From my perspective, my pot has become a tight, constricting space. My roots have likely filled every available inch of soil, circling the interior and becoming densely matted. This root-bound condition makes it difficult for me to absorb water and nutrients efficiently. Even when you water me, it might just run down the sides of the pot without moistening my root ball, leaving me thirsty. My large, heavy pups are crowding me, competing for limited resources and light. I am essentially stressed and crying out for more space to continue growing healthily.
To help me, please gather a new pot that is only 2-3 inches wider in diameter than my current one. A pot that is too large will hold excess soil that stays wet for too long, which my roots find suffocating and can lead to rot. Ensure the new pot has excellent drainage holes. Prepare a fresh, well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix; my roots desperately need this new, aerated medium to breathe and expand. It is also best to water me lightly a day or two before the repotting. This hydrates my cells, making me more resilient to the process, but ensures the soil isn't soggy, which would make handling messy and heavy.
Please be gentle. Tilt my current pot on its side and carefully ease me out. You might need to tap the sides and bottom of the pot to loosen my grip. Do not pull me by my leaves, as they snap easily. Once I am out, you will see the tangled web of my roots. This is the time to carefully tease them apart with your fingers. If there are large offshoots (my pups) connected to me, you can gently separate them by hand or use a clean, sharp knife to cut them away, ensuring each pup has some roots attached. This might feel drastic, but it allows both me and my offspring to thrive independently.
Place a layer of fresh potting mix in the bottom of the new pot. The depth should allow me to sit so that the base of my leaves is just at or slightly above the new soil line; I do not like to be buried deeply as it can cause my stem to rot. Position me in the center and begin filling in around the roots with the new soil. Gently firm the soil around my base to provide support, but avoid compacting it too tightly—my roots need air pockets. Leave a small space at the top of the pot to prevent water from overflowing when I am watered.
Do not water me immediately after repotting. This is crucial. My roots will have微小, unavoidable abrasions during the move, and they need a few days to callus over in their new environment. Watering too soon would expose these wounds to moisture and risk rot. Place me in a location with bright, indirect light for about a week to allow me to acclimate without the added stress of intense, direct sun. After this recovery period, you can resume your normal watering routine, deeply soaking the soil only when it has completely dried out.
