Every 2 to 3 years your cactus becomes too cramped in its pot. To ensure that your protégé continues to thrive and bloom magnificently, the care program includes moving it to a larger container with fresh soil. This guide explains how to repot the thorny fellow correctly. Benefit from our tips on the ideal substrate and the perfect pot size.
How do I properly repot a cactus?
Repotting a cactus: In spring, between March and April, take the cactus out of the old pot, remove the soil, fill the new pot with drainage and fill it with special cactus or succulent soil. Place the cactus in the middle and press soil into place. After 2 weeks, water with lime-free water.
When is the best time?
If a cactus has completely rooted its pot, the soil is exhausted or is infested with pests, the plant feels uncomfortable. So that it doesn't lose its courage to live, repot the thorny gem in spring. A good date is at the end of winter, during the months of March and April. This not only reduces the stress on the cactus. Since the substrate is almost dry at this time, the work is particularly easy for you.
This earth appreciates cacti
The vast majority of cactus species are native to regions with sandy, dry soil, which consists primarily of mineral components and contains little humus. For this reason, conventional potting soil is unsuitable. Therefore, please use special succulent soil (€12.00 on Amazon) from specialist retailers. If you like to mix the soil yourself, make a mineral-organic mixture based on one of the following recipes:
- 2 parts leaf compost, 2 parts coconut fibers, 1 part pumice gravel, 1 part lava granulate
- 3 parts succulent soil, 2 parts expanded clay, 2 parts pumice
- 2 parts perlite, 2 parts pumice, 1 part lime-free quartz sand, 1 part vermiculite
Please place any soil with humic components in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes to sterilize it at 150 degrees.
How to determine the perfect pot size
So that the new pot is neither too big nor too small, we give you a simple rule of thumb here:
- Growth height under 100 cm: pot diameter corresponds to a third of the size
- Growth height over 100 cm: pot diameter corresponds to a quarter to a sixth of the size
A bowl is the right choice for shallow-rooted cacti. Beet roots thrive better in a deeper pot.
Repotting cacti – step-by-step instructions
If the sterilized, cooled soil and the new pot are ready, please wear thorn-proof gloves. Here's how to proceed correctly step by step:
- Unpot the cactus and remove the dry soil with a wooden stick
- In the new plant pot, spread out drainage made of expanded clay or pottery shards over the water drain
- Pour a first layer of new soil on top
- Place the cactus in the middle
Fill in the substrate gradually. To ensure it is distributed properly, push the pot onto the tabletop. Finally, press the soil down. After 2 weeks, water the cactus again for the first time with lime-free water.
Tip
Don't you feel like dealing with the sharp thorns? Then you don't have to give up cultivating the fascinating desert beauties, because there are cacti without spines. The mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis cassutha) is a shining example of cactus species friendly to your gardener.
