How to trim the roots and repot a cactus? Detailed step-by-step guide
When it comes to cacti, everyone is more than familiar with them. But whether it is a cactus bought from the market or one that has been potted for several years, its roots should be trimmed at the right time. Why is that? Because trimming a cactus's roots at the right time not only reduces the risk of pest and disease damage and root rot, but also allows it to grow faster and healthier. A cactus whose roots have been correctly trimmed at the right time will quickly grow sturdy, tender white roots, and at a fast pace, which I believe will completely dispel everyone's worry that trimming a cactus's roots will affect its growth or survival.
How do you do it correctly? Below, the editor will illustrate the root-trimming and repotting process so everyone can see it clearly and understand it plainly.
1. Remove the soil and air-dry the roots
Whether it is a cactus just bought from the market or one planted previously, at this point it should be taken out and have its soil removed. First wash the soil off the roots at the base of the stem, then place it in a cool, ventilated spot to air-dry for hours.
2. Disinfect the tools
Please prepare a pair of sterilized scissors; of course, the blades should have been sharpened fairly well beforehand. To disinfect the scissors, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol and wipe back and forth along the blade side to sterilize it.
3. Trim the roots
After the scissors have been sterilized, we can then use them to trim the cactus's roots. There is a proper way to trim a cactus: we need to cut off all the fibrous roots, feeder roots, and small lateral roots, keeping only the thick, strong main roots. Of course, note that you should avoid trimming the roots in winter when the cactus enters dormancy, otherwise there will be great risk.
4. Disinfect and air-dry the roots
Earlier we disinfected the trimming tools; in this step, we also need to disinfect the wounds left after trimming the cactus's roots. Because a cactus that has been lifted from the soil may have diseased or damaged roots that easily carry various pathogens, so after trimming the roots, to be safe, we still need to disinfect the wounds. You can apply carbendazim to the cut surfaces of the wounds, then place it in a cool, ventilated spot to air-dry for about a week before repotting.
5. Choose a pot and mix the soil
Before repotting the prepared cactus, we need to choose a pot and mix soil for it. As for choosing a pot, we have discussed this in previous articles, so we will not repeat it here. As for preparing the growing medium, we recommend using 3 parts akadama soil + 3 parts cinder + 1 part vermiculite + 1 part coconut coir + 1 part coarse sand mixed together.
6. Repot and settle in place
After trimming the cactus's roots, mixing the soil, and completing these preparatory steps, we can repot and settle the cactus in place. First put a layer of soil in the pot, then plant the cactus in it, then cover with another layer of growing medium until the soil covers the roots completely. After finishing, do not water immediately; to help it recover, we need to water it again after a week, which will keep the plant safer.
The above is the illustrated method and steps for trimming a cactus's roots and repotting it. Has everyone learned it? Do you also want to give it a try? Then take the right method at the right time and do the right thing.