Succulents are tough little plants, but even they need a refresh every now and then.

If yours are starting to look tired or just a bit overgrown, it might be time to repot. Doing this every two years can help them stay healthy, grow better, and avoid the dreaded root rot. 

Here’s an easy guide to help you repot like a pro—without stressing you or your plants out:

When is the right time to repot?

Spring is ideal—it’s the start of their growing season, and they’ll bounce back more easily. Your succulent will also drop a few hints when it’s ready for a change: 

  • Roots spilling out over the soil surface 
  • Soil drying out too quickly 
  • White crusty buildup (from hard water or old fertiliser) 
  • Stunted growth or poor flowering 
  • The plant just looks too big for its pot

Read more: How to revive succulents

Before you get started

Choose a new pot that’s just one size up. Bigger isn’t better. 

Both clay and plastic pots work well—clay helps with moisture control, which is great if you tend to overwater. 

Try to keep the plant’s condition consistent after the move (same sunlight, temperature, and position), so it doesn’t go into shock.  

Prep your pot

Add a drainage layer—fine gravel, expanded clay, or even some polystyrene balls—to the bottom. Follow that with a layer of fresh soil. 

Remove the plant

Gently take the succulent out of its old pot. Loosen the roots a little, trim off any dead ones, and brush away about a third of the old soil. 

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Position it just right

Place the plant in the middle of the new pot, so it sits just above the rim. This makes watering easier and avoids rot. 

Fill it in

Use a mix of ⅓ sand and ⅔ good-quality potting soil. Fill around the roots and press down lightly to keep things firm. Leave a bit of space at the top for watering. 

Add the finishing touch

A layer of mulch—like small stones—will help keep moisture in and give it a neat look. 

Hold off on watering

Give your plant about a week to settle into its new home before you water. This gives the roots time to adjust and recover. 

Repotting might sound like a chore, but it’s one of the best things you can do to keep your succulents happy. With the right pot, soil, and timing, they’ll reward you with stronger roots, fresh growth, and maybe even a few blooms. 

ALSO SEE: HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WATER SUCCULENTS?

How often should you water succulents?

Images: Pexels