As far as houseplants are concern , cacti are some of the best ones to have around . There are so many variety , shape , size , and colors , andthey’re consummate for beginnersand experts likewise ! Cacti are generally low - maintenance industrial plant ; however , when it comes to repotting , it ’s important that you do so tactfully and carefully . Knowing how to repot a cactus properly is indispensable to prevent harm coming to you or your plant .
Why you should repot your cactus
It ’s important to repot a cactus for the same reason you require to repot the rest of your houseplant : It pass on them room to grow bigger and healthier and replenishes the nutrient in the soil . On average , you ’ll find yourself repotting a cactus every two to four years for a mature plant , and potentially every year or two for one that ’s still growing .
How to tell when a cactus is ready for repotting
The best clip to repot your cactus is during the alive growing time of year as that ’s when it ’s healthiest . You ’ll live your cactus is quick for a new home when the roots bulge to pry through the drain hole at the bottom ( drainage holes are especially important here ) . The two to four yr timeline is simply a ballpark with a destiny of factors , such as how often and how much you fertilize , how old the cactus is , and if it ’s a fast- or slow - growing variety . For example , more fertilisation entail the soil will last closer to four years as far as nutrients go , but if the cactus grows tight , you may rule yourself repotting preferably . When think how to repot a cactus , it ’s important to be mindful of every variable .
How to safely repot your cactus
Repotting cacti is n’t the same as repotting most other plants , simply due to the fact that they have spines that represent as aegis . Although you are n’t there to harm it , the spines will still hurt you if proper precaution are n’t taken . These include using gardening glove made of thick canvas or leather — the backbone will penetrate fabric gloves , so you should avoid those — and gently using metal tongs .
Things you’ll need to get started
There are a few thing you ’ll need for the outgrowth : protective gloves , tongs , newsprint , cacti / succulent potting mixing , and a Modern container .
Using a succulent / cacti potting mixture as oppose to a received indoor works mix helps ensure that the cactus will get the specific nutrients it needs . Specialty soils ( for any industrial plant ) are always design with that type of works in brain . When prefer a container , be sure you blame one with a drainage cakehole so that the excess water has somewhere to go .
Really, how important is the pot?
A proper container is more important for cacti than you think . Unlike some houseplants , they like just enough elbow room to develop but wo n’t do well in a space that ’s too declamatory . Even tight growing varieties do n’t grow all that speedily , and you should always take care to repot in one size up from the cactus ’ current home .
As far as materials go , a pot made of terracotta or stiff will aid give the rootage room to breathe , and having a drainage hole will allow supernumerary water to have somewhere to go . We all screw what happens when cacti roots seat in quaggy soil . The story never ends well . Plus , the drainage hole is perhaps the best indicator for knowing when your cactus is quick to be repotted .
A step-by-step process for repotting
To successfully and safely repot your cactus , follow this step - by - step guide :
Caring for your newly potted cactus
Once your cactus is happily sitting in its new home , put it back in the same location it was thriving in before . If there was something unseasonable with the surroundings ( for example , it did n’t have enough luminosity ) , this is also a bully time to try out a unexampled spot ! Although you ’ll be invite to water right aside , you should let the cactus acclimate to the raw jackpot for about a workweek before watering on a regular basis again .
Cacti are notoriously hardy and can handle transplantation with ease so long as nothing was damaged . Be sure to always use metal tongs lightly , without squeeze closely as you could puncture the plant . With the right-hand aid , your cactus will uphold to thrive .
