Follow this step-by-step guide to find out how to repot succulents to make sure that they thrive.

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Repotting succulents is super easy, but you need to know the proper way to do it in order to ensure that the health and stability of your plant are not compromised.

All succulents are different and require slightly different handling, so make sure to assess the fragility of your plant, or its potential danger to you, i.e. cactus needles, before beginning the repotting process.

When succulents need repotting

Depending on your succulent/cactus species, the frequency of repotting may be different. But no matter what the reason is, it’s always best to do it right before their growing season, which usually happens in early spring or early fall to most succulents. Based on my experience, early spring is the best option.

Bought succulents usually come in small, plastic containers, which can hinder their growth. After bringing home your new baby, it’s highly recommended to transfer them to a different planter within 2 weeks.

Another sign that your succulent needs repotting is when the roots are growing out of the drainage holes.

How often to repot succulents

It is recommended to repot adult succulents and cacti every 2-3 years.

But if you see that your succulent is growing fast and it already needs repotting, don’t wait any longer.

If you want to maximize the health and growth of your succulents, then it’s best to transfer them into bigger pots when needed.

What pot size you’ll need for repotting succulents

Choosing the right pot size for succulents is all about selecting one that will prevent them from becoming root-bound. It’s possible to get away with a smaller pot, but you risk stunting their growth if they are not given enough room to spread out.

It’s recommended to choose a pot that is 1-2 sizes larger than the previous one in order to provide it with adequate growing room and to avoid any stress in the root system.

For instance, if your plant is in a 4″ pot and has become root-bound or significantly limited in its ability for growth, we would recommend switching it into a 6″ pot to give it more space and breathing room.

Types of pots for succulents repotting

Now that you know what kind of pot size you’ll need, it’s time to decide on your planter material like earthenware or plastic.

Decorative pots: If you want a decorative pot to accentuate your living room or office, then you can choose from many different sizes and designs.

Pots made of plastic: Plastic planters are good for succulents and cacti because the soil dries out quickly, which helps prevent root rot.

Earthenware pots: For potting succulents in earthenware, remember that porous pots retain more water than plastic ones, so you will need to plant them appropriately depending on your climate zone. This type of pot also allows for better air circulation than plastic ones, which is good for succulents.

Things you’ll need for repotting succulents

You will need the following materials to repot succulents:

• a pot – pick a pot that is 1-2 sizes larger than the previous one. Check succulents resources page for my favorite pots selection.
• soil mix – succulents require a specific soil mix to retain water and nutrients, but also provide drainage. For example:

Potting mix

Check it on Amazon.

Cactus soil mix

Check it on Amazon.

• fertilizer – since using the right type of soil is important for healthy succulents, make sure to use a specialty cactus and succulent fertilizer like this one.
• rocks or mulch for drainage – make sure to add some larger rocks at the bottom of your planter, which will help with drainage and prevent root rot. For example:

Clay pebbles

Check it on Amazon.

Pumice

Check it on Amazon.

• gardening gloves – to protect your hands and make the whole repotting experience a nice one. I use these for gardening.
• small shovel for scooping – you will need one to help with the repotting process. Here is a fantastic little tool kit for a succulent garden.
• designated space and cleaning supplies – I put a plastic bag on the table and do all of the repotting on it to make cleaning afterward easier.

Step-by-step guide how to repot succulents

Succulents repotting process is simple, just follow these steps:

1. Prepare a new pot.

Choose a pot that is 1-2 sizes larger than the previous one. Make sure that your pot is clean and dry before putting the soil mix in it.

2. Remove the succulent from the pot.

Remove the entire plant from the previous planter, but keep all of the soil intact with the roots.

3. Clean the roots.

Gently slide out excess soil until you reveal only the roots of your succulent. Use a small shovel to gently scrape off any dark, dead roots.

4. Repot your succulent in the larger pot.

At the bottom of a new pot add rocks or mulch for better drainage and cover with a layer of soil mix.

Place the plant into its new planter and fill around it with as much soil as possible without disrupting its position within your pot as well as making sure that ends of those little roots are covered too for healthy growth.

When repotting succulents in soil, you must make sure that the plant is planted deeply enough in the pot. It is important to make sure that the plant is well anchored in the pot.

Press down on top few inches of soil around your plant to help secure it in place as well as give it a nice shape.

5. Water the succulent.

Once you have potted it, make sure to water your succulent immediately. The amount of watering depends on the pot size and soil mix that you used. The smaller your pot is, the more frequently you will need to water it. The larger it is, the less often you’ll need to give plant a drink.

Things to keep in mind while repotting succulents

Succulents must be repotted with care and attention to detail. Before you begin, keep the following things in mind:

Learn about your succulent’s needs

It is important to know the needs of a particular succulent before repotting because not all succulents require the same soil mix or amount of water. For example, cacti and succulents that come from arid climates need to be watered less often than those that come from tropical regions.

Soil mix

Soil mix is very important for succulents and cactus because it provides them with the nutrients they need, but also allows for proper drainage of water through its composition. Succulents require a specific soil mix to retain moisture, but at the same time provide good drainage. That’s why you should always use a specialty cactus and succulent soil like this one.

Drainage

It’s also important to make sure you have drainage when repotting succulents into soil. This will allow for proper drainage of water through its composition. Succulents require a specific type of soil mix that retains moisture but at the same time provides good drainage. It is very important for succulents to have perfect drainage, because without it, they will start to rot.

Fertilizer

The purpose of a cactus and succulent fertilizer is to provide the necessary nutrients to the plant. This will make sure that your succulents will grow healthy and strong. A cactus and succulent fertilizer like this one, for example, is specifically designed with the needs of succulents in mind so it has everything they need.

Heat and light stress

Succulents are particularly susceptible to heat stress from prolonged temperatures over 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 C) and require shade when brought indoors in the summer months. They should be kept out of direct sunlight while indoors as well.

Humidity

Succulents don’t require high humidity environments though some varieties can grow in low-humidity areas too but only if the soil has a low pH. Succulents require well-draining soil to survive, so they do not tolerate wet feet. In fact, over-watering succulents can be fatal because it promotes root rot and other diseases that will quickly cause your plant to wilt or die.

Light

During the winter months when their growth slows down, most succulents require shorter periods of darkness during the day (10 hours) or bright indirect light. However, cacti prefer bright sunlight in the summer months if grown outside and direct sun may scorch them in winter if taken outside too soon after re-potting. A north facing windowsill is ideal for most varieties of succulent plants indoors or out year round.

Related posts:

• Low Light Succulents That Thrive Indoors
• Hanging Succulents You Can Easily Grow
• Cactus Cuttings: How Do You Take It?
• 27 Purple Succulents You’d Want to Grow

How to care for succulents after repotting

Repotting is very important for succulents and cactus. However, you must also know how to care for succulents after repotting. Repotting is basically re-planting a plant in a larger pot with fresh soil. Therefore, to help your succulents grow and glow following some certain steps:

1) Water your succulent’s soil only after the soil has dried out completely.

2) Water your succulents sparingly. Succulent plants do best with deep waterings every 2-3 weeks, but should be allowed to dry out between each watering.

3) Fertilize your plant at the beginning of spring and summer months by adding a cacti/succulent fertilizer to the soil.

4) Re-potting is necessary when roots are growing out of drainage holes or soil becomes cracked and hard. Repotting would also provide fresh soil for your succulent’s roots to grow in, allowing them to continue healthy growth!

Conclusion

Repotting is very important for succulents and cactus. However, you must also know how to repot succulents. In this article I’ve covered all the steps and materials you’ll need to successfully repot succulents. I hope you’ve enjoyed the post and please do share it with your friends and family!

Good luck with repotting!