You might have heard of succulents often, which is why you’re here! For starters, succulents are a type of plant with thick, fleshy leaves or stem that store water, allowing them to survive in arid conditions.
They are well-known as indoor or outdoor plants due to their low maintenance and unique look. With a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, succulents contribute a touch of natural beauty to any setting, perfect as decor.
But believe us, you need to replant your succulents if you want them to stay healthy and attractive. So how do you do it? Stick with this post as we discuss how to replant succulents, how to care for them, and why it’s a must to repot them!
What’s the importance of replanting succulents?
Many people keep asking the same question. Is it necessary to replant succulents, given that they can store water on their own? Is it a must to know how to replant succulents?
The answer is yes, it is! But why?
Replanting succulents is important for their continued growth and health.
Like any other plants, succulents will outgrow their containers, resulting in root overcrowding. This can lead to stunted growth and other health issues for the plant.
Additionally, replanting your succulents provides the opportunity to improve the soil and provide fresh nutrients. Regular replanting also helps to maintain the plant’s shape and overall aesthetic, allowing it to continue to thrive and bring beauty to its environment.
What are the needs of succulents?
Before we go to the process of how to replant succulents, let’s look at some of the growing conditions of this plant in terms of light, water, and soil requirements.
Light requirements
Generally, succulents thrive in bright, indirect light or partial shade but can also tolerate some direct sun.
However, excessive exposure to direct sun can cause sunburn, discoloration, or damage to the plant’s leaves. Meanwhile, low light conditions can lead to leggy growth and decreased health.
The amount of light a succulent needs depends on the species and the environment. That’s why monitoring how they react and adjusting as necessary is important.
Water requirements
We know that succulents can store water in their leaves or stem, right? That’ll give us the idea that they have unique and specific water requirements. Here’s what you need to remember.
Do not over-water your succulents, as this can lead to root rot, a common problem for succulents. Instead, it’s best to let the soil dry out completely between waterings and then provide a thorough watering.
Watering frequency will depend on several factors, such as the following.
- Size of the pot
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Light levels
For example, succulents planted in smaller pots require more frequent watering than those planted in larger pots. To determine if a succulent needs water, it’s best to stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, then it’s time to water.
Soil requirements
Succulents prefer well-draining, gritty soil that does not keep moisture for long periods.
You can plant your succulents in a combination of regular potting soil and sand, perlite, or pumice to increase drainage. It’s also important to ensure that the pot used for planting has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. You do not want standing water because it can lead to root rot.
Using the right type of soil and pot can provide the best possible growing conditions for your succulent to thrive.
Preparation for replanting your succulents
Before getting your hands dirty and go straight on how to replant succulents, make sure you’ve done these three helpful preparations we have. This will save you time.
1. Prepare the tools and materials needed.
- A clean, new pot with drainage holes
- Well-draining succulent soil
- Sand, perlite, or pumice (optional)
- A sharp knife or pair of scissors
- A spoon or trowel for digging and handling soil
- A watering can or mister
2. Prepare your soil
- Mix regular potting soil with sand, perlite, or pumice to improve drainage (approximately two parts potting soil to 1 part additive)
- Fill the new pot with the prepared soil, leaving about an inch of space from the top.
3. Select the right size for your pot.
- Your new pot should be just big enough to accommodate the root ball, leaving about an inch of space around it. A pot that is too large can lead to excess moisture in the soil, which can cause root rot.
- If the succulent has outgrown its pot, choose a pot about 2 inches wider in diameter.
Steps on how to replant succulents
Here’s the exciting part! Follow these steps on how to replant succulents, and you’ll be good.
- Gently remove the succulent from its current pot.
- Tap the pot to loosen the soil and root ball.
- Carefully brush away any old soil and debris from the roots.
- Check the roots for any signs of damage, rot, or disease.
- Trim any damaged or dead roots with a sharp knife or scissors.
- If the roots are heavily tangled or congested, gently untangle them to encourage better growth.
- Fill the new pot with prepared soil, leaving about an inch of space from the top.
- Make a small hole in the soil, and carefully place the root ball in the pot.
- Fill the gaps around the roots with additional soil.
- Firm the soil around the roots with your hands or a spoon to remove any air pockets.
- Water the succulent lightly, allowing the water to drain thoroughly.
- Place the pot in bright, indirect light or partial shade and let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
How to care for your newly replanted succulents?
Now that you’re done replanting your succulent, it’s time to take care of them. But how? Here are some of our recommendations.
- Let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
- Avoid watering the leaves, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
- Water less frequently in the winter, when succulents go dormant.
- Place the pot in bright, indirect light or partial shade.
- Check for signs of disease, such as yellowing or spotted leaves, and address them promptly.
- Pinch back leggy growth to encourage bushier growth and maintain a compact form.
- Repot the succulent into a larger pot as needed, following the above steps.
By following these tips, you can provide the best care for your newly replanted succulent and ensure its continued health and growth.
Replant your succulents for healthy growth!
The success of replanting your succulents doesn’t end with the repotting process. You should be able to take care of it to call it a success. Remember that proper care is essential for the health and survival of your plants. When you give them proper care, you can maintain your succulents attractive, healthy, disease-free, and longer lifespan.
So, if you have succulents in your room right now, it’s time to check and see if they need to be replanted immediately! Get started and follow the steps mentioned above.