How To Repot A Cactus

At Tula House, we love repotting plants. And as long as they’re pest-free, we encourage customers to bring their plants to the store so we can repot them. However, so many plant owners shy away from repotting one specific kind of plant out of fear: cacti! But just because they are covered in spines, that doesn’t mean they can’t be easily handled and potted.

Whether you can’t make it into the store or you want to conquer your fears, here’s our step-by-step guide on how to repot your cactus. And check out the video above for a visual run-through by Tula founder Christan Summers.

Four Tips to Make Repotting Your Cactus Easier

1. Ask yourself: Am I sure this is what the cactus needs? Before reading further about how to replant a cactus, check our complete guide to see if your plant is ready for a bigger pot.
2. Choose the right pot. One top tip for how to repot a cactus successfully is to choose a pot one size up from the pot it’s currently in. Choosing one that’s about an inch deeper and wider on either side is usually perfect. Cacti prefer to be in small vessels and remain relatively rootbound, so up-potting in small increments is best. And of course, always steer toward pots with drainage.
3. Let the plant dry out. Repotting a cactus with dry soil will make it much easier to remove from the old pot, and it reduces the possibility of damaging the roots.
4. Ready your space. The final preparation step in how to repot a cactus is to prepare your workspace. Lay out some paper bags or newspaper and assemble your materials: the cactus, the new pot, and fresh cactus/succulent soil. You might also want an old paintbrush to clean up the plant after you repot. Put on some gloves (normal gardening gloves are great, but some of the very spiky cacti might require thick leather work gloves).

Now, Let’s Get Down to How To Replant a Cactus

1. Place a small layer of cactus/succulent soil in the bottom of the new pot. This will create a nest that the plant can sit on, while providing fresh organic material into which new roots can spread.
2. Wearing gloves, remove the plant from the old pot by massaging the sides, tilting the plant over the new pot, and lightly holding the spiky part of the plant in the palm of your hand. Allow the cactus to slide out of its existing pot. Avoid pulling too much on the plant, as it can damage the roots and stalk. If you are nervous about how to repot a cactus that is firmly sitting in a clay or other solid pot, use a chopstick or butter knife to loosen the soil from the inner wall of the pot. Set the old pot aside.
3. To loosen the soil around the roots, gently massage the root ball of the plant while holding it above the new pot. It’s okay if most or all of the soil falls off. This is very normal and helpful for exposing the roots and exchanging old soil for new, nutrient-rich soil.
4. The next key step in how to replant a cactus is planning how you’d like to position it. Repotting is an excellent opportunity to correct a cactus’ posture, bury it a little bit deeper to support new growth, or even trim the pups from the base. Arid plants are resilient when uprooted, so take all the time you need to decide how you want your finished planting to look before moving on.
5. Place the cactus on top of the soil nest created in step one. The top of the root ball should be level with the rim of the pot. If it’s higher, remove the plant and scoop some soil out of the nest. Add more soil if it is lower. If planting bare root, don’t be afraid to bury a good portion of the stalk of the cactus beneath the soil. As it grows after repotting, your cactus will appreciate the extra support at the base.
6. Holding the plant at the center of the pot, stand back and make sure the cactus is positioned deep enough to support itself — and check the aesthetics. If everything looks good, move on.
7. Now, fill the negative space with fresh soil. If the root ball is small and loose, suspend the roots a little bit above the nest at your desired height and fill in soil around and below it. Be sure to hold the plant securely with one hand while you fill in the soil with the other. Make sure it’s straight! Then, evenly pack the soil around the plant, filling in any air pockets. The soil should be structured enough to hold the cactus up, but not so dense that it can’t allow air or water in easily. Light and airy is the key.
8. Here’s the secret when it comes to knowing exactly how to repot a cactus: Don’t be afraid to start over from scratch! If the plant is sitting too high or falling over, begin again.
9. Tap the side of the pot so the soil shakes and levels out. Brush the plant with an old paintbrush to remove the soil from the spikes. Clean up the pot with a brush or slightly moist paper towel.
10. If extra support is needed, add rocks to the top of the soil or stake the cactus with a chopstick or bamboo stick.
11. The last critical step in how to repot a cactus: hold off on watering for a few days, even if the cactus is dry. Once the soil settles and it acclimates to its new home, then water away!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the best soil for repotting a cactus?

Cacti, other succulents, and arid plants prefer airy soil with good drainage. We blend our own Arid Mix soil to provide the perfect balance of nutrients and structure to keep your dry-loving plants healthy and thriving.

2. Should I choose a glazed or terra cotta pot?

In general, we recommend terra cotta planters for cacti, as these pots do a better job of moving water away from the roots so your cactus doesn’t experience root rot. Learn more with this helpful guide, and shop our selection of planters online or in our Greenpoint, Brooklyn, shop.

3. Now that I know how to repot a cactus, what ongoing care should I give mine?

Just because they grow naturally in harsh conditions, that doesn’t mean the cacti you share your space with won’t benefit from some extra care. You can give your cactus a boost during the growing season with a specially formulated plant food designed just for succulents. We also recommend that you check out our Plant Reads for more tips.

4. Can you repot for me?

Absolutely! We understand that not every plant lover has the time to dive into how to replant a cactus correctly. We offer two solutions for people looking for help with their greenery whether it’s repotting a cactus or managing seasonal maintenance.

First, if you have just a few plants that need attention, bring them into our shop for in-store care and repotting. Can’t find the time to come by, or have a lot of plants that need looking after? Then book our at-home plant care services, and we’ll bring our expert knowledge right to your door!