From my perspective, the best time for you to undertake this process is in the early spring, just as I begin to show signs of new growth. At this point, my energy is surging upwards from my roots, eager for the new season. The mild temperatures and increasing daylight provide the perfect conditions for me to recover from the shock of division and establish myself in fresh soil before the intense heat of summer. Alternatively, early autumn is also acceptable, as the soil is still warm but the harsh sun has passed, giving me time to settle my roots before winter's dormancy. Please avoid dividing me in the height of summer or the dead of winter; the extreme stresses of heat or cold can be too much for me to handle when I'm vulnerable.
Begin by gently lifting my entire form from my current pot. You may need to tap the sides to loosen my grip. Once I am free, lay me on my side and carefully examine my root mass. You will see that I am not a single entity but a colony of many individual shoots and root systems. Using your hands, gently tease apart these smaller sections. For tough, woody centers, you may need to use two garden forks back-to-back to pry me apart or a sharp, clean knife to make clean cuts. Ensure each new division has a healthy portion of roots—a good, thick tangle—and several strong green stems. This is crucial for my survival; a division with insufficient roots will struggle to draw up water and nutrients.
My most fundamental need is excellent drainage. I despise having my roots sit in soggy soil, as it will quickly cause them to rot. Choose containers with ample drainage holes and fill them with a well-draining potting mix. A blend formulated for cacti or succulents is ideal, or you can amend a standard potting mix with perlite or coarse sand. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the new pot. Place one of my divisions on top, spreading my roots out gently over the mound. Fill in around me with more soil, firming it lightly to eliminate large air pockets, but please do not compact it too tightly. The crown of my plant—where my stems meet my roots—should sit level with the soil surface.
Immediately after repotting, give me a thorough but gentle watering. This helps to settle the new soil around my roots and rehydrate me after the ordeal. However, from this point on, you must be cautious. Wait until the top inch of soil feels dry before watering again. Place my new pots in a location with bright, indirect light for a week or so. Direct, harsh sunlight immediately after division can add undue stress while I am focusing my energy entirely on re-establishing my root system. Please withhold fertilizer for at least 4-6 weeks; my tender new roots are easily burned by salts in fertilizers. Once you see consistent new growth, you will know I have successfully acclimated to my new home.
