Repot succulents: How often should water succulents after repotting?

 Repot succulents: Low-maintenance and colorful, succulent plants are available in thousands of exquisite varieties that homeowners everywhere love. Succulents are loved by many houseplant growers because of their diverse shapes, beautiful foliage, and easy-to-prepare nature. The fact that succulents are so flexible makes them excellent easy indoor plants for beginners. If you’ve recently acquired a new succulent and wish to repot it, rest assured that the process is straightforward.

Repot succulents: Step By step

Repotting succulents is easy and may improve their health and appearance. Here are the basic steps:

Step 1: Select a New Pot: Opt for a new container that is slightly larger and deeper than the current one. Ensure it has at least one drainage hole at the base. Materials like terra-cotta or any pot allowing adequate air circulation and water drainage work well.

Step 2: Carefully Extract the Succulent: Gently remove the succulent from its existing pot by grasping it at the base. If the plant is spiny, consider tapping the bottom of the pot or using a cloth to shield your hands. Be cautious not to harm the roots or stem.

Step 3: Root Maintenance: Employ garden tweezers or a fork to gently loosen the roots. This encourages them to spread and thrive in the new soil. Eliminate any dead or decayed roots and trim excessively long ones.

Step 4: Prepare the New Pot: Fill the fresh container with a succulent-specific soil mix or a blend of potting soil and coarse sand. Optionally, add gravel or clay pebbles at the bottom to enhance drainage. Leave some space at the top to accommodate watering.

Step 4: Plant with Precision: Position the succulent in the center of the new pot and lightly pack the soil around it. Ensure the plant is stable and not planted too deeply or too shallow. You can enhance the aesthetic by placing decorative stones or pebbles on the soil’s surface.

Step 6: Proper Watering: Thoroughly water the succulent until excess water flows out of the drainage hole. Allow the surplus water to drain entirely, avoiding overwatering. Then, place the succulent in a well-lit area with indirect sunlight, allowing it to acclimate to its new environment.

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How often should I water my succulent after repotting?

You should water your succulent after repotting only when the soil is completely dry. This may take about a week or two, depending on the season, the type of succulent, and the new soil. You should avoid watering immediately after repotting, as this can cause root rot and damage the plant. You should also water thoroughly until water drains out of the hole, and let the excess water drain completely.

Some common mistakes in watering succulents are:

• Using containers without drainage holes, which can cause the soil to become waterlogged and the roots to rot.
• Misting instead of watering, which can prevent the succulents from getting enough moisture and cause them to dry out.
• Not watering enough, which can cause the succulents to dehydrate and shrivel up.
• Overwatering, which can cause the succulents to become mushy, yellow, or brown, and develop fungal diseases or pest infestations.
• Watering too frequently or inconsistently, which can stress the succulents and affect their growth cycle.
• Watering the leaves or stem instead of the soil, which can cause rot or sunburn.
• Not considering the environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, and light, which can affect the watering needs of succulents.

What is the best soil mix for succulents?

Determining the ideal soil mix for succulents isn’t set in stone, as different succulents may exhibit varying preferences and requirements. Nevertheless, a general guideline is to provide succulents with well-draining soil that doesn’t retain excessive moisture, which can lead to root rot and other issues. A suitable succulent soil mix should also offer nutrients and adequate air circulation for healthy growth.

One effective way to craft an appropriate succulent soil mix is to blend two parts inorganic matter, such as sand, perlite, pumice, or turface, with one part organic matter, such as potting soil, peat moss, bark chips, or compost. This concoction yields a porous and lightweight soil that facilitates rapid drainage of excess water and inhibits compaction. Adjust the inorganic-to-organic ratio based on your succulents’ species and size, your local climate, and your watering routine.

Alternatively, you can opt for pre-made potting mixes specially formulated for succulents and cacti. These mixes typically incorporate a combination of ingredients that promote proper drainage, aeration, and nourishment for succulent plants. Some examples of these mixes include Bonsai Jack’s Gritty Mix, Espoma Organic Cactus Mix, Wonder Soil Premium Cactus & Succulent Mix, Superfly Bonsai Succulent & Cactus Soil Mix, and RePotMe Imperial Cactus and Succulent Classic Potting Mix. These can be found online or at your nearby garden center.

Regardless of your chosen soil mix, it’s crucial to test its drainage capabilities before planting. Fill a small pot with the soil mix, water it until excess water drains from the bottom, then wait for 10 minutes. Check the saucer beneath the pot to gauge the remaining water. If you observe more than a thin layer of water, your mix may be too wet and require more inorganic matter. Conversely, if there’s no water at all, consider adding more organic matter to address dryness.

How to Care for Succulents After Repotting?

After repotting, be cautious with watering to prevent overhydration and root rot. Wait until the soil has thoroughly dried out before considering watering again. Succulents thrive in slightly moist but not overly wet soil, so exercise restraint and ensure excess water drains away.  During the initial days post-repotting, shield your succulent from direct sunlight. Instead, place it in a well-lit area with indirect light. Gradually increase the exposure to direct sunlight as the plant acclimatizes to its new pot and soil.

Also, Monitor the moisture level in the soil, and remember to employ well-draining soil and pots. Succulents require soil that allows water to pass through swiftly, preventing waterlogged conditions. You know that Succulents have modest nutritional requirements and can be sensitive to excessive feeding.  Opt for a diluted liquid fertilizer formulated for succulents and cacti, and administer it once a month during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent potential harm.

 You just Keep a watchful eye for pests and diseases that may impact your succulent following repotting. Be on the lookout for telltale signs of issues such as mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, aphids, or fungal infections. Treat any infestations or diseases with organic remedies or insecticidal soap as necessary.