How to repot succulents: plus expert tips on when to do it

Follow our easy step-by-step guide to repotting succulents and get them back on track fast

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If you have a collection of these sweet little plants on the back of the current trend for them, you'll want to find out how and when to repot succulents to keep them looking their best. Or maybe that ship has sailed and your plants are already in need of help as they're not looking very fresh or perky any more.

There are lots of indications it could be time to repot your succulents, particularly if they're thriving and have grown too big for their pot, or alternatively if they don't appear to be growing at all or are positively ailing.

The good news is that repotting succulents doesn’t take long to do with our step-by-step expert guide. Identifying any potential problems linked with repotting is a key part of how to care for succulents so it's important to get it right if you want your plants to look their best. The results will be so worth it.

The good news is repotting succulents is easy, especially as they tend to be smaller than many other indoor plants

'All types of succulent should be replanted when they outgrow their current pot or when the soil has become too compacted or depleted of nutrients,' says horticulturalist Tammy Sons of TN Nursery.

It’s a good idea to water them a few days before you start repotting so the soil is moist, and not dry and caky, which could damage delicate plant roots. Then all you need to carry out the task are some larger pots (aim for 20% bigger in width and height than the existing one) and some fresh potting soil like this Premier Horticulture Organic Cactus Mix from Amazon.

Then follow these easy steps from Tammy to make sure your succulents are repotted in the best way.

Tammy Sons is the CEO of TN Nursery in middle Tennessee, and an expert plant advisor who studied horticulture at Texas Tech University. She is passionate about gardening and the environment, and writes about a wide range of topics.

Terracotta is a great choice of pot for succulents as they are porous so allow good air circulation plus they have drainage holes

'The sign that really matters is if roots are growing out of drainage holes,' says indoor ecology and horticulture specialist Jennifer Schutter of Plantcarefully.com. 'Succulents tend to have very well-aerated soils so you don't have to worry about soil compaction or issues like that.'

If you've noticed a slowdown in growth this is another good indicator that your succulent is low on space, as well as if the water is draining much more quickly than previously when you water your succulents, meaning fresh soil is required.

If your succulent looks unhealthy you should definitely consider repotting it as your plant could be showing signs of a nutrient deficiency. 'If you notice discoloration, drooping, and dropping of leaves these can indicate nutritional deficiencies,' explains Nina Grebin, buyer for Indoor Plants & Containers at Molbak's Garden + Home. 'But they can also be indicators of light or watering issues, so it’s important to rule out any environmental changes when identifying a nutrient deficiency.'

These deficiencies occur when a plant’s soil has been depleted of nutrients, which happens over time as a plant turns those nutrients into the energy needed for growth. 'If you’re noticing that your soil is drying out more quickly or you’re needing to water more frequently, it’s likely due to a change in the soil structure resulting from its organic material being broken down into nutrients,' adds Nina.

You'll soon get your succulent plant back on track after a soil refresh.

Your succulents will be most comfortable in pots that are only slightly larger when you repot them

The best time to repot succulents is in spring when they're actively growing. 'Succulents are much more sensitive during their dormancy period (typically winter), so it's best to repot in early spring when they are best able to recover from the stress of repotting and have plenty of time to acclimatize to their new space before dormancy,' says Nina Grebin. You can still remove dead or damaged leaves as part of how to care for succulents in winter.

Healthy roots should be light-brown and elastic. 'If there are any rotten, soft, or dry ones, carefully cut them off with a sanitized tool and treat the cuts with activated charcoal powder or hydrogen peroxide,' says Tatyana Zhuk, plant expert at NatureID.

If you have a hanging succulent such as string of pearls, turtles, hearts, or mother of thousands then you can also repot when you have too many pups or offshoots, and the pot is overloaded. It's a good time to find out how to propagate succulents to get those babies planted up separately.

When you're repotting succulents look out for 'pups' you can pot up separately to get more plants for your collection

Succulents typically need to be repotted every three years or so. If you think your succulent has outgrown its pot or it's been a few years since you last repotted – or you have never repotted it – then now is the time to do it.

'Chances are that if the plant has started to dwarf the pot it’s in, it’s at least ready for a soil refresh to ensure it continues to get the nutrients it needs,' says Nina Grebin, buyer for Indoor Plants & Containers at Molbak's Garden + Home. 'While changing out your soil, use the opportunity to inspect the roots of your succulent to make sure they’re healthy and take note of the root-to-soil ratio.'

If the roots seem like they still have space to grow freely, repot the plant in the same planter with fresh soil. If there are more roots than soil and the roots have started to grow around the inside of the planter, pot up a size.

'It's really important to only go an inch or two up (one or two sizes) with your pot,' explains Jennifer Schutter of Plantcarefully.com. 'Succulents have very shallow root systems, and are designed by nature to hold a lot of water in their leaves. They can't really clear water out of soil quickly, so you don't want to overwhelm them with a large volume of soil that stays wet for too long.'

Succulents are one of the best indoor plants to add to your collection and they're super easy to look after too.

Just remember you can't expect your plant to look its best if you make the common indoor plant mistake of keeping it in the same pot of soil for years. And if you notice that the roots are sticking out of the bottom of the pot when you water it, it's time to give it more room to grow too.

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Lifestyle journalist Sarah Wilson has been writing about gardens since 2015. As well as homesandgardens.com she's written for Gardeningetc.com, Livingetc.com, Easy Gardens and Modern Gardens magazines. Her first job on glossy magazines was at Elle, during which time a visit to the legendary La Colombe d'Or in St-Paul-de-Vence led to an interest in all things gardening. Later as lifestyle editor at Country Homes & Interiors magazine the real pull was the run of captivating country gardens that were featured.

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