poisonous, they can still cause infections when they prick your skin with their spines. Please put on thorn-proof gloves. Small cacti can be easily held with grill tongs. Grab large specimens between two styrofoam plates without coming into contact with the sharp spikes.