Replanting succulents involves carefully removing the plant from its old pot and placing it into a new container with appropriate soil and drainage.
Preparing to Replant Succulents
Succulents often need replanting when they outgrow their current pot, the soil is depleted, or they require fresh growing medium. The process is straightforward and helps ensure your succulent remains healthy.
What You'll Need:
- Trowel: For digging around the plant.
- New Pot: Slightly larger than the old one, with drainage holes.
- Potting Mix: A specific soil mix formulated for succulents, often containing sand, pebbles, or perlite for drainage.
- Gloves (Optional): To protect your hands from spines or dirt.
Steps for Replanting
Based on the reference provided, here's how to replant your succulent:
- Gently Extract the Plant: Simply dig around the plant with a trowel.
- Protect the Roots: Try not to sever the outer fibers of the root ball during removal.
- Clean the Roots: Knock off any excess dirt from the root ball.
- Prepare the New Pot: Fill a different pot with a layer of sand and pebbles for drainage, followed by a soil mix.
- Replant: Replant the succulent into the new pot that you've filled with sand, pebbles, and a soil mix that will stimulate new growth for your specific type of succulent.
- Settling In: Allow the succulent a few days to settle into its new pot before watering, which helps prevent root rot.
Choosing the Right Pot and Soil
Selecting the correct pot and soil is crucial for succulent health after replanting.
- Pot Material: Terra cotta pots are excellent as they are porous and help the soil dry out quickly, which succulents prefer. Plastic or glazed pots can also work but require more careful watering to avoid oversaturation. Always ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.
- Soil Mix: A standard potting mix is usually too dense for succulents. A specialized succulent or cactus mix provides the necessary drainage. As the reference suggests, this mix should include components like sand and pebbles. You can also mix perlite or pumice into regular potting soil to improve drainage.
| Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pot with Holes | Allows excess water to escape |
| Sand | Improves drainage |
| Pebbles | Improves drainage |
| Succulent Soil | Provides nutrients while draining well |
After Replanting Care
Once replanted, your succulent needs a little time to adjust.
- Watering: Avoid watering immediately after replanting. Wait a few days to a week to allow any root damage to heal and reduce the risk of rot. When you do water, water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
- Light: Place the replanted succulent in an area where it receives the appropriate amount of light for its specific species. Most succulents need bright, indirect light, and some can tolerate direct sun.
- Fertilizing: You can lightly fertilize during the growing season (typically spring and summer) a few weeks after replanting, using a diluted succulent fertilizer.
Following these steps will help your succulent thrive in its new home.
