Transplant

How many times have we bought a cactus, a succulent or a plant with caudex thinking that it can be in that same pot for a long time? And, how many have we planted in the garden at a time that was not the most appropriate?

Well then. These are two of the most common mistakes that we usually make with succulents, because although it is true that the vast majority have a rather slow growth, the reality is that if their roots do not have the space they need at the end, sooner or later, they will end up weakened and, consequently, sick.

And is that to be able to enjoy them it is essential to remember the transplant, because this task is, in fact, almost as necessary as irrigation or fertilization. But of course, you also have to know how to do it correctly to avoid problems, since the root system is not as resistant as we might initially believe.

Therefore, you have to know when and how to do it, trying not to manipulate the succulents too much. The less we do it, that is, the less we 'touch' their roots, the better because it will be easier for them to root in their new location and, therefore, the sooner we will see that they resume their growth.

Also, you have to know that no plant is used to transplantation. In its natural habitats, where the seed germinates, that is where it will remain for the rest of its life. It can happen that an animal or the same wind if it blows with great force breaks them and leaves cuttings scattered around the area, but it is the same: if everything goes well they will emit their own roots and from there they will not move.

For this reason, one of the things to know when we buy succulents is that they are rather sensitive plants, which should not be handled more than necessary. When it comes to transplanting them, everything that is going to be used must be prepared, which will be a somewhat larger pot than the one they are using now, a suitable substrate and a watering can with water or even a sprayer to slightly moisten the surface of said substrate once we have put the plants in place.

I recommend wearing gloves always, regardless of whether or not those specimens have thorns that we want to transfer to a larger container, but especially when we want to plant them on the ground. It is not only a matter of hygiene, but also of safety: our hands touch many things, and when doing so what happens is that many microorganisms such as fungi and viruses that are harmful to plant beings adhere to the skin. In other words: people can become transmitters of cactus, succulent and caudiciform diseases without realizing it, unless we put on gloves that we have washed before using them.

Still, when we start in this world it is normal to have many doubts about. Doubts such as what type of pot to use? How deep does the planting hole have to be? Do you have to water just after transplanting or planting?, ... among many others whose answers you will find here, in the Transplant section. Enjoy it.