Transplanting Succulents in Pots: A How To Guide

You know I love succulents! Yes, it’s true; both fleshy succulents and succulents with spines have a place in my garden and home. Over the years, I’ve planted and repotted many succulents, all of which have survived and taken hold. This is a guide to transplanting succulents in pots (the fleshy types).

Succulents transplant easily and readily because their root balls tend to be smaller and more resilient. Larger ones can be challenging to transplant because of their weight and size, but they don’t mind being moved and root into their new pots just fine. 

Many of you grow succulents indoors. Eighteen of mine grow as houseplants, but most grow outdoors. 

Although I had a garden full of succulents growing in the ground when I lived in Santa Barbara, this post and these videos are all about transplanting, repotting, or planting (whatever you wish to call it!) succulents in pots.

This was published on 12/4/2018. It was updated on 1/20/2024.

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Transplanting Succulents In Pots: The Basics

Best Time To Transplant Succulents 

Spring and summer are the growing season for most plants, and when they put out new growth. This is the best time of year to plant/transplant/repot succulents into a new container. Early fall is fine if you live in a temperate climate with warmer winters. 

I avoid transplanting in the winter months. If you transplant your succulents at this time, they won’t die. Just know it’s not the optimum time, so you might want to wait until spring.

Reasons For Repotting

The most common reasons include: the plant is growing, and the roots have outgrown the pot; it needs a larger base for anchoring; the pot size is fine, but the soil has gotten old and needs refreshing; or the plant has fallen or been knocked over (hopefully this doesn’t happen!).

I sometimes repot my succulents soon after buying them to get them into the potting mix I’d like them to be growing in. Unless the soil looks bad or the pot is too small, I leave them be for a while.

How Often To Transplant Succulents

You don’t need to rush to transplant them into a bigger pot because succulents don’t mind growing a bit tight in their pot. Most succulents don’t need repotting very often because they have a small root system. The smaller to mid-sized ones don’t root deep and can grow crowded just fine. 

Depending on the type of succulent, the environment, the pot size they’re in, and the mix they’re growing in, transplanting will be needed every 3 to 6 years before you move it to a larger container. It’ll appreciate some fresh soil by that time!

Taller, fast-growing succulents, like my Pencil Cactus, may need repotting more often. They need a bigger base to support them as they grow tall, as large succulents are quite heavy. My Aloe Vera, which is 48″ tall by 50″ wide, needed a bigger pot because it had produced so many pups and spread like crazy.

Materials For Transplanting

You’ll need:

• New container, usually a larger one.
• Succulent soil mix. Here’s the DIY Succulent Mix Recipe I use. 
• Trowel, cup, or plastic container for scooping the mix.
• Paper to cover drainage holes if they’re large or there are many. If there are multiple drain holes or one big drain hole, I like to cover them with a single layer of newspaper to prevent the fresh mix from flowing out. I use a toothpick or knife tip to puncture a small hole in the paper so the water runs out, but the loose mix stays in.
• Amendments. These organic materials are optional, but I always add a small amount of compost & worm compost when planting my succulents.
• Repotting mat. (optional also). I have this one, and it’s great to use to protect my kitchen island when filming YouTube videos. You’ll love it because it folds up small and flat for easy storage!

Pot Size

Unless I’m planting multiple plants into one pot to create a mixed garden, I go up one size to a slightly larger pot as a general rule of thumb. For example, from a 2″ or 3″ to a 4″ pot and from a 4″ to a 6“ pot.

Smaller succulents do well in smaller pots for an extended period. Small succulents growing in larger pots can rot out. The pot holds more soil mass that, in turn, can hold excessive moisture and not dry out quickly enough between waterings. Long, low planters or bowls are great for groupings of succulents.

As succulent plants grow taller and/or wider, they’ll need a larger pot. I have a 9′ Pencil Cactus growing next to my porch. It recently got transplanted into a 32″ pot.

Pot Type

You’ll need something to grow your fabulous succulents in. They can either stay in a plastic grow pot and be placed in a decorative pot or planted directly in it. I do both on the regular.

As to planter material, I’ve found succulents aren’t fussy. I’ve grown them in plastic, metal, ceramic, and terra cotta. I love the look of succulents in terra cotta or clay pots – they suit each other to a T!

You might want to consider that unglazed ceramic pots and terra cotta pots are porous. This means they’ll dry out a bit faster. This is particularly good if your succulents are growing indoors.

When choosing a pot to transplant your succulents into, one with drainage holes on the bottom of the pot is best. Succulents and cacti kept too wet are highly susceptible to root rot, leading to their demise.

Having a pot with at least one drain hole, if not multiple drain holes, will let the excess water drain out. If your pot has a saucer, it’s a good idea to dump any standing water out after giving your plant some more liquid love.

Are you looking for your succulents? We’ve got you covered! Classic Terra Cotta Pots, Tabletop Planters, Hanging Planters For Succulents, & Small Pots For Succulents

Soil Mix

Succulents are unique and do best in special soil. It’s debatable as to what the optimum succulent soil mix is because people have their favorites. The best succulent soil has good drainage, is a chunky mix, is well-aerated, and doesn’t hold much water.

Succulents don’t like wet soil, especially those that are growing indoors. Their fleshy leaves, stems, and roots store water and are subject to root rot if kept wet for too long. The mix needs to dry out between waterings. 

I don’t recommend growing succulents in regular potting soil. It holds too much moisture and has a good chance of staying too wet. I’ve found that some of the commercial succulent mixes can also be too heavy for indoor succulents. You may need to add an amendment, like pumice or perlite, to lighten the mix. 

I’ve used this DIY succulent and cactus mix for five years now for all my repotting, both indoors and outdoors. It’s very chunky and drains well. I also add in a bit of organic matter (a compost/worm compost blend) and topdress with a thin layer of the same. 

Bonsai Jack is a popular mix you can buy online, along with Succulent Cult, Superfly Bonsai, & Dr. Earth. Other mixes to consider are Tanks and  Hoffman’s. 

Here’s a post dedicated to Succulent Soil with more details.

Steps To Transplanting

These simple steps will get you on your way to becoming a repotting pro. 

* Water your succulent 3-5 days before repotting. You don’t want it to be too wet or too dry.

*Gather your materials.

*Remove the succulent from its current pot. If it’s in a plastic grower’s pot, you should be able to squeeze the sides to loosen it. If it’s being stubborn, is in a clay or ceramic pot, or a large pot, you’ll need a knife, trowel, or shovel.

*Check the roots to make sure they look healthy. I gently massage them to loosen them if they are tightly bound. 

*Remove any of the old soil from the root ball.

*Fill the pot with new soil so the top of the root ball is slightly above the top of the pot. Don’t sink the root ball crown below the level of the soil mix. It’s best to plant it slightly above because the weight of the plant will eventually pull it down.

*Place the root ball in the center of the pot.  If planting multiple succulents, make a pleasant arrangement.

* Fill around around the sides with the soil mix. Add in a bit of compost (optional) for nourishment. Top with a 1/4″ layer of compost.

*Don’t water your succulent after planting. Let it settle in dry. Aftercare instructions are below.

A Word of Warning: Fleshy succulent leaves fall off and/or break very easily when transplanting. I’ve repotted and planted 100’s of succulents, and believe me, it’s hard to prevent this. 

Be as careful as you can when handling them, and you won’t lose as many.  You can always propagate any broken stems (or individual leaves if you have the patience!).

Want to learn more about How to Care for Succulents Indoors? Check out these guides!

Succulents In Pots Indoors

AfterCare

It’s simple. Move the transplanted succulent to a bright spot with a lot of natural light but out of direct sun (not in a south or west window).

Keep it dry for five to seven days before watering.

Watering frequency will depend on your home’s environment, the size of the succulent, and the mix it’s planted in. It’s important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Are you new to succulent gardening? Here’s our guide on How To Water Succulents Indoors that you’ll find helpful.

Exposure

Indoors, most succulents require high light to do their best. They need a lot of bright, natural light when growing indoors; otherwise, they will get leggy or have little growth.

If you’re in a climate with less sun, yours will need more hours of sunlight. Somewhere near but not in a south or west window would be best. 

Note: We recommend planting succulents in pots with at least one drainage hole. Our guide on Repotting & Caring For Succulents In Pots Without Drain Holes will be helpful if you find a special container with none or don’t want to drill holes.

Succulents In Pots Outdoors

AfterCare

Move your succulent to a bright location, sheltered from the prolonged direct, hot sun. Let it settle in dry for 5-7 days before watering. 

Exposure

Fleshy succulents do best in “cooler,” less intense sun. My succulents grew fine in full sun when I lived in Santa Barbara, which is on California’s coast.

I now live in Tucson, where my fleshy succulents grow in bright shade because they’ll burn in direct sun exposure. I keep them in locations sheltered from the hot afternoon, midday, and late-day sun.

These posts on How Much Sun Succulents Need & How Often To Water Succulents will provide more info.

Transplanting Succulents In Pots Video Guide

In conclusion, important things to know about the repotting process include using the proper potting mix, having a suitably sized pot, making sure there are drainage holes on the bottom of the container, and being mindful of the aftercare.

Transplanting your succulent will have a positive effect on its health and growth. I’ve been planting and moving succulents for years, and they don’t seem to skip a beat. They’re so interesting and are beautiful planted solo or in groupings.

If this is your first time transplanting succulents in pots, I hope this has helped you. It’s not hard to do, and you’ll be a pro in no time!

Happy gardening,

• About the Author
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Nell Foster

Nell, the founder of Joy Us garden, was born into a gardening family and grew up in Connecticut’s countryside. After living in Boston, New York, San Francisco, & Santa Barbara, she now calls the Arizona desert home. She studied horticulture & garden design, working in the field all her life. Nell is a gardener, designer, blogger, Youtube creator, & author. She’s been gardening for a very long time & wants to share what she’s learned with you.

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