How do you repot a succulent? Learn the right method in one go

Flowers & Gardening Jan 1, 1970 0 views

Temperatures are rising, and spring is about to arrive. After a long winter, it is time to repot your little succulents and give them some fresh nutrients. So how exactly do you do it? Come along with Huahua.

1. Choosing a pot

As the succulent grows, the old pot may become too small and hinder root extension, so when repotting you should choose a slightly larger one. Do not go too large with the new pot; compare it with the old one and just go a little bigger. The bottom of the pot must have drainage holes, so it gives the roots enough room to grow while avoiding problems caused by waterlogged soil and root rot.

2. Removing the plant from the pot

In the two weeks before you decide to repot, stop watering the succulent. Dry soil is easier to work with when removing the soil, and it will not damage the roots the way sticky soil can. Gently hold the stem of the succulent with your hand, turn the pot upside down along with the plant, and the old pot will come off easily.

3. Checking the roots

Gently loosen the root ball with your hands and check the roots of the succulent. Trim away any old roots you see, and take care to protect the new roots. Old roots have a very limited ability to absorb nutrients, so removing them promptly encourages new root growth. Do not worry that trimming the roots will affect its survival later; just confidently cut off the old roots. After trimming, the roots are no longer as tangled as before. Leave the plant in a cool place and move on to the next step.

4. Mixing the soil

First put a layer of expanded clay pellets at the bottom of the pot to absorb excess water and prevent root rot; because the pellets are fairly large, they will not affect drainage at the bottom. On top of the pellets add a layer of peat soil, then add vermiculite and perlite, mixing them in equal amounts. About four times as much peat soil as vermiculite is about right. Then cover with more peat soil, vermiculite and perlite, and mix evenly with a small trowel. Soil mixed this way is quite loose, soft and airy, which is good for root growth.

5. Planting

Dig a hole with a trowel, place the succulent in it, and firm the soil around it. You can add a little more of the mixed soil on top and press it down gently with your fingers. Right after planting, do not rush to water it; move it to a ventilated, shady spot to let it settle. When the soil is not too wet, the succulent roots faster. After two to three weeks, once the roots have developed well enough, you can water it.