When you’re a rock star at growing succulents, the time will inevitably come when you need to repot your plant babies. Repotting succulents might seem intimidating the first time you do it, but we promise you, it’s simple once you get the hang of it. And once your succulents get adjusted to life in their new homes, they’ll be happier, healthier and thriving more than ever.

Ready to learn everything you need to know about repotting succulents? Here are our top tips for getting the job done:

When is it time to repot?

In general, succulents do best when they’re planted in tight pots. This means you don’t want your succulents in pots that are significantly larger than they are. Succulents with too much space will use their energy for producing roots, rather than growing larger on top. That said, you don’t want your succulent’s home to become too tight! You’ll also learn below that sometimes succulents don’t need a bigger pot, but instead a heavier pot. Or, they might just need new soil in the same pot.

Here are the signs it’s time to repot your succulents:

• When your succulent becomes too top heavy for its pot—This is a sign your succulent needs a heavier pot, but not necessarily bigger
• When you can see tightly packed roots through the drainage holes—Time for a bigger pot
• When roots begin to grow through the drainage holes—Time for a bigger pot
• When water sits on top of the soil without soaking through—This is a sign of poor soil quality. Your succulent definitely needs new soil, but not necessarily a new pot
• When water drains directly through the pot without soaking through—This is a sign of poor soil quality. Your succulent definitely needs new soil, but not necessarily a new pot
• When the soil loses its quality, drying out and shrinking from the sides of the pot—This is a sign of poor soil quality. Your succulent definitely needs new soil, but not necessarily a new pot
• When in doubt, a good rule of thumb is to repot about every two years

What you need for repotting succulents

Gather the supply list below for repotting succulents. Or, grab our DIY Terrarium Kit. It will contain everything you need for repotting succulents in one convenient package—including your vessel, soil and drainage stones.

• Your succulents
• New pot—For a unique touch, try our Teardrop Geometric Hanging Terrarium, or go with our Modern Cylinder Dish.
• Drainage stones
• Cactus potting mix—Found at your hardware or garden store, this mix contains a special blend of sand and perlite that’s ideal for succulents
• Trowel
• Scissors

Simple steps for repotting succulents

1. Remove the succulent from its pot. Chances are you’ll see a tightly packed root system. Your succulent, roots and soil may come out in one compact piece.
2. Massage the compacted soil and gently spread out the roots. Use your fingers to remove as much old soil as possible. Be gentle to avoid tearing the roots.
3. If you see any dead roots, trim them off with a pair of clean, sharp scissors.
4. Now it’s time to plant your succulent in its new home. If moving up to a bigger pot, remember to choose a vessel that’s larger than the previous pot, but not too big. A good rule of thumb is ½-inch to 1-inch wiggle room between the plant and the pot.
5. Place a few drainage rocks at the bottom of your vessel.
6. Fill the pot about halfway with fresh cactus potting mix.
7. Put your succulent in the pot and fill in around the plant with potting mix.
8. Gently press the soil down so your succulent is snug.
9. After repotting succulents, wait a week before watering.

Get started repotting succulents with our great selection of terrariums.