Cactuses are famous for being bad , low - maintenance plant life . However , even these setaceous survivor demand right care , especially when it ’s sentence to transplant them . go a cactus to a unexampled pot or location necessitate the right glide slope to prevent scathe and ensure its continued health .
In this guide , we ’ll walk through the just practices for transplantation cactuses successfully . From timing it perfectly to treat their crisp spines safely , you ’ll learn loose backsheesh to give your cactus a stress - free move to its novel home . Let ’s get started !
Contents
When’s the Best Time to Transplant a Cactus?
There are several reason to transplant a cactus . Most unremarkably , the plant has outgrown its current mess , which typically happen every 2 - 4 days . sign your cactus need a bigger base include :
You ’ll also necessitate to transplant after buy a new cactus , since nursery pots often lack ideal cactus dirt . Repotting also let refreshing the plant ’s dirt or separating unexampled offshoot to farm independently .
irrespective of the rationality , summer or a dry time of year is idealistic for transplanting . The cactus can better withstand any inadvertent injury when atmospheric condition are tender and waterless . Just be certain the dirt is fairly juiceless , not freshly water .
Transplanting Cactuses: Step-by-Step
Transplanting Cactus Pups: Step-by-Step
The process for transplanting cactus branch is similar but with some difference :
Check out our other Charles William Post for more onpropagating cacti from offset and cuttings !
Post-Transplant Cactus Care
After transplant , cacti need some surplus guard , especially against excess wet that can cause decompose . Skip watering for several weeks after an grownup cactus transplanting .
practice a flying - drainingcactus soil mixlike : 2 parts peat , 2 piece potting grease , 1 part Baroness Dudevant or perlite , and 1 part lava stone or gravel . Adding a layer of gravel or lava sway on top further improves drain .
Always empty drainage trays of superfluous piddle after tearing . best yet , raise pots more or less above trays or discus to allow full drainage .
With the veracious dirt , pot size , and watering approach , your transplanted cactus will thrive for years ! Stay tuned for ouroutdoor cactuscare guide .
10 Final Tips for Transplanting Cactuses
Tip 1: The best repotting time is March-May
Any move to a new locoweed or location stress cactuses . correctly after their winter dormancy end is the least stressful transplant timing . For hardy outdoor cactuses , wait until the soil is full thawed .
Tip 2: Completely dry soil makes repotting easier
Transplanting when the potting commixture is very dry is ideal . Dried out roots detach from the jackpot or grind much more promptly .
Tip 3: Use root hooks or chopsticks to remove stubborn soil
Fresh potting mix allows debauched cactus increment when less old grunge clingstone to the roots . mildly run down away any stuck - on mixing using a bonsai antecedent hook or chopstick . Inspect expose roots too , rationalise any mushy or rotten sections .
Tip 4: The ideal mix combines organic and inorganic materials
prize cactus filth provide construction while allowing water drainage . Combining organic and mineral components achieves this . ripe mixes include :
For garden bed , better laboured soils with sand , perlite , pumice stone and peat . Sandy soils demand compost or topsoil mixed in . keep off standard potting soils – their high organic subject risks rot .
Tip 5: Sterilize potting mix before using
No matter what growers claim , it ’s wise to pasteurize bagged mixes yourself to bolt down any pathogen . only :
Tip 6: Pot diameter should be 1/3 of cactus height
Do n’t just upsize a few inches – proper toilet sizing helps cactus thrive . Choose a new pot with a diameter 1/3 the cactus height . For very marvelous specimens over 3 feet , use 1/4 to 1/6 diameter rather .
Also considerroot shape . blanket , shallow bowl suit spreading roots while taproots choose deeper pots .
Tip 7: Add drainage layer to prevent soil sogginess
While spare moisture drains from garden beds , potted cactuses risk staying waterlogged if the pot ca n’t shed it . This decompose the antecedent .
Protect cactus roots by summate a drainage layer before pot mix : 1 - 2 inches of crushed rock , lava rock ‘n’ roll , pot shards , etc . Cover this with landscape fabric to prevent soil mixing in .
Tip 8: Protect yourself from cactus spines
The longer and denser a cactus ’ vertebral column , the more Hand protection is essential . Thick leather gloves , multiple layers of newspaper , or froth sheet allow you address them safely . Micro - spine like those on opuntias require extra cautiousness .
Tip 9: Wait to water newly transplanted cactuses
Give pertly potted or transplanted cactuses a calendar week before water again as they recoup . Keep them in bright , collateral light while stem re - establish .
Tip 10: Recycle broken terra cotta pots for drainage
Do n’t slash cracked clay mickle ! Break them into shards and use the art object as scotch drain stuff in cactus containers . Just be sure to sterilize first by bake or microwaving .
