How to properly repot a cactus at home without getting pricked?

Caring for this plant is generally straightforward, but repotting requires special attention. It's important to know how to properly repot a cactus indoors, as mistakes can disrupt its normal growth and development, and in some cases, even cause its death.

It's important to choose the right time for repotting, the optimal container and soil mixture, prepare the plant for the procedure itself, and take its specifics into account during the process, all the while keeping your own safety in mind. The plant also needs to be provided with suitable conditions after repotting to ensure it can comfortably cope with the stress.

When is it necessary to repot a cactus?

Compared to deciduous crops cacti They grow more slowly, so they need repotting less frequently. Young, fast-growing plants (such as mammillaria) can be repotted annually, while mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years. In some cases, the interval between repotting is 5-6 years. This depends not only on the cactus species and its growth rate, but also on the quality of the soil. It's always important to consider the specific situation.

At the same time, typical growth continues. This means that a plant with a good root system can safely begin to develop stems, spines, and produce flowers and fruits. In a larger pot, the cactus will have to develop roots again to cover the entire substrate. Meanwhile, flowering will be delayed. Therefore, there is no need to rush this process. Repotting a cactus during the flowering phase is not recommended.

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Signs of repotting include the pot filling with roots, a wrinkled appearance, slowed growth, and loss of elasticity and characteristic coloration of the epidermis. Thorny (and non-thorny) plants require freshening of the container and substrate after purchase.

Selecting a pot and soil mixture

The cactus pot should have drainage holes and be 3 cm wider than the container the plant arrived in from the store. In some cases, a larger container is not recommended. It retains more moisture, which can kill rot-prone varieties (Ariocarpus, Aztekium, Astrophytum, Obregonia, and some others).

It's important to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the cactus you're growing. For example, if it grows naturally in limited root space, it needs a compact pot. Specimens with developed rhizomes require deep pots, while those with fibrous root systems require wide ones.

Clay pots, especially unglazed ones, are ideal. The porosity of clay allows excess moisture to evaporate through the walls of the container, while the roots are saturated with oxygen. The weight of the material ensures stability for a large cactus.

Plastic pots are more suitable for smaller cacti. It's important to keep in mind that these containers retain moisture longer and can cause fungal infections. Therefore, avoid overwatering. Also, plastic (especially low-quality ones) becomes brittle and brittle when exposed to sunlight. However, it does accumulate less limescale.

The soil of a purchased plant must be replaced. The composition of the soil mixture depends on various factors (cactus species, its age, etc.). It is important that it is loose, water- and air-permeable. The pH level should be 4.5-6.

It's advisable to purchase a special cactus soil or a general-purpose soil (mix it in equal parts with coarse sand). At home, you can prepare your own soil mixture (the ingredients are listed in the table).

How to properly repot a cactus at home

All operations with the plant must be done carefully to avoid pricks.

Preparing the cactus

The soil should be thoroughly dry before repotting. Watering should be stopped 3 days before removing the plant from the container.

When preparing to repot, remove the top layer of soil and turn the pot upside down, holding it with a hand protected from the cactus's spines. Then, tap the bottom of the pot on the table to dislodge the soil and contents. Don't force everything out, as this will damage the delicate roots that tend to cling to the sides.

Root cleaning

Old soil should be removed, especially if it's store-bought. Gently shaking the plant is often sufficient. If the soil mixture is very dense, place it in warm water, rinse gently, and let it dry for 10 hours. To prevent compaction, hang the cactus.

Then you need to inspect the transplanted specimen (especially its root collar), cut off all damaged, dried and rotten roots with a clean tool, and treat the cut areas with sulfur powder and dry them.

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Features of transplantation of different types

Repotting cacti should be done taking into account the characteristics of the genus and species. Each member of the family requires a specific substrate with a different texture. Tall mountain cereuses will require supplements containing crushed marble or granite. Mammillarias grow well in soil with the addition of leaf mold, while desert prickly pears prefer an abundance of coarse river sand.

For cacti that don't require much moisture, it's helpful to mix brick chips into the substrate. Cacti with dense white hairs thrive in soil with the addition of powdered eggshells and a small amount of lime. Plants with turnip-like root systems benefit from clay.

Once the plant's roots have been treated, you can begin the repotting process. Place a drainage layer (approximately 2 cm) at the bottom of the new pot, fill it with a small layer of the prepared potting mix, and place the cactus in the center. Cover the roots with soil and compact it lightly. Water the plant thoroughly.

What to do to avoid getting pricked

Handling cacti requires extreme caution, as there's always a risk of injury. A thorn can become lodged under the skin, acting as a splinter. Therefore, it's important to protect your hands.

You can use special tweezers.

Further care of the transplanted cactus

After repotting, the cactus roots must dry out and strengthen, so watering should be postponed. Relatively moisture-loving members of the family (such as Cereus, Hylocereus, Trichocereus, etc.) should not be watered for one week. More moisture-sensitive cacti should be watered for 2-3 weeks. Wet treatments should be avoided for the same period if the plant showed signs of disease or lost a significant number of roots during repotting.

To prevent the plant from dehydrating, you can cover it with plastic wrap for a while. This will increase the humidity.

When resuming watering, it's important not to direct the stream at the root collar; don't apply too much water. It's recommended to warm the water to 50°C. Replanted plants shouldn't be placed in direct sunlight immediately. A few days in partial shade will better withstand the stress associated with the soil change. Larger plants will require support until the root system is well established in the substrate.

If, during transplantation, signs of any diseases or pests were discovered on the roots and eliminated, then this specimen should be temporarily isolated from others.

Frequently asked questions about growing

Proper repotting of cacti will ensure their health and beauty. There are many members of this family, each different and requiring appropriate approaches. But even indoors, these exotic plants can be repotted without any problems (including injections).