If your succulent collection is growing, knowing the basics of transplanting succulents is an essential skill. This simple step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring your plants thrive in their new homes. Whether you’re repotting a crowded arrangement or saving a plant from poor soil, the right technique makes all the difference.
Succulents are resilient, but they do require a gentle touch during a move. With the right timing, tools, and method, you can transplant them successfully every single time. Let’s get your plants settled into fresh soil.
Transplanting Succulents – Simple Step-By-Step Guide
This main guide covers the core process. Following these steps in order is the key to minimizing stress on your plant and preventing common issues like rot.
When to Transplant Your Succulents
The best time to repot is during their active growing season. For most succulents, this is in the warm spring or early summer months. This gives the roots time to establish in the new pot before growth slows in fall and winter.
There are also clear signs that your plant needs a new pot:
- Roots growing out of the drainage hole: This is a classic signal the pot is too small.
- The plant is top-heavy and tips over easily: Its body has outgrown its current base.
- Soil that dries out extremely fast: This means the root mass is large and there’s little soil left to hold moisture.
- Stunted growth: The plant has exhausted the nutrients in its old soil.
- You just bought it: Nursery soil is often not ideal for long-term home care.
Gathering Your Supplies
Having everything ready before you start creates a smooth experience. You won’t have to leave your plant with exposed roots to search for a tool.
- New Pot: Select one that is only 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 mix. Regular potting soil holds to much water.
- Trowel or Spoon: For moving soil.
- Gloves: Some succulents have sharp spines or irritating sap.
- Newspaper or a Tray: To keep your workspace clean.
- Optional – Perlite or Pumice: To add extra drainage to your store-bought mix.
- Optional – Chopstick or Pencil: Useful for untangling roots gently.
Step 1: Preparing the New Pot
Start by preparing the new home. Place a small piece of mesh, a coffee filter, or a shard of broken pottery over the drainage hole. This prevents soil from washing out while allowing water to flow through.
Add a shallow layer of fresh potting mix to the bottom of the pot. This gives the roots something to grow into immediately. Don’t fill the pot completely yet.
Step 2: Removing the Succulent Safely
This is the most delicate part. Do not pull the plant straight out by its stem, as this can damage it.
- Let the soil in the current pot be completely dry. Dry soil crumbles away from roots easier.
- Gently squeeze or flex the sides of a plastic pot to loosen the root ball. For ceramic pots, you may need to run a knife around the inside edge.
- Turn the pot sideways, support the plant at its base, and carefully tip it out. If it’s stuck, you can use the chopstick to push through the drainage hole to nudge it out.
Step 3: Inspecting and Teasing the Roots
Once the plant is out, examine its root system. Gently brush away the old, dry soil with your fingers. Look for any roots that are black, mushy, or smell bad—these are rotten and should be trimmed off with clean scissors.
If the roots are very tightly wound in a circle (root-bound), gently tease them apart. This encourages them to grow outward into the new soil. Don’t worry if a few small roots break; succulents are tough.
Letting the Roots Air Dry
If you had to trim away any rot, it’s crucial to let the roots air dry before planting. Place the succulent in a shady, airy spot for a day or two. This allows the cuts to callous over, which prevents new soil moisture from causing infection.
Step 4: Planting in the New Pot
Now, place your succulent in the center of the new pot on top of that base layer of soil. The goal is to plant it at the same depth it was growing before. The base of the stem should sit just above the soil line.
Holding the plant steady with one hand, use your other hand to add the fresh potting mix around the roots. Gently tap the pot on the table to help soil settle into gaps. Avoid packing the soil down tightly; you want it loose for air and water flow.
Step 5: The Critical Waiting Period
Here is the most common mistake in transplanting succulents: watering immediately. You must wait. After the move, roots have tiny wounds and need time to heal.
Do not water your newly potted succulent for at least 5-7 days. Place it in bright, indirect light during this time—not direct sun, which adds stress. After a week, you can give it a thorough watering and gradually return it to its normal sunny spot.
Special Transplanting Scenarios
Not every transplant is the same. Here’s how to handle a couple common situations.
Transplanting a Leaf Propagation or Pup
Baby plants are very delicate. Ensure the mother leaf is shriveled or the pup has its own substantial roots. Make a small hole in the soil with your finger and place the roots in, covering them lightly. Water very sparingly at first, as their tiny roots are prone to rot.
Transplanting a Large or Spiky Specimen
For big plants like agaves or very spiny cacti, use extra protection. Wrap the plant in several layers of newspaper or use specialized foam tongs to handle it. This protects both your hands and the plant’s delicate farina (powdery coating).
Aftercare for Your Transplanted Succulent
Your plant will need a few weeks to fully adjust. Resume your normal care routine gradually.
- Watering: After the first post-transplant water, wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. The pot is larger, so it will take longer to dry out than before.
- Light: Acclimate it slowly to direct sun over a week or two to prevent sunburn on tender new growth.
- Fertilizing: Wait at least a month before applying any fertilizer. Let it use the nutrients in the fresh soil first.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with care, sometimes plants show signs of stress. Here’s what to do.
- Leaves are wilting or wrinkling a lot: This is normal right after transplanting. It should stop once you give the first water after the waiting period.
- Bottom leaves turning yellow and mushy: This is often a sign of overwatering, especially if you watered too soon. Stop watering and let the soil dry out completely. You may need to check for root rot again.
- The plant looks droopy and stretched: It likely needs more light. Gradually increase its sun exposure.
- White or crusty residue on soil surface: This is usually mineral deposits from hard water. It’s harmless, but you can scrape the top layer of soil off and replace it.
FAQ Section
What is the best soil mix for transplanting succulents?
A fast-draining mix is non-negotiable. Use a pre-made cactus/succulent soil, or make your own with 2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite, and 1 part coarse sand. This prevents water from pooling around the roots.
How often should you transplant a succulent?
Most succulents only need repotting every 2-4 years. They actually prefer to be slightly root-bound. Transplant when you see the signs mentioned earlier, not on a strict schedule.
Can you transplant succulents in winter?
It’s best to avoid it if possible. Succulents are often dormant in winter and won’t recover as quickly. If you must (like in an emergency due to rot), do it indoors in a warm room and be extra cautious with water.
Do succulents need deep pots?
Not usually. Most have shallow root systems. A deep pot holds more wet soil, which can lead to rot. Choose a pot that is proportional to the plant’s size, focusing on width rather than depth for rosette-shaped types.
Why are my succulent’s leaves falling off after repotting?
A few leaves is normal, especially from the bottom. Excessive leaf drop is a stress sign, often from to much water, damaged roots, or not enough light after the move. Re-check your care conditions and ensure you let the soil dry properly.
Transplanting succulents is a straightforward task that gets easier with practice. By choosing the right time, handling the roots with care, and being patient with watering, you give your plants the best chance to flourish. Remember, the goal is to create a stable environment where the roots can breathe and grow. With this guide, you can confidently give your succulents the space and fresh soil they need to continue growing beautifully for years to come.