Every cactus reaches the point where it needs a little more room to stretch its roots. Repotting can be one of those things we keep putting off, but it’s actually one of the best things you can do for your cactus. In this guide, we’re going to go over signs it's time to repot, when the best time to repot is, and extra tips on materials, steps, and more.

When & Why - Signs it’s time to repot 

There are a few reasons you may need to repot your cactus.

1. It is rootbound/roots are circling the pot, or you’re noticing roots are protruding out of a pot’s drainage holes. Or bulging the pot. 

   

2. It’s getting too large and top-heavy, and therefore needs more stability.

3. It needs some fresh soil. Perhaps it’s been several years; the soil is getting compacted and becoming hydrophobic.

4. Growth has slowed/stalled, or you want to grow a bigger cactus. More space can help a plant really take off and maximize potential growth (See below for an example of seedlings planted at the same time. The left cactus remained in the plug tray where its growth was capped, while the right cactus was placed in a larger pot and is now a larger cactus). 

   

Optimal Conditions

For the best success, repot under the best conditions that you can. This means repotting during seasons of active growth to allow the cactus to recover quickly and to establish itself in its new soil.

When NOT to repot

You should wait to repot your cactus if:

• It has just been repotted recently

• It is flowering or fruiting 

• It is in dormancy

• You want to limit the size of the cactus 

The key here is that you don’t want to be doing too many things at once to a plant that will stress it out. Repotting during suboptimal conditions increases the chance of disease, infections, and more.

Tools You Will Need

Here are the tools that you will need when taking on a repotting project, with some guidelines.

• Pot with Drainage: 

• The pot should have 2-4 inches of space around the outside of the stem to give the cactus enough room to grow without the pot being too large. Too large and it’ll hold too much moisture, too small and it’ll limit how much growth can develop.

  

• Consider a pot with more depth if the cactus is taller or top-heavy.

• Whether ceramic, plastic, or terracotta, the material of the pot should reflect your habits or environment. Terra cotta, for example, is great if you tend to overwater or live in more humid climates because they dry out quickly.

• Well-Draining Potting Mix: Your soil mixture should be at least 30-50% inorganic. Depending on the cactus, it may need a higher ratio of inorganic to organic material. (If you want to know more about what potting mixes we use or recommend, check out this guide).

• Gloves: We like Thorn Armor

• Top dressings: This is optional, but top dressings have many added benefits, such as added stability and improved moisture retention at the soil surface.

How to Repot a Cactus

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to repot a cactus.

1. Take your pot with drainage and fill it partially with a well-draining potting mix. The soil can have some moisture, but should not be waterlogged.

2. Take your cactus out of the old pot and break up the soil and roots as best you can. Some damage is just gonna happen, but the cactus will recover. 

   

3. Center the cactus in the new pot and fill in soil around the sides, tucking it in until it feels secure. A bit of wobble is okay, but you want to plant with enough depth so that it feels stable. It is okay to bury the stem deeper to ensure stability in the pot. 

   

4. Place it in a spot with bright light and let it rest for 5-7 days before watering.

Summary

Repotting your cacti at the right time is a great way to help maximize the potential growth of the plants, keeping them healthy and giving them the space they need to grow. Remember that the best time to repot is during seasons of active growth, and to use the right tools for the job.