Repurposing Succulents Correctly: a Guide
Succulent Revamp: How to Repot for Lush Growth
Fancy greenery that's as effortless as it is stunning? Succulents are your jam. As gardening guru Cesario Gene Tobia, an award-winning exhibitor at the Philadelphia Flower Show, explains, "We adore them because they look beautiful and need minimal care." And that's music to a beginner green thumb's ears!
But even the most easy-breezy plants need a little TLC. So even though succulents can survive pot-bound, it's best to give them a new home every two to three years, says Tobia. Ready to learn how to repot like a pro? Here are some top tips from our gardening maestros.
- Cesario Gene Tobia, winner of the Rising Star Award in the horticulture category at the Philadelphia Flower Show.
- Britt Parrish, plant consultant and houseplant educator.
Catchy Headline: 14 Succulents That'll Thrive Indoors All Year Long
When's the Best Time to Repot?
Succulents don't require much TLC, but when you do repot, timing is everything. "Repot during the growing season, ideally in spring when the days are longer and warmer," advises Tobia.
Parrish, a houseplant educator, agrees that spring is prime time for repotting, but she also suggests early fall. Just remember, too much repotting can stress out your succulent, so keep an eye on its health- and the soil-before making any moves.
Signs It's Time to Repot
Succulents may not yearn for a new pad frequently, but when they do, they'll let you know. According to Parrish, watch for these telltale signs:
- Slowed or stalled plant growth
- Roots peeking out of the pot or over the soil line
- A generally unhealthy appearance
- Compacted, hard, or non-absorbent soil
Step-by-Step Guide to Repotting
Don't let repotting scare you off. Just take it slow and steady.
- Pick the Perfect PotFind a pot that's slightly larger than the previous one, but not too big to cause root rot. Both terracotta and ceramic work well for their drainage properties.
- Choose the Right MixAny store-bought cactus or succulent mix will do the trick. If you're feeling fancy, try blending equal parts store-bought cactus mix with perlite and pumice, and add a touch of slow-release fertilizer for an extra boost.
- Transfer the SucculentBrush soil off the roots gently and trim any dead or broken roots and leaves. Gently place the succulent into the new pot, making sure the leaves stay above the soil to avoid rotting. Cover the roots with fresh mix.
- Water with CareLet the succulent rest for a couple of days to allow the roots to heal before watering thoroughly. Use the soak-and-dry method- water deeply until the excess drains out, then wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again.
- Light & TemperaturePlace your repotted succulent in a bright, sunny spot- preferably a south-facing window-or under a grow light. Watch for signs of dehydration (wrinkly leaves) to know when to water again. Keep the succulent in a place with a temperature between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C) for optimal growth.
With these tips, your succulents will be thriving in no time! Happy repotting!
- Martha Stewart, a renowned name in home-and-garden lifestyle, shares her appreciation for succulents, commending their low-maintenance nature and elegant appearance.
- When it comes to repotting succulents, it's important to choose the right time, and according to Cesario Gene Tobia, the ideal periods are during the spring growing season when days are longer and warmer, or early fall.
- Britt Parrish, a plant consultant and houseplant educator, concurs with the spring timing, but also suggests early fall repotting, emphasizing the importance of monitoring the succulent's health and soil condition before making any repotting decisions.
- One can identify the need for repotting based on signs such as slowed plant growth, roots peeking out of the pot, an unhealthy appearance, compacted or non-absorbent soil, and succulents that have stopped thriving.
- The step-by-step guide to repotting includes picking a slightly larger pot with good drainage, using a mix of store-bought cactus or succulent mix, perlite, and pumice, gently transferring the succulent with trimmed roots and leaves, providing careful watering after repotting, and placing the succulent in a bright, sunny location to ensure optimal growth.
- Agreeing with these points, Martha Stewart would undoubtedly encourage her readers to maintain their succulents' health by repotting them every two to three years to encourage lush growth.
