Knowing the basics of transplanting succulents is a key skill for any plant lover. Whether your plant has outgrown its pot, you’ve just brought one home, or you’re dealing with root rot, a simple move can make all the difference. This guide will walk you through the process with clear, easy-to-follow steps.
Transplanting might seem scary, but succulents are surprisingly tough. With the right timing and method, you can ensure your plant thrives in its new home. Let’s get started with what you’ll need.
Gathering Your Supplies
Having everything ready before you start makes the process smooth. You don’t need fancy tools, just a few essentials.
- A New Pot: Choose one that is 1-2 inches wider in diameter than the current pot. It must have a drainage hole.
- Fresh Potting Mix: Use a specialized succulent or cactus soil. Regular potting soil holds too much moisture.
- Your Succulent: The star of the show!
- Trowel or Spoon: For moving soil.
- Protective Gloves: For spiky varieties.
- Newspaper or a Tray: To contain the mess.
- Optional: A small brush or chopstick, and perlite for extra drainage.
Transplanting Succulents – Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you’re prepared, follow these steps carefully. The best time to transplant is during the growing season, which is spring or early fall.
Step 1: Prepare the New Pot and Soil
Start by preparing the new home. This prevents your succulent from sitting out with exposed roots for too long.
- Place a piece of mesh, a coffee filter, or a small rock over the drainage hole to stop soil from washing out.
- Fill the bottom third of the new pot with your fresh succulent soil mix. Don’t pack it down tightly.
Step 2: Remove the Succulent from Its Old Pot
This step requires a gentle touch. The goal is to minimize damage to the roots and leaves.
- If the soil is dry, gently squeeze the sides of the flexible pot or tap the rim of a rigid pot on a table.
- Turn the plant sideways, hold it by the base of the stem (not the leaves!), and carefully ease it out.
- If it’s stuck, you can use a chopstick through the drainage hole to gently push the root ball out.
Step 3: Inspect and Loosen the Roots
Once the plant is out, take a close look at its root system. This is a crucial health check.
- Healthy Roots: Look white or light tan and feel firm.
- Unhealthy Roots: Are dark brown, black, mushy, or brittle. They might smell bad.
- Gently loosen the root ball with your fingers. Shake off most of the old, dry soil. If roots are circling tightly, you can make a few careful cuts to encourage new growth.
Step 4: Treat Any Root Rot
If you see signs of rot, don’t panic. Succulents can often recover if you act quickly.
- Using clean, sharp scissors, snip off all the dark, mushy roots. Cut back until you see healthy, firm tissue.
- Let the plant sit out in a shady, airy spot for a day or two to let the cuts callous over. This prevents new soil moisture from causing infection.
Step 5: Position and Plant in the New Pot
Now you’re ready for the actual planting. The depth is important.
- Hold your succulent over the new pot so the base of the stem sits just below the rim.
- Gently add soil around the roots, using a spoon or your fingers. Tap the pot to settle the soil—don’t press it down.
- The goal is to support the plant so it stands upright. The soil level should be the same as it was in the old pot; don’t bury the stem deeper.
Step 6: The Critical Waiting Period (No Water!)
This is the step even experienced gardeners sometimes forget. Resist the urge to water!
- After transplanting, place the pot in bright, indirect light for about a week.
- Do not water it. The roots have tiny abrasions and need time to heal before being exposed to moisture, which could cause rot.
- After a week, you can give it a thorough watering, letting excess flow out the drainage hole.
Aftercare for Your Transplanted Succulent
Your job isn’t quite done. Proper aftercare ensures a successful transition.
- Light: Gradually acclimate it to direct sun over a week or two to prevent sunburn.
- Watering: Return to your normal “soak and dry” routine only after the first post-transplant watering. Always check that the soil is completely dry first.
- Fertilizer: Wait at least a month, or until you see new growth, before applying a diluted succulent fertilizer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding these pitfalls will greatly increase your success rate.
- Using a Pot Without a Drainage Hole: This is the number one cause of root rot.
- Watering Too Soon: Always wait at least a week after transplanting.
- Choosing a Pot That’s Too Large: Excess soil holds moisture longer, risking root rot.
- Using the Wrong Soil: Regular potting mix retains to much water for succulents.
- Burying the Stem: This can lead to stem rot. Keep the stem above the soil line.
FAQ: Your Transplanting Questions Answered
How often should I transplant my succulent?
Most succulents need repotting every 2-4 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage hole, the plant looks top-heavy, or growth has stalled.
Can I use regular garden soil?
No, you should not. Garden soil is too dense and retains water, which will suffocate and rot succulent roots. A gritty, well-draining mix is non-negotiable.
What if my succulent has babies (offsets)?
You can gently remove the offsets during transplanting. Let them dry for a day or two to form a callous, then place them on top of soil to root—this is how you propagate new plants!
My succulent’s leaves fell off during transplant. Is it okay?
A few leaves dropping is normal due to handling. As long as the stem and roots are healthy, it should recover. Those leaves can also be used for propagation.
How long before I see new growth?
Don’t worry if your plant seems dormant for a few weeks. It’s focusing energy on root establishment. You should see new growth within 4-6 weeks in the growing season.
Transplanting succulents is a straightforward process that gets easier with practice. By following this simple step-by-step guide—especially the parts about well-draining soil, careful root handling, and holding off on water—you give your plants the best chance to flourish. Remember, the key is to work with the plant’s natural resilience and provide it with the conditions it prefers. With a little care, your succulents will continue to bring you joy for years to come in their perfectly sized homes.