repotting new succulents

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

I like to use straight pumice for re-pots. About 3 weeks after re-potting, emptying out is easy to check out root health without damaging the plant & of course, re-potting is easy.

I'm noticing some newly purchased plants (in regular mix) have a tough time making the transition from peat-y water logged soil to a rocky mix.

I decided to make a transitionary mix consisting of fine bark, pumice and the teeniest bit of container mix.

I realize the difference in particle size is the draw back of this combo, however, this mix is meant to be a bridge towards a rockier medium.

I'm sure someone has done this already, if you have done something similar, what was your experience?

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Comments (7)

Missy
10 years ago
I have nothing to offer here but I'm curious to hear input because I've thought about the exact same thing.
bunkfree_4a_canada
10 years ago
I was wondering about that too.

I'm considering my 1/2 perlite 1/2 C&S soil kind of a 'bridge' while I source out proper gritty mix materials. I'm trying to be patient , not water, and wait it out and see how they all do in their new environments. I'm not used to such a fast draining mix as it is... before finding this forum I was accustomed to wick watering my C&S (all in their original nursery pots *eek* lol).
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rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
10 years ago
I never tried hat either, wondering if you find particular plants having hard time or all?
socks
10 years ago
It seems to be a situation similar to when I root a pothos sprig in water, then transfer to soil. It's a difficult transition, the sprig does not like the soil.
ewwmayo
10 years ago
Rina - The most trouble for me was transitioning some picky Crassulas and a couple Haworthia.

I usually put newly potted plants in a spot with lower light intensity and cooler temperatures. Then I water them by soaking rather than from the top.

Really the most confusing part is when I get a new species and not exactly sure how much water it needs, on top of the gritty mix transition.

Overall, different watering practices and a bit of patience has worked for me. =)
hookilau
Original Author
10 years ago
Update:

So, I have a terracotta trough that I planted up with various grapto-somethings and sedums from this pot I took apart....

I potted up in bark fines and perlite about 3-4 weeks ago and surprisingly, it has already filled out a good deal.

I'm going to unpot and pot up in pure pumice come fall to bring inside, but now I'm wondering if I should go ahead and use bark fines for my outdoor summer planters.

To be fair, the planter is under the eaves of the house, so no chance of getting wet by rain, unless I water & it's a bright location, shaded from afternoon sun.

I have a couple of planters in full sun in a different location potted in pure pumice and they look exactly the same as they did when I first potted them up.

Without a doubt, they are healthy, but no pupping or additional heads growing on stems.

I wonder if it's the amount of sun they're getting...will have to take pics tomorrow (dark outside now) to compare at the end of the season.

The root systems will tell the story!

n_n
hellkitchenguy Manuel
10 years ago
I've moved a couple of cacti to 100% pumice, and I find that they quickly grow beautiful roots. Haven't tried it with plants other than desert cacti