Evergreen succulents have always captured my heart. Succulents are low maintenance plants that thrive in containers because to their unusual forms and thick leaves; I have a large collection of these well-liked varieties.
Repotting succulents every two years is a good general rule of thumb, if only to give them access to new, fertile soil. The beginning of a succulent’s growing season is the optimal time to repot it because it provides the plant its best chance of surviving. My gardeners, Ryan and Wilmer, took advantage of the snowy weather earlier this week to repot many succulent plants and propagate a variety of cuttings. Here are some pictures of the steps we took.
In times of drought, succulents, sometimes known as fat plants, store water in their fleshy leaves, stems, or stem-root systems. Because of their eye-catching shapes, succulents are frequently planted as attractive plants.
I needed to repot a few of the succulents in my collection either they had outgrown their pots or I wanted to relocate them into more attractive clay containers.
He stamps my name and the year the pot was produced on the reverse side. When I host big events in my home, they invariably look fantastic.
To aid in drainage, a clay shard is placed over the hole. Additionally, I like using clay pots because they permit adequate aeration and moisture to reach the plant via the sides.
We always keep the shards from broken pots; it’s a fantastic method to use those parts again.
Wilmer carefully takes a succulent from its pot without damaging any of the roots.
Wilmer then conducts a meticulous test to determine if the pot is the proper size for the plant. He picks a pot just a hair bigger than the plant’s original container.
Prills are the name for osmocote particles. A core of nutrients composed of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is covered by the prill’s beige shell.
For the finest drainage, we mix equal parts of sand, perlite, and vermiculite for succulents. The correct soil mixture will also aid in promoting rapid root growth and provide young roots with quick anchoring.
Wait a few days before watering the succulents after repotting to give them time to become used to the new soil.
Wilmer shifts to the following plant. This one too need a little maintenance attention. He picked up any fallen leaves.
In order to promote new development, Wilmer lightly pruned the roots after manually loosening the root ball.
Wilmer inserted the plant into the pot after adding some Osmocote and a little amount of potting soil.
The pale blue-gray leaves of Echevaria runyonii ‘Topsy turvy’ curve upward, are prominently inversely keeled on the bottom surface, and have leaf tips that point inward toward the center of the plant.
Echeverias are among the most alluring succulents, and plant aficionados greatly respect them for their brilliant colors and lovely rosette shapes.
An aeonium is a succulent with rosette-like leaves that grows quickly. Aeonium is a varied genus that includes little or medium-sized plants, stemless or shrub-like, and plants that favor sun or shade.
Succulents should be placed on a table so that they can get enough of natural light even when the sun isn’t shining directly on their pots.
Moreover, propagation is fairly simple. Here, Ryan uses sharp pruners to cut a three to four-inch portion of stem off the mother plant.
There should be about a half-inch of stem showing. A handful of them are ready to be planted here.
Ryan provides plenty of space for the plants. There will be plenty to use in mixed urns during the summer if all of these take root and grow into succulent plants. Four to six weeks following planting, new growth should start to show, at which point each plant should be repotted independently.
Inside my main greenhouse, all of my priceless plant collections are kept on long, sliding tables. They all have such lovely looks. Which succulents are your favorites? Please share your feedback in the spaces below.
After purchasing, should I repot my succulent?
After purchasing a succulent, be sure to repot it with soil and potting mix that are beneficial for succulents. I would recommend that you shouldn’t wait longer than two weeks before repotting it.
How do I determine the best time to repot my succulents?
Succulents are a favorite among home gardeners because to their distinctive colors, odd shapes, and low maintenance requirements.
Succulents are low maintenance, but that doesn’t mean you should plant them and leave them alone. There will probably come a point when your succulent requires a little more care in addition to making sure it gets the right amount of water and sunlight. Your succulent will eventually need to be repotted in order to give it a suitable environment in which to develop and flourish.
Continue reading for four reasons to repot succulents if you’re unsure whether or not yours does.
Roots are growing through the bottom of the pot
Do you notice white roots clogging the drainage holes in the container when you turn your succulent over? It’s time to repot your succulents if the answer is yes. It’s definitely time to repot if roots are the cause of your pot becoming unsteady. A decent rule of thumb is to leave about a 1/2-inch space around the pot’s edge and between your succulents (if you’re using more than one plant in a pot). Although you want to give your succulent some breathing space, a pot that is too large will actually slow down its growth. Additionally, make sure it has drainage holes. Drill a few holes into the bottom if there aren’t any. If you don’t want to drill holes in your pots, adding a layer of stones, like our Hydro stones, in the bottom of your pot is a fantastic alternative drainage method.
The soil dries out too fast
Have you ever noticed that after watering your succulent, the soil is completely dry again after a few hours? This is a clue that your succulent needs to be repotted because the potting soil is no longer suitable. Succulents want soil that drains easily, but they also require soil that remains damp long enough for the roots to absorb the liquid. Make sure to get the best potting medium for your plants when you repot succulents because of inadequate soil. Succulent soil and perlite, both of which are available at your neighborhood garden center, should be mixed in a ratio of 1:1.
Your succulents are top heavy
Your prized succulents need to be replanted if they are leaning or tipping over, which is an evident symptom. This does not necessarily imply that they require a larger pot, though! Some varieties of succulents grow tall while maintaining shallow root systems. Therefore, even though the roots of your succulent are content in its current container, you must repot it due to the top’s weight. In this case, you simply need a heavier pot—no need to acquire a bigger one. Use a hefty clay container or large stones in the bottom of a lighter pot to add weight when repotting your succulents.
Your succulent looks unhealthy
Have you observed that the once-plush and luscious leaves of your succulent are now limp, shriveling, or yellowing? These are symptoms of a sick plant, therefore it’s time to identify the issue and perhaps repot your succulents. If your succulent receives adequate water and light, then you should check for pests, disease, and rot as potential offenders. Examine the leaves of your succulent; if no issues are there, take the plant out of the pot and check the roots. Cut the roots back to where they seem healthy if you notice a problem with them. Repot your succulent after that in a clean container with new soil. Hopefully, your succulent plant will recover quickly after being re-potted.
Before repotting succulents, should I let them dry out?
Before repotting, give plants plenty of water. Before taking them out of the container, you must allow them to dry. If you’ve recently watered, skip this step. The idea is to make the plant’s leaves fully hydrated so that it won’t require additional watering for a few weeks after repotting.
If you are transplanting succulents that have grown too large for the pot, use a larger container. Pick which plants you’ll remove from the arrangement if you wish to repot them in the same container. Repotting just a portion of a plant is possible when some plants have multiplied with new shoots. Use the edge of a large spoon or hand spade to reach the plant’s roots in the bottom of the pot. You are then able to remove the entire root system.
When removing each plant, try to avoid damaging the roots. This is challenging, and in some cases, impossible. To make it simpler to remove them, make cuts through the soil and roots. As much of the old soil as you can shake off or remove. Apply cinnamon or rooting hormone to the roots before replanting. Leave roots that have broken or been cut out of the container for a few days so they can callus over. Replant in dry soil and hold off on watering for 10 to 2 weeks.
What about propagating leaf cuttings?
Some soft succulents will re-root from leaves, though it is typically more difficult. Pick thick, healthy leaves that are close to the base. Take off the leaves and allow them to dry for 4 to 7 days inside or in the shade. once the calloused cut cease,
Plant the leaves cut side down, vertically, in a bed of loose soil. Watch for new growth over the next months and water as you would a stem cutting.
Can I plant cuttings outdoors?
Because of the more unpredictable climatic circumstances, repotting cuttings outside is difficult. You can try planting a clipping of a succulent outside during the growing season if you live in the appropriate hardiness zone. Choose a spot that gets some sun, either direct or indirect. Observe the aforementioned recommendations and pay close attention to moisture levels. Be mindful that not all cuttings will thrive.
Do I need to fertilize?
There is no need for fertilizer, and using too much will harm young or unrooted succulents. In the spring growing season, mature, rooted succulents may withstand low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer.
How should a store-bought succulent be replanted?
- Repot your succulents in well-draining potting soil—anything with “cactus” on the bag will do! Any nearby hardware or gardening store will have this. Here is an illustration of cactus dirt.
- Pick a pot with a bottom drainage hole. Before adding the cactus soil, add a layer of rock if the pot of your dreams lacks drainage holes.
- Fill your pot with cactus dirt about 3/4 of the way up.
- To remove your succulent’s soil from its plastic container, gently squeeze the sides of the pot to release the soil.
- Remove any remaining soil from your succulent’s roots by gently crumbling it.
- After setting the succulent in its new pot, top out the pot with extra dirt to keep it in place.
- Now is an excellent time to water your succulent if you haven’t in a while. If you’re unsure, give your succulent a week or so to adjust to its new environment before watering. Then, wait until the soil is fully dry before watering it once more (usually about two weeks).
When you purchase a plant, do you repot it?
A fresh plant is such a joy to bring home. Additionally, the answer to the question of whether you should repotted a new plant is yes. Freeing the roots from the cramped grow container and settling them into a spacious new planter is the first step in taking care of your new plant. Plant expert Maryah Greene is here to show you how to repot a new plant in a way that helps it feel right at home in order to assist you and your green pals get off to the right start.
What should I do once I unpack my succulents?
It’s crucial to treat plants that have been stressed during shipping. Succulents are recognized for being among the lowest-maintenance plants, yet they sometimes struggle to survive a long journey and arrive in poor condition. As a result, it’s crucial to provide them with the right care so they can recuperate from the transit shock. What then should you do after your succulents arrive?
Unboxing your succulents as soon as you can should be your first step. Allowing your succulents to breathe some fresh air is the first step in helping them recuperate as they have been kept in a small area without sunshine for a long period. Your plants should be placed in open spaces with some filtered sunlight. Avoid being in the sun.
Examining the state of your succulent plants is the next stage. Here are some various situations that may be helpful.
Scenario 1: When your succulents arrive with dry and bare root
In this situation, you are free to plant it in a porous container with well-drained soil. They’re in a really fragile state right now, so take care not to hurt their roots. After you’ve finished repotting your succulents, place them in indirect sunlight and don’t water them for around two to three days. Give them a good soak after watering until water drips from the drainage hole.  
Don’t forget to gradually adapt your succulent to the sun over the course of two to three weeks.
Scenario 2: When your succulent arrive potted in dry soil
Place your succulents in shade and wait for at least two to three days before watering them if the dirt in the pot is dry. When the soil is fully dry, deeply water the plants to ensure that the roots can absorb enough water. Once more, acclimate your succulent to the illumination in your house gradually.
Scenario 3. When your succulents arrive with wet and bare root
The succulent should be placed in an open area and left there for a minimum of two to three days to allow the roots to air-dry. Your succulents can then be re-potted in suitable containers with an excellent drainage hole.
Before watering your succulents, let the soil drain completely. Don’t forget to soak them well until water drips from the drainage hole. Introduce your succulent to your home’s lighting conditions gradually.
Scenario 4. When your succulents arrive potted with wet soil
Check the condition of the succulents’ leaves and roots after they are potted with damp soil.
Take the succulent out of the pot and carefully look for any signs of root rot if the succulents exhibit any overwatering symptoms, such as swollen and yellow bottom leaves.
 
- If the stem and roots appear healthy, they may have been somewhat overwatered. Before re-potting a succulent in a pot with adequate drainage and cactus soil, try to remove the damp soil from the succulent roots and let them air dry for a couple of days. Don’t water for at least 3 more days. Please keep in mind that before adding any additional water, make sure the soil is totally dry.
- Depending on how terrible the plant condition is, you should behead your succulents if you observe the roots and stem becoming black. Once you have eliminated all of the rotting components, allow the cutting or succulents to air dry thoroughly for at least three days. Replant them in a pot with appropriate drainage and freely draining soil once they have developed a nice callus. Before you water them once more, wait another 2-4 days.
You can leave the succulent in the nursery pot if it appears healthy and has compact, firm leaves. Only water the succulent when the soil is fully dry. Repot the succulent if you’d like in a suitable container. Introduce your succulent to your home’s lighting conditions gradually.