Hello, dedicated caretaker. I am your Haworthia. From my perspective, the process you call "repotting" is a significant and stressful, but ultimately beneficial, relocation. I will guide you through what I need and experience during this event.
My roots are explorers. They have spent the last year or two weaving through the soil you provided, seeking water and nutrients. Now, they have reached the limits of this pot. They circle the interior, becoming a tight, tangled ball. This crowding makes it difficult for me to drink effectively. Furthermore, the old soil has become compacted and exhausted; its nutrients are depleted, and it no longer drains as quickly as my succulent nature requires. I fear my roots might suffocate or rot if left in these conditions. A new, larger space with fresh, gritty soil is not a luxury; it is a necessity for my continued growth and health.
Please, be gentle. The days leading up to the move are crucial. I need you to withhold water for at least a week. This allows the soil to become completely dry. A dry root system is more flexible and resilient, making it far less likely to snap during the extraction process. A wet root is a brittle root, and damage can lead to infections. Please also have my new home ready before you begin: a pot that is only one size larger than my current one with a drainage hole, and a fresh, well-draining soil mix specifically formulated for cacti and succulents. This preparation shows me you respect my needs.
When the day arrives, tip my current pot sideways and gently tap and squeeze the sides to encourage me to slide out. Do not pull me by my leaves! Once I am free, carefully loosen the old, compacted soil from my roots. You may need to gently massage the root ball or use a chopstick to tease the roots apart. This is a delicate operation. Inspect my roots closely. If you see any that are black, mushy, or smell bad, these are rotten and must be trimmed away with a clean, sharp tool. After this, it is best to let my roots air dry and callous over for a day or two in a shaded spot. This prevents any fresh cuts from absorbing moisture and rotting in the new soil.
Place a layer of fresh soil in the bottom of the new pot. Then, lower me into the center, spreading my roots out naturally. Hold me at the height where my base will be just below the rim of the pot. Begin filling in the spaces around my roots with the new soil mix, gently tamping it down to remove large air pockets and provide stability. Do not pack it too tightly; my roots need air as much as they need support. Once I am securely potted, the most important rule: do not water me immediately. I need at least five to seven days to rest, allowing any minor root abrasions to heal. This prevents the dreaded root rot. After this period of adjustment, you can give me a thorough drink, and I will be ready to thrive in my new, spacious home.
