Learning how to transplant a succulent is a key skill for any plant lover. It keeps your plants healthy and gives you more of them to enjoy. This simple guide will walk you through the process from start to finish.
Transplanting, also called repotting, is essential when your succulent outgrows its pot or the soil gets old. Doing it right prevents damage and helps your plant thrive in its new home. Let’s get your green thumb ready.
How To Transplant A Succulent
Before you start, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. Having everything ready makes the job smoother and less stressful for both you and the plant.
What You’ll Need
- A new pot with a drainage hole (one size larger than the current pot)
- Fresh succulent or cactus potting mix
- A small trowel or spoon
- Protective gloves (for spiky varieties)
- Newspaper or a tray to contain the mess
- Optional: perlite or pumice for extra drainage
Choosing the Right Pot and Soil
The pot is crucial. Always pick one with a drainage hole. Succulents hate sitting in wet soil. A pot that’s just an inch or two wider than the old one is perfect.
For soil, regular garden soil won’t work. It holds to much water. Use a special succulent mix that drains quickly. You can make your own by mixing two parts potting soil with one part perlite.
When to Transplant Your Succulent
Timing is important. The best time is during the plant’s active growing season, usually spring or early summer. Look for these signs that it’s time:
- Roots are growing out of the drainage hole.
- The plant looks too big for the pot and is top-heavy.
- The soil dries out extremely fast after watering.
- The plant has stopped growing despite good care.
Step-by-Step Transplanting Guide
Follow these steps carefully for a successful move.
Step 1: Prepare the New Pot
Place a piece of broken pottery or a mesh screen over the drainage hole. This stops soil from washing out. Add a layer of fresh potting mix to the bottom of the new pot. Fill it about one-third of the way.
Step 2: Remove the Succulent
This is the trickiest part. Tip the current pot on its side. Gently squeeze the pot or tap its sides to loosen the root ball. Carefully ease the plant out. If it’s stuck, you can use a chopstick through the drainage hole to push it out.
Never pull on the stem or leaves. Handle the plant by it’s root ball or lower leaves.
Step 3: Inspect and Loosen the Roots
Once the plant is out, gently shake off the old soil. Look at the roots. If you see any that are black, mushy, or dead, trim them off with clean scissors.
If the roots are tightly wound in a circle, gently tease them apart. This encourages them to grow outward into the new soil.
Step 4: Position in the New Pot
Set your succulent in the center of the new pot. The base of the stem should be just below the rim. Add or remove soil underneath until it sits at the right height. You want the top of the root ball to be about an inch below the pot’s rim.
Step 5: Add Fresh Soil
Hold the plant steady with one hand. With the other, scoop new soil around the roots. Gently tap the pot on the table to settle the soil and remove air pockets. Fill until the soil is level with the base of the plant.
Don’t pack the soil down to hard. Succulents need loose soil for their roots to breath.
Step 6: The Waiting Game (No Water!)
Here’s the most common mistake: watering right away. Do not water your succulent immediately after repotting. The roots have tiny breaks that need to heal. Watering too soon can cause rot.
Wait at least 5-7 days before giving it a thorough drink. This gives the plant time to settle and recover.
Aftercare Tips for Success
Your job isn’t quite done. Proper aftercare ensures your transplant is a success.
Place the repotted plant in bright, indirect light for a week or two. Avoid direct, harsh sun while it’s stressed. After the waiting period, water it deeply until water runs out the bottom. Then, return to your normal watering routine, letting the soil dry completely between waterings.
You might see some wrinkled or droopy leaves at first. This is normal as the plant adjusts. Resist the urge to overwater. New growth is a sign it has settled in happily.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can slip up. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Using a pot that is way to big. Excess soil holds moisture and can rot roots.
- Watering immediately after repotting (we mentioned it, but it’s that important!).
- Using dense, moisture-retentive soil.
- Handling the plant roughly and damaging the stem or roots.
- Putting it in full sun right away, which can sunburn the stressed plant.
Propagating During Transplant
Transplanting is a great time to make new plants. If your succulent has “pups” or offsets, you can gently separate them and pot them individually. If leaves fall off during the process, you can lay them on dry soil to propagate new babies. It’s a rewarding bonus.
FAQ Section
How often should I repot my succulent?
Most succulents need repotting every 2-3 years. Fast-growing types might need it yearly.
Can I use regular potting soil?
It’s not recommended. Regular soil retains water and can lead to root rot. Always amend it with gritty material like perlite.
My succulent looks sad after repotting. What’s wrong?
Some droopiness is normal. Ensure it’s not in direct sun and that you didn’t water to soon. Give it a week or two to perk up.
Do I need to water succulents before transplanting?
No. It’s easier to work with dry soil and dry roots. Water a few days before, then let the soil dry out completely before you repot.
What’s the difference between transplanting and propagating?
Transplanting is moving an entire plant to a new pot. Propagating is using leaves or cuttings to grow brand new, separate plants.
Transplanting your succulents doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right tools, timing, and a gentle touch, you can give your plants a fresh start. Remember the key steps: let the soil dry, be gentle with the roots, and wait to water. Your succulents will reward you with healthy growth for years to come.