Hello, human. I am your jade plant. From my perspective deep within my pot, I feel the subtle shifts that tell me it's time for a bigger home. My roots are starting to circle, feeling a bit cramped, and the soil that once nourished me so well is now tired. I appreciate you noticing and wanting to help. Here is what this process feels like to me and how you can make it a smooth transition.
Before we begin, let's be sure I truly need this. I will show you signs. You might notice my growth has slowed considerably, even during my active seasons. When you water me, the liquid rushes straight through the pot without soaking in, a sure sign the soil is exhausted and my roots have taken up too much space. Perhaps you can see my roots peeking out from the drainage holes below, a silent plea for more room. Or maybe I’ve become top-heavy and unstable, wobbling in my current container. These are my ways of communicating my need to you.
To make this journey comfortable for me, please have everything ready beforehand. I will need a new pot, just one size larger than my current one. Any more than that and the excess damp soil could overwhelm my roots and lead to rot. Most importantly, the new pot must have excellent drainage holes. I am a succulent and cannot tolerate "wet feet." You will also need a fresh, well-draining potting mix designed for cacti and succulents. This new soil will be my source of nutrients and stability for the next few years. Have some newspaper or a tarp laid out to contain the mess, and a pair of sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears nearby, just in case.
Please be gentle. The day before you plan to repot, give me a light drink of water. This will make the root ball slightly more cohesive and easier to work with, reducing shock. When it's time, tilt my current pot on its side and carefully support my main stem as you gently ease me out. You might need to tap the sides and bottom of the pot to encourage me to let go. I am fragile, so avoid pulling me by my stems or branches, as they can snap easily.
Once I am free, you will see my root world. Gently loosen the old soil from around my roots with your fingers. This is a chance for you to check my health. My roots should be firm and white or light tan. If you see any that are dark, mushy, or smell bad, those are rotten and need to be trimmed away with your clean shears. This feels like a necessary haircut to me, allowing me to focus my energy on healthy new growth in my fresh soil.
Place a layer of fresh, dry potting mix in the bottom of the new pot. The depth should allow me to sit at the same level I was in my previous home—not too deep, not too high. Center me in the pot and begin gently filling in around the sides with more mix, tamping it down lightly as you go to remove large air pockets and provide me with stability. Leave a small space, about an inch, at the top to prevent water from overflowing when you next give me a drink.
The move is complete, but my work is not done. I need time to settle and for my roots to heal from any minor abrasions. Please do not water me immediately. Place me in a spot with bright, indirect light and let me acclimate for about a week. This pause allows any damaged roots to callous over, protecting me from potential rot. After this rest period, you can give me a thorough watering and then resume your normal care routine. I will soon thank you with vibrant, vigorous new growth.
