The correct way to repot Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' in winter

Succulents are generally repotted in spring and autumn. Whether newly purchased or repotted on a regular schedule, repotting in these two seasons tends to make it easier for the plant to recover and quickly establish itself and survive. But some growers may not know this, and often may buy Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' in winter, so after bringing it home it still needs repotting, since the original pot is not suitable for the plant's growth.

First, on the question of choosing a pot, many growers like to use ceramic pots, feeling that such pots are more refined. But the editor suggests using clay pots, and trying not to use ceramic pots, because clay pots have stronger air permeability and water permeability, and Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' also likes a growing environment with strong air and water permeability, so using clay pots is more suitable for its growth.

Moreover, the root system of Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' is usually quite developed. Although most are fine hair roots, so many roots cannot do without a suitable pot to grow in. Generally we recommend using a deep pot to grow Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop', as this is more conducive to its roots growing deep, and the plant's growth will naturally be better.

As for the potting soil, generally use nutrient soil and river sand mixed half and half and stirred well, but we can also use coal cinder and leaf mold configured into a mixed substrate. Of course, we can also use a mixed soil made of river sand and leaf mold to grow Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' in a pot. The main thing is to ensure the potting soil is fertile, loose, and permeable to air and water.

Next, take Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' out of the original pot and observe whether the root system is in good, intact condition, or whether there are rotten roots, decayed roots, and so on. If the potting soil is not very dry, we can pot it up directly. But if the old soil is still very wet, then we cannot rush to repot it. In this case, it generally needs to be left to dry for a day, letting the excess water evaporate before repotting.

After building a drainage layer of about 2 cm at the bottom of a new pot one size larger, we can first spread a layer of new potting soil at the bottom of the pot. Then plant the Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' together with its old soil into the new pot, then fill the gaps with new potting soil and press it down lightly, so that the roots and soil make fuller contact, which is more conducive to the plant establishing itself.

After finishing potting, we then water it a little. Since it is winter repotting, we do not need to water it in thoroughly; watering it thoroughly would instead be harmful. We can use a spray bottle to spray some water evenly into the pot, keeping the potting soil slightly moist. If watered thoroughly in this case, it will not only easily chill the plant's roots, but may also cause root rot. So we just use a spray bottle to spray a little water.

Next we also need to prepare a suitable environment for it to recover, that is, place the pot on a balcony in a place with fairly ample light and good ventilation to let it air out. When the potting soil becomes dry, we then repeatedly spray it with water a few times. In this way the plant is more likely to establish itself and survive, and it is also less likely to chill or shock its roots. Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' not only grows better, but also avoids the occurrence of root rot.