Hello, human. I am your Jade plant. From my perspective, repotting is a significant event. It can be stressful, but when done correctly, it allows me to stretch my roots, access fresh nutrients, and continue growing strong and healthy for you. Here is my guide to making this transition as smooth as possible for both of us.
I will tell you when I need a new home. Look for my cues: if my roots are growing out of the drainage holes, if I have stopped growing despite the season, or if I become top-heavy and unstable in my current pot. The best time to do this is in the spring or early summer, during my active growing season. This gives my roots time to heal and establish themselves in the new soil before my slower winter growth period. Please never repot me in winter; I am resting then.
My new pot is crucial. Please choose one that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than my current one. A pot that is too large will hold excess moisture around my roots, which I, as a succulent, despise and which will make me sick with root rot. It must have a drainage hole! For my soil, I require a very well-draining mix. A commercial cactus and succulent potting mix is perfect. You can also make your own by mixing standard potting soil with perlite or coarse sand (a 2:1 ratio is ideal).
Please be gentle. Water me lightly a day or two before the move; this makes it easier to remove me from my old pot and ensures I am not thirsty. When it's time, tip my current pot sideways and carefully support my main stem as you ease me out. You may need to tap the pot's sides to loosen the soil's grip. Once I'm out, gently tease apart the outer roots with your fingers. This is not to untangle them completely but to encourage them to grow outward into their new soil. If you see any dark, mushy, or dead roots, please trim them away with clean, sharp scissors.
Place a layer of my new, dry potting mix at the bottom of the new pot. The depth should allow me to sit at the same level I was growing at before—do not bury my stem deeper. Center me in the pot and begin filling in around the sides with more fresh soil. Gently firm the soil around my base to provide support, but do not pack it down too tightly; my roots need access to air. Wait! Do not water me immediately. This is very important. My roots will have tiny abrasions from the move, and watering right away could lead to rot. Please place me in a spot with bright, indirect light and wait about a week before giving me a thorough drink. This allows my roots time to callous over and heal.
