The columnar cactus grows quite quickly if cared for well, so the pot quickly becomes too small. You should repot it now at the latest. When is the best time to repot and what do you have to consider?
How and when should you repot a columnar cactus?
Repotting a columnar cactus is ideally done in winter or spring. Choose a pot with at least the same diameter and fill the cactus soil with quartz sand or similar. Plant the cactus, water gently one week after repotting and avoid fertilizer in the first year.
The best time to repot the columnar cactus
Ideally repot a columnar cactus in winter or very early spring. The roots of this type of cactus are very sensitive and should not be damaged if possible. In winter, the columnar cactus takes a break, so any root damage is not as serious.
The right pot and plant substrate
The new pot for the columnar cactus must be at least as deep as the previous one. The diameter should be approximately one centimeter larger. Make sure there is a sufficiently large drainage hole in the floor.
Whether you choose a pot made of plastic or clay is a matter of opinion. Some experts recommend choosing only plastic pots because clay pots store too much water.
Cactus soil (€12.00 on Amazon) is recommended as a substrate, which you also mix with quartz sand. You can also use garden soil that you make more water-permeable with coconut fiber, sand and gravel.
Repotting columnar cactus
Carefully take the columnar cactus out of the old pot. Lightly shake off the used substrate. Check the roots for damage and disease. You can cut off old and diseased roots.
Place the columnar cactus in the prepared pot and fill with enough substrate. Only press the soil lightly. For larger specimens, stick thin wooden sticks to the edge of the planter to which you can tie the trunks. Then the columnar cactus remains upright.
Care for columnar cactus after transplanting
- Do not water in the first week
- water carefully afterwards
- do not fertilize in the first year
- don't put it in the blazing sun at first
After repotting, wait at least a week before watering the columnar cactus again. Then the injured roots can recover in the meantime.
Tip
It's better not to touch a columnar cactus with your bare hands. It's not just the very strong, sharp thorns, depending on the species, that can cause serious damage to the skin. The fine hairs of other types are also not without danger, as they pierce the skin with barbs.
