Repotting cactus

 

Q. What is the best way to repot a cactus?

A. Cacti should be repotted when they outgrow their containers or become root bound.  When plants become root bound, they fail to absorb nutrients and produce little growth.  It is best to repot a cactus into a container only slightly larger than the container it has outgrown. Choose a container with adequate drainage holes to allow water to drain from the pot. To protect hands when transplanting cacti, it is helpful to wrap the plant in a thick layer of newspaper to aid in removing it from the pot. Thick leather or rubber-coated gloves will also protect hands while transplanting. Use a potting mix formulated for cacti. Sharp soil, small pebbles, or grit can be added to the mix for better drainage.