How should you repot succulents in autumn after they have outgrown their pots?

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Autumn is a good season for root pruning and repotting succulents, because most succulents are in their growing season and their roots can recover relatively quickly. Relatively speaking, repotting succulents that have outgrown their pots is rather troublesome, since they have pretty much filled the entire pot. So how can you repot them easily?

Why repot succulents?

The main reason is still to let the succulent roots grow and breathe better. Over time, the succulent roots become packed tight in the pot, the air permeability of the potting soil worsens, affecting the succulent's breathing, and at this point some roots will die off.

Over time, the soil in the pot will break down into powder, which also affects the air permeability of the potting soil, and the nutrients in the soil have basically been used up.

A pot that is too small will affect the succulent's growth; the roots grow and absorb nutrients within a limited space, so the succulent stays small (except for those who like thumb pots and keep them compact).

When is the best time to repot?

It is best not to repot in summer, because bacteria multiply and spread easily in summer, and repotting damages the roots, making succulents vulnerable to pathogens. If you must repot, be sure to spray the soil and the succulent's wounds with "carbendazim", then wait for the wounds to dry before planting.

Generally, the best seasons for repotting are spring and autumn, because there are fewer pathogens in spring and autumn, and the climate suits succulent growth, so the succulents settle into their pots quickly.

You can also repot in winter, and then you do not need to worry about pathogens at all; it is just that winter temperatures are low, succulents grow slowly, and the speed of settling into the pot is naturally very slow too.

The whole repotting process

Note: About 1 week before repotting, stop watering; only when the soil has completely dried out can you repot.

Step 1, prepare new soil: Whether it is a newly bought succulent or one you have kept for a while, Uncle Hi recommends changing to new soil.

Step 2, clean the roots: You can rinse them with clean water, because the roots may harbour a large amount of bacteria, fungi or insect eggs. (Wash gently; do not open the water full blast, so as not to damage the roots. Shake and soak repeatedly until the white main roots are visible.)

Step 3, root pruning: After cleaning, the succulent's root system needs to be trimmed; cut off blackened roots, diseased roots, dead roots, overly long roots and heavily tangled lateral roots.

Step 4, clean and disinfect: After pruning, the roots will be wounded; soak the trimmed roots in a sterilising solution for about one hour (you can choose carbendazim, chlorothalonil, thiophanate-methyl, etc.).

Step 5, air-dry naturally: Be sure to air-dry in a naturally ventilated place without strong direct sunlight; this is the safest way. Once dry the same day, you can begin the repotting work.

Step 6, change the pot and soil: Choose a flower pot suited to the succulent's size (slightly larger is fine), preferably also a disinfected pot. Put the soil prepared in Step 1 into the pot (use a pattern of large particles in the bottom layer and small particles in the upper layer to help drainage).

Step 7, put the succulent into the pot: Cover the succulent's roots directly with soil, press the soil firm with your hands, and you can also use small tweezers to help.

Step 8, moisten the soil: Spray a little water to make the soil slightly moist; remember not to use much. Just let the soil become slightly damp, with a little humidity, to help new roots sprout.

Step 9, ventilation and little light: Place it in a bright, indirectly lit spot; it must not be exposed to direct sun. Keep it ventilated and cool, and do not water it. Let it acclimatise. (Note: during the acclimatisation period, if you feel the potting soil is too dry, you can spray a thin mist of water or fungicide on the soil surface every day, only to increase humidity.)

Step 10, settling into the pot: After about 7-10 days, the succulent will have settled into its pot (when you find that during the settling period the new leaves start to become plump and firm while the old leaves begin to be consumed, it means the succulent has settled into its pot). At this point you can resume the previous care method.

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