From my perspective, my current pot has become a tight and cramped space. You might notice my roots starting to coil tightly around themselves, even emerging from the drainage holes below. This is my way of signaling that I am root-bound. The soil, which once provided rich nutrients, is now likely exhausted and may not drain as quickly, leaving my roots soggy and at risk of rot. My growth may have slowed, and my pups (the smaller offshoots) are competing with me for limited resources. I am ready for a larger space to continue thriving.
Please choose a new pot for me that is only about one to two inches wider in diameter than my current one. A pot that is too large will hold excess moisture, which is my greatest enemy. Most importantly, the new pot must have adequate drainage holes. As for my new soil, I crave a gritty, well-draining mix. A specialized cactus and succulent potting soil is perfect, or you can create a blend by mixing standard potting soil with perlite or coarse sand. This ensures my roots will have the airy, dry environment they need between waterings.
Please be gentle with me during this process. Water my soil lightly a day or two before repotting; this will make it easier to remove me without causing excessive damage to my roots. Tip my current pot on its side and carefully slide me out. If I am stuck, you can gently squeeze the sides of a flexible pot or run a knife around the inside edge. Support my base and leaves—I am a living being and can be damaged by rough handling. My leaves are full of a soothing gel, but they can break easily.
Once I am out, you will see the true state of my root system. Gently loosen the compacted root ball with your fingers. This is an opportunity to check for any dark, mushy, or rotten roots—these should be carefully pruned away with clean, sharp scissors. If I have produced pups, you can now gently separate them from my main body, ensuring each baby has some roots attached. They can be potted individually to start new plants. Allow my roots and any cuts to air dry and callous over for a day before repotting; this prevents soil-borne pathogens from entering fresh wounds.
Place a piece of broken pottery or a small stone over the drainage hole in the new pot to prevent soil from washing out. Then, add a layer of my fresh, well-draining potting mix. Position me in the center of the pot. The goal is to have my base sitting just below the rim, so add or remove soil underneath me to achieve the right height. Once I am positioned correctly, fill in around my roots with more fresh soil, gently tamping it down to remove large air pockets. Avoid burying my stem too deeply, as this can lead to rot.
My most important request after this move is to withhold water. Please do not water me immediately. My roots need time to heal and adjust to their new environment. Place me in a location with bright, indirect light and wait about one week before giving me a thorough watering. This pause allows any disturbed or trimmed roots to heal, significantly reducing the risk of root rot. After this initial period, you can resume your normal watering routine, always allowing my soil to dry out completely between drinks.
