The short answer
Repot as new growth starts in spring: ease the plant out of dry soil, trim any soft roots, and settle it into fresh gritty mix in a pot just big enough, then water lightly.
Does it need repotting?
Not as often as you'd think. Many succulents do better a little snug, because a small pot dries out faster. Repot when you see one of these, ideally as new growth starts, which is spring for most succulents.
Roots escaping
Roots growing out of the drainage hole, or a mass of roots spiraling around the bottom of the pot.
Top-heavy
The plant tips over or has outgrown its pot and needs a bigger one to stay stable. Common with jade plants.
Tired soil
Potting mix breaks down over time and holds more water. If the pot stays wet longer than it used to, fresh mix will help.
Choosing a pot
A drainage hole
Non-negotiable. Gravel in the bottom is no substitute. Without a hole, succulents stay too wet.
Just big enough
Choose a pot that just fits the root system. Oversized pots take longer to dry out. For pots under about 10 inches across, go up 1 to 2 inches in width and depth.
Terracotta if you can
Clay is porous, so the soil dries faster. Glazed, ceramic and plastic pots work too, as long as they have a hole.
How to repot a succulent, step by step
- Let the soil dry. Repot when the mix is dry. A dry root ball comes out of the pot more easily.
- Protect your hands. For spiny plants, wrap a folded band of paper around the plant as a handle, or wear thick gloves. Handle every succulent gently, so you don't break stems or leaves.
- Ease it out. Turn the pot on its side and slide the plant out, supporting it at the base. If it's stuck, tip it out into your hand.
- Check the roots. Gently remove the loose old soil. Trim off any soft, rotted roots, and tease out roots that circle the pot.
- Settle it in. Set it on a layer of fresh gritty mix so the top of the root ball sits just below the rim. Fill in around it and firm gently, without piling mix against the stem.
- Go easy on water. Water lightly, then water sparingly until it settles in. After that, go back to the usual soak-and-dry routine.
Repotting aloe vera and jade
The method above works for both. These details help.
Aloe vera
Repot about every two years to refresh the soil and give crowded roots room. Use a pot only slightly bigger, leaving 1 to 1.5 inches between the root ball and the edge, and keep the leaves just above the soil. It's also the time to split off pups and pot them on their own.
Jade plant
Repot every two to three years, or sooner if it gets top-heavy and starts to tip. To keep it in the same size pot, prune the roots a little when you repot. Cut back the stems at the same time to keep its shape.
FAQ
When is the best time to repot succulents?
As new growth starts, which for most succulents is spring. Avoid repotting while a plant is resting, when its growth slows or stops.
Should I water a succulent right after repotting?
Only lightly. Then water sparingly until it settles in. A freshly repotted succulent doesn't need a soak.
How often should I repot succulents?
Not often. Every two to three years is plenty for a jade plant, and about every two years for aloe vera. Repot sooner if roots escape or the plant gets top-heavy.
How do I repot a spiny succulent or cactus?
Wrap a folded band of paper around it to use as a handle, or wear thick gloves. Keep your fingers out of the spines while you ease it from the pot.
Can I reuse the old soil?
Better not. Old mix breaks down over time and holds more water. Start fresh with a gritty mix.