After trimming the roots of succulents, don't rush to pot them, to avoid root rot

Succulents bought online or from a greenhouse all need to be removed from the soil, have their roots trimmed, and be washed. On one hand, this prevents carrying insect eggs; on the other hand, it removes necrotic roots and prevents black rot. At the same time, trimming overly long roots can also reduce nutrient loss. After trimming and washing the roots, they need to be dried. In spring and summer, drying them in a ventilated spot for one day is basically enough before potting. Plant in moist soil and keep dry, place in a cool, ventilated spot to root, water thoroughly once after a week, and gradually increase light. This can reduce leaf consumption and ensure survival.

What should you do after trimming the roots of succulents? After pruning the plant's roots, they should be placed in a ventilated, shaded spot with bright light, generally for about 1 to 3 days. If the weather is clear, one day is enough. This process is called drying the roots. If the wound has not yet dried and you plant the succulent directly, it is prone to black rot and turning to mush. When repotting, you must wait until the soil is dry to avoid damaging the roots.

Newly arrived succulents need their fine roots and dried, aged roots trimmed off and new roots regrown, so that the root system is healthy and has the function of absorbing water and nutrients. Because for newly dug succulents, the roots are generally divided into two types: fine roots and main roots. The main roots have a relatively long lifespan; generally, they are fine even if dug out and left outside for a month or so. But fine roots are different: in the air, fine roots generally die and dry up within 1-2 hours.

After the root-trimmed succulent is planted in a pot, if the potting soil is moist, there is no need to water. When it dries, water thoroughly. For the first few days, place it in a shaded spot. After a few days, expose it to normal light and keep the light bright. Watering is generally done after 5 to 7 days; if the weather is good, you can water after three days. Another issue is light: after this plant is potted, it also cannot be put in the sun right away. Generally, only after five days does it begin to gradually receive light. At first, give it a little scattered light in the morning, or bright light, and gradually increase the light duration. For later care, of course, outdoor growing is best, as this lets the succulent maintain a very good condition.

It is not recommended that gardening enthusiasts transplant succulents in summer, because after summer temperatures rise, it becomes very difficult for succulents to root. Some friends may cycle through trimming roots and potting, then trimming roots and potting again several times before the succulent successfully roots; it is also possible that just after potting, because the temperature is too high and care is improper, it directly dies. The fastest temperature for succulents to root is around 20-25 degrees, with air humidity around 60%-80%. Under these climate conditions, you don't even need any medium; just placing them in the air can let them root. Although succulents are cheap in summer, the success rate of acclimating to the pot is a form of mental torment for those who grow succulents.

For the soil mix, it is best to use granular soil with relatively good water permeability and air permeability, mixed with a small amount of peat soil. For small succulent seedlings, a 50% ratio of each is suitable; for mature plants and old specimens, the peat soil can be even less. After planting in moist soil and keeping it dry, place it in a spot with ample scattered light and ventilation to recover. When the potting soil is dry, water thoroughly. Based on my years of experience growing succulents, at this time, direct sunlight is also not suitable. It is best to still place it in a spot with scattered light and ventilation. The principle of watering is to water thoroughly when dry. Only when the succulent has acclimated to the pot and begun to grow should it be moved to a spot with direct sunlight to receive sunshine.

This is a gathering place for succulent lovers, sharing succulent care tips. Welcome to follow and exchange ideas.