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How to Repot Succulents in 6 Easy Steps, Plus When to Do It

Learn when it’s time to repot your succulents and how to do it

Repotting succulents
Iryna Imago / Getty Images

Succulents are often thought of as slow-growing plants, but in fact, their growth rate depends on the type. At some point, all succulents need repotting—they may outgrow their current pot and be best suited in a new, larger one.

This guide tells you when and how to repot your succulents and succulent arrangements. 

When Do Succulents Need Repotting

Here are the scenarios for repotting succulents: 

  • Newly purchased plants in small plastic containers 
  • Succulents that have outgrown their pots, with roots filling the pot or growing out of the drainage holes 
  • Signs of pests or diseases or a generally unhealthy appearance 
  • Plants that have produced offsets or babies, also called pups 
  • Soil with poor drainage, a sign of which is no water soaking through the drainage holes 
  • Succulents that lean or topple over, which does not necessarily require a bigger pot, but a more stable pot made of a heavier material 

When to Repot Succulents

The best time to repot succulents is in the spring or early fall. For most succulents, this is before their peak growing season starts.

Succulents should never be repotted during their dormancy or when they are in bloom. Repotting during dormancy disrupts the growing cycle. The best time for summer-dormant succulents is in the fall and for winter-dormant succulents is in the spring.

Likewise, repotting a succulent while it is flowering is also an absolute no-no. The plant is in high gear producing flowers—repotting it during that time is likely to stop the bloom. 

How Often Succulents Need Repotting

The general recommendation is to repot succulents every two years, but that depends on the specific conditions and the growth of the plant. Instead of putting a time stamp on it, repot it as often as required to give the plant enough space to grow. 

Filling a pot for repotting succulents
Anton Petrus / Getty Images

How to Repot Succulents 

For slow-growing succulents, the new pot should be about 10 percent taller and wider than the old one. For succulents that grow a little faster, use a pot that is about 2 inches wider than the diameter of the plant. Large drainage holes are a must. 

The potting medium has to be porous with excellent drainage. A special succulent and cactus potting mix is ideal. If possible, use exactly the same type of potting medium that the succulent has been growing in, as this helps to avoid transplant shock. 

  1. Water the plant moderately a day or two before repotting. 
  2. Remove the plant from the old pot. Turn the plant sideways and pull out the plant by grabbing it at the base of the stem. If it’s stuck, tap the bottom of the container and wiggle, or loosen it by poking a stick through the drainage holes. 
  3. “Tickle” the roots with the goal of loosening them up. Starting at the bottom, gently remove as much soil as possible from the roots. Brush it away to shake it off. 
  4. Place any loose soil from around the roots in the new pot.
  5. Clean up the plant by trimming any roots that are dead or broken, as well as any overlong roots. Also, remove any dead leaves around the base of the plant. 
  6. Fill the new pot to about two-thirds with fresh potting mix and place the succulent in the center. Cover the roots completely with potting mix. Make sure the leaves are all above the soil level to prevent rotting.
Succulent with roots and soil

Cavan Images / Getty Images

How to Repot Succulent Arrangements

 Repotting succulent arrangements is more difficult than repotting a single succulent as the roots of the different plants are often entangled. 

If you are simply repotting the same arrangement of plants to a larger pot, choose one that is 10 percent taller and wider than the old one. If you omit or add succulents to the mix, scale the pot size up or down as needed. 

  1. Remove the entire arrangement from the pot instead of prying out each plant individually. 
  2. If the roots are entangled, try to loosen them with your fingers first. Removing the potting mix in-between the roots often helps separating the roots. Tearing, breaking, and even cutting some roots may be inevitable to separate the plants. Try to be as gentle as possible. 
  3. Carefully inspect each plant and its roots. Leave any plants that are visibly damaged or diseased out of the arrangement. 
  4. Follow the same steps as for an individual succulent. Leave about ½ to 1½ inch of space between the plants, depending on their size. 

Wear Gloves

Wearing gloves is not only a good idea when repotting a cactus and other thorny or spiny succulents. Some succulents, such as Euphorbia, ooze a milky sap when their stems are bruised or cut, which irritates the skin. Use leather gloves to protect yourself against thorns and spines.

Watering a succulent arrangement

 Anastasia Dobrusina / Getty Images

How to Care for Succulents After Repotting

Follow these rules to help the succulents overcome their transplant shock: 

  • Wait a few days before watering your newly planted succulents.
  • Even if your succulent is usually grown in direct sun, keep the newly repotted plant in a shaded spot (such as away from the window) for a few days.
  • Do not fertilize the plant immediately after repotting but wait a few weeks. The plant needs its energy to adapt to the new soil instead of putting out new growth stimulated by a fertilizer.
FAQ
  • Shall I water my succulents before repotting them?

    The verdict is out on this one. Some plant experts recommend to water the plants one to two days before and others don’t. Dry roots tend to be more brittle so watering the succulents before repotting has a slight advantage, provided it’s done moderately and the soil isn’t waterlogged or soggy afterwards.

  • Is it necessary to wash the roots when repotting succulents?

    Washing the soil of succulents is optional and usually only recommended if there was a problem with the old soil. The most common issue is compacted and hydrophobic soil (repelling water), which sticks to the roots. Be as gentle as possible and use room-temperature tap water to quickly rinse the roots under running water. Do not let the roots soak in water. Afterwards, it is crucial to let the roots dry very well before planting to prevent it from getting infected with diseases or rotting. Let the roots dry in a cool, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight for about 2 days, or until they callous over.

  • Do succulents go into shock after repotting?

    A certain degree of transplant shock is almost inevitable when repotting succulents. The plant has to recover from any damage that occurred during transplanting and has to adapt to new conditions. Possible signs of transplant shock include yellowing, dropping, or curling leaves, and/or a limp and dull look. Thankfully, this is temporary and should subside with a week or two.


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  1. Growing Succulents Indoors. Iowa State University.