We know far too little about this knowledge on repotting

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Images and text: Curator

Repotting succulents carries relatively high risk, and some succulent owners simply prefer succulents in small pots, so even when a succulent is big enough to be repotted, many owners still choose not to repot. So is repotting really a must? Today the curator will have a good long chat with everyone about this question.

1

Why repot?

Under long-term artificial cultivation, the root system of succulents will grow to fill the entire pot, reducing the drainage and air permeability of the succulent, and the soil nutrients have already been consumed, changing from the original granular form into powder form, and the soil becomes acidic, which is unsuitable for the growth of the succulent. Therefore, after the plant grows to a certain stage, it must be repotted and the soil changed.

2

How long is the repotting cycle?

Succulents are repotted once every 1 year to 3 years (small seedlings of some varieties can even be transplanted several times a year). Most varieties are generally repotted from mid-March to early April, while some "winter-type species" that grow in winter and go dormant in summer can also be repotted from late August to early September. In short, the repotting time should be when the dormant period is about to end and the plant is about to grow. Clustered plants can also be divided and propagated at the same time as repotting. In addition, if the plant is found to have root rot, emergency repotting can be carried out at any time.

3

What are the steps for repotting?

A. Root trimming

1. Take the plant out of the original pot, gently tap the outer wall of the pot so that the root system separates completely from the pot

2. Thoroughly remove the old soil.

3. The roots can be washed with water.

4. If the plant's root system is too vigorous, the old roots can be trimmed, but never trim the main root (the thicker root) too short.

5. Place the succulent whose roots have been cleaned in a ventilated and shady place, and wait about seven days for the root wounds to dry naturally before planting.

B. Potting up

1. Take a piece of mesh plastic sheet and place it over the hole at the bottom of the pot to prevent the medium from leaking out, and it can also reduce the chance of insects crawling into the medium from the bottom hole.

2. Lay one to two cm of clay pebbles at the bottom as a breathable bottom layer.

3. Put the prepared medium into the pot to about half its height, reserving space for the plant's new roots to grow.

5. Use a brush to evenly apply rooting powder to the plant's roots. Besides sterilizing and preventing infection, it can also help the plant grow new roots faster. (Recommended step)

6. Place the plant in the middle of the pot, and begin adding medium until it is about eight or nine parts full.

7. Lay on decorative soil. Fine-grained akadama, volcanic rock, or maifan stone are best; never use chemically dyed colored stones. (Optional step; laying decorative soil can be done according to personal preference)

8. Place the repotted plant in a bright and ventilated place. At this time the roots still cannot absorb water, so remember absolutely not to place it in direct sunlight, otherwise the plant is prone to water loss and death.

9. After about three days, at night or in the early morning, use a sprayer to moisten the surface of the medium, so that the soil is slightly moist and can lure the plant to grow roots.

10. Depending on the environment, after about seven days gently lift the plant upward. If there is a feeling of attachment, it means the newly grown roots have already gripped the medium and can begin to absorb water and transport nutrients.

11. Move the plant to a place with sufficient sunlight and good ventilation, and manage it normally by watering once every seven days.

Generally speaking, repotting once every two years is enough. The repotting time for succulents is concentrated in the growing season, which helps the succulents adapt to the new environment. If a succulent shows root rot, emergency treatment must also be carried out.

Remember: stop watering a few days before repotting. During repotting, remove the soil completely, treat the roots, cut off the roots in poor condition, and keep the strong roots. Washing the roots and trimming the roots are equally important. The purpose of washing the roots is to remove residual bacteria on the roots. Although it cannot be cleaned completely, this step is still necessary. Then use scissors to trim the dried, tangled, broken roots, because dead and withered roots cannot absorb nutrients; on the contrary, they will also hinder the normal life activities of the succulent. Trim until only the main root remains.

There is a saying that it is not necessary to remove all the soil, and that you can keep the old soil wrapped around the roots and put it directly into the new pot. Half new soil and half old soil can also let the succulent adapt to the environment quickly, but the curator has not tried this method. I generally remove all the soil before potting up, so interested succulent owners can give it a try. If some succulent owners have already tried this method, please leave a comment actively! Share your experience.

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