Cacti are characterized by high resilience, therefore they require less attention than other domestic plants. However, although cacti are very hardy plantsThey can also be vulnerable when transplanted or overwatered.
For this reason we have prepared an informative guide where we teach you how to transplant a cactus in a simple, effective and above all safe way.
Did you know that there are over 1,600 different species of cacti in the world?
However, our transplanting techniques are valid for all varieties, so you will get the most out of your garden with them. You can also find out in our article about cutting money plant or bougainvillea.
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When to transplant a cactus
If you have a cactus and you thought about transplanting it into a bigger pot because the one it is in has already become too big… We will teach you how to do it quickly.
Cacti generally grow quickly and should be repotted every two to four years into a larger pot. Isn’t it amazing?
To know when your cactus needs to be transplanted, you need to look at its roots. If these can be seen through the holes in the pot, you will need to change it to a larger pot.
On the other hand, you can also see if the top of the cactus touches the edge of the pot. If so, now is the perfect time to be transplanted.
Our advice is that if you buy a cactus from a nursery or garden store, transplant it as soon as you get home.
Indeed, sellers do not generally use a specific substrate for cacti and cacti can die a few weeks after their purchase.
Other indicators for transplant a cactus they are:
- Substrate renewal.
- Separation of suckers that give rise to new cacti.
However, if you have decided to transplant your cactus, it is best to do so when the substrate that supports it is dry. In fact, the best time of year to transplant a cactus is summer.
What do you need to transplant a cactus?
Next, we are going to leave you some indications practical on how to transplant your cactus And what do you need to do it right?
- The first thing you need is to remove the cactus from the pot where it is. However, in order not to cause damage, it is necessary to know that if the pot is plastic, it will be enough to press it before turning it over and holding the cactus with your hands.
For this step you need have thick gardening gloves. In the same way, if the roots are too stuck to the edges, it will be advisable to separate them from the pot by passing a smooth knife along the edges to loosen the soil.
On the other hand, if you don’t have gloves, you can always surround the cactus with several sheets of newspaper so that the stings do not reach your bare hands.
- When you have removed the cactus, clean the roots with water and examine them carefully to see if there are any in poor condition. It is possible that they have an excess or a lack of water. Although they can also be affected by a plague.
- Be sure to apply a specific fungicide if your roots have fungus. Copper is a wonderful healing agent.
Did you know that you can promote the growth of your cactus by cutting the longest roots in half?
- It is important that the base of the pot has good drainage. For this you can use gravel and sand. Although your pot should have a really large share of substrate.
- The final step is to take a larger pot with a gravel base and fill it with substrate. However, you must leave a hole in the center to insert the cactus you wish to transplant.
- Once you have inserted the cactus into the hole, fill it with substrate and make sure the roots have not been exposed.
Adult cacti should not be watered for a few weeks after being transplanted.
How to transplant a cactus wire
Cacti are characterized by throwing suckers around them. These suckers can be transplanted into pots and grow into independent cacti. However, for your transplant to be correct, you must check whether:
- The sucker has roots independent of the original cactus. Keep in mind that in most cases these cacti separate on their own. But if not, you will have to do it manually using a knife.
- As with adult cacti, take a pot and fill the bottom with gravel and the surface with substrate.
- Leave a hole in the center to introduce your suction cup and make sure that its roots are well covered.
In cases where the child is too young, instead of using gloved hands, you can help with tweezers.
We advise you to moisten the hole you are making with a little water so that the roots settle quickly.
Unlike adult cacti, suckers can be watered once a week after being transplanted.
Transplant a rootless cactus
You should know that the transplant of a rootless cactus is applied when the cuttings were obtained in spring or early summer. This is so because the cuttings need heat in order to germinate.
Then you need to follow the instructions below:
- Collect the cutting and leave it in a dark, dry place for a week to allow the wound to heal.
- After this time, choose a pot with holes so that it has good drainage and half fill it with peat and perlite in the same proportion.
- You can use rooting hormones to stimulate new root formation.
- When you have it, place the cutting in the center of the pot and continue to fill it.
- Finally, place it in an area where sunlight does not hit it directly, but it is bright enough to feed.
The cutting you have transplanted can easily be watered to start rooting. There are even people who prefer to put it in contact with water in a container so that they can transplant it when it has roots.