If you want the plant to remain healthy, you need to repot it.If you protect the roots of the cactus from damage, you should be able to successfully transplant it.
Step 1: Know when to repot.
Once the crown of the cacti reaches the edge of your pot, you will need to repot the plant.This will happen every two to four years.In the late winter or early spring, you can repot your cactus.During the process, roots can break and rot.
Step 2: Put gloves on.
There are thick leather gloves.It is important that the material is thick so that it protects you from the prickly spines of the plant.Even if you take other protective measures, you should still include thick gloves.
Step 3: The soil should be loosened.
Run a dull knife around the inside of the pot and use a sawing motion to break up the soil.Continue until the soil becomes a solid mass.If you have a plastic pot, you could try squeezing the sides to loosen the soil.To loosen the soil, tap along the sides of the pot with a dull knife.Before removing the cactus, the soil surrounding the root mass should be loosened.You could end up damaging the plant.
Step 4: The cactus should be lifted with a newspaper.
A thick, sturdy strip can be created by folding a few sheets of newspaper in thirds.Wrap the strip around the cactus.Carefully grab this strip, pressing it against the cactus as you work, and lift both the strip and cactus up and out of the pot.You could use an old pair of barbecue tongs to lift the cactus out of the newspaper.The idea is to keep your skin as far away from the cactus as possible.
Step 5: The roots need to be cleaned.
Place the cactus on your work surface and use your fingers to remove the soil from the roots.As well, separate the roots.Most of the debris should be brushed away because the roots don't need to be completely clean.During this part of the process, keep your gloves on.
Step 6: Look at the roots.
The roots should be checked for signs of rot, diseases, or pests.When you see these problems, treat them as necessary.If you want to get rid of rot, apply a fungicide.If you want to get rid of pests, apply a pesticide.Cut off dead or dehydrated roots with small clippers.
Step 7: Pruning the roots is a good idea.
Even if you leave the roots alone, your cactus will survive the repotting procedure.Pruning the roots may help the plant thrive more efficiently.Large tap roots don't take a lot of vitamins.They do not help the cactus grow faster because they don't absorb many.The health of the capillary roots can be promoted by cutting the larger roots.If you want to cut back the primary tap root, use a clean blade.The larger roots should be cut by one-fifth to half their size.
Step 8: The roots should be allowed to dry out.
The cactus should be kept in a warm, dry area for four days to allow the roots to dry out.When you remove the plant from its pot, the roots may get damaged, and any breaks are likely to become infections with fungi or rot.The roots will be vulnerable if you decide to trim them.The risk of infections is removed by letting the roots dry.
Step 9: The next pot size should be increased.
You should only choose a pot that is larger than the one you removed the plant from if you want a new pot for your cactus.Problems may be caused by anything larger.The soil will end up storing more water if a pot is too large.The water can cause the roots to rot.Large pots should not be used for varieties that experience root rot.It is not as important for hardy species as it is for non- hardy ones.
Step 10: The new pot should have a little soil in it.
The new pot should have a little coarse soil in it.The cactus should be planted at the depth it was originally planted in the old pot.Before adding a layer of soil, you may want to lay a drainage layer at the base of the pot.
Step 11: The newspaper should be wrapped around the cactus.
If you don't have a newspaper, you can make another strip by stacking layers on top of each other and folding them into thirds.Wrap the newspaper around the cactus.It's important to have a good grip on the cactus through the newspaper.During this part of the process, you should have your thick leather gloves on.Old, clean barbecue tongs can work if you don't have a newspaper.
Step 12: The cactus is in the middle of the pot.
Pick up the cactus and place it in the center of the pot.You can place it in the bottom of the pot.The cactus should never be put into the soil.It can cause a lot of damage to the roots.You will need to fill the roots with soil in order to secure them.
Step 13: Place soil around it.
Use more coarse potting mix to fill in the space around your cactus.The cactus can be held in the center of the pot without packing the soil in.If the sides are half full, gently tap them.The soil should get into the root mass gently.Once the sides are filled in, repeat this step again.You should make sure that the plant is not too high or too deep.Carefully adjust the position of the cactus in the pot so that the green portion is above the soil.
Step 14: Adding compost and gravel is a good idea.
A layer of compost and gravel can help maintain soil acidity and improve drainage.The compost should have a slightly acidic pH.The compost should be mixed along the sides of the pot.Spread a thin layer of gravel around the base of the cactus.
Step 15: Give the cactus more time to recover.
It is best to wait several days to a week before watering your cacti.Wait two to three weeks before watering for species prone to root rot.You should be able to care for the cactus after the recovery period is over.