Whether the fronds are turning yellow due to a lack of nutrients, there is not enough space, the pot is damaged or for another reason - repotting the cycad every now and then can't hurt. How to do it right?
How and when should the cycad be repotted?
When repotting a cycad, the trunk should take up 2/3 of the soil surface and the repotting should be carried out in spring. Ideal soil has a pH between 5.8 and 6.8 and should be loamy and well-drained.
Requirement: Trunk occupies 2/3 of the earth's surface
Not every cycad should be repotted. Only when the trunk is thick enough should it be repotted. Repotting earlier can be more damaging. The trunk should take up around 2/3 of the soil surface in the pot.
As a rule, repotting is rarely necessary thanks to its slow growth. For young specimens, it is sufficient to put them in a new pot every 3 to 4 years. Older plants are repotted every 6 years.
The right season
Repotting is best started in spring after overwintering. The ideal period is between February and March. Then the cycad's growing season begins and its growth is stimulated due to increased sunlight and warmth.
Procedure for repotting
You should proceed as follows when repotting a cycad:
- choose a pot that is not too large and fill it 1/3 full with soil
- Carefully lift/pull the plant and the soil out of the old pot (it's best to grab it by the trunk)
- shake off old earth
- if applicable cut off dead roots
- Put the plant in the new pot
- cover with soil
- pour well
Conventional potting soil is suitable (€6.00 on Amazon). But a loamy substrate that has a high humus content, a moderate nutrient content and some quartz sand or fine pebbles would be optimal. The pH value should be between 5.8 and 6.8.
After repotting
Place your cycad in the sun or shade. It tolerates both locations. Remember not to fertilize it again until next year. When it comes to care, watering is particularly important after repotting.
Tips & Tricks
Attention: Shortly after repotting the cycad is weakened. It should only be exposed to direct sunlight again 2 weeks later.
