From the perspective of a Crassula plant, roots are delicate yet vital for survival. They anchor the plant, absorb water and nutrients, and store energy. Crassula roots are typically shallow and fibrous, making them sensitive to rough handling. When repotting, the plant relies on you to minimize root disturbance to avoid stress, which can lead to wilting or slowed growth.
As a Crassula, I thrive in well-draining soil that mimics my natural habitat. Choose a pot slightly larger than my current one—about 1-2 inches wider—to give my roots room to grow without drowning in excess soil. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Fill the bottom with a layer of fresh succulent or cactus mix, which provides the airy, gritty texture my roots adore.
From my perspective, sudden tugs or shakes can tear my fragile roots. To safely extract me, tilt the pot sideways and tap its sides to loosen the soil. If I resist, slide a blunt tool (like a butter knife) around the inner edge to free my root ball. Avoid pulling me by the stems, as this can damage both my roots and foliage.
Once I'm out, examine my roots carefully. Healthy roots are firm and white or light tan. If you spot dark, mushy roots (a sign of rot), trim them with sterile scissors. Gently tease apart any tightly wound roots with your fingers to encourage outward growth in the new pot. Be patient—rough handling can shock me and delay recovery.
Position me in the center of the new pot at the same depth I was growing before. Burying me too deep can suffocate my stems, while planting too high exposes my roots. Hold me steady as you add soil around my roots, lightly pressing to eliminate air pockets. Leave about half an inch of space below the rim to prevent water overflow.
After repotting, I need time to adjust. Wait 5-7 days before watering to let any minor root injuries heal. Place me in bright, indirect light for a week to reduce stress. Resist fertilizing for at least a month—my roots are too tender to absorb nutrients efficiently. With gentle care, I’ll soon settle into my new home and resume healthy growth.
