Maintenance / Repotting

Cactus in wild may have roots spread for several meters underground for water source. However, when cultivated, cacti are very adaptive plants which can attain a considerable size with much reduced root system. Such cultivation will only result in a slowing down of the growth rate.

Cacti repotting can be a very ‘challenging’ task (Please do inform me if you should enjoy repotting adult cacti). With the shape, size and those large or tiny spines that cacti have, it will deter most gardener. However, it is possible to make the repotting rather painless.

First, we can have the pot laid on its side on a hard surface and tapped gently but firmly the pot’s bottom as the pot is rotated. This should detach the root ball from the pot. Alternatively, if the roots should be still adhering to the pot, a knife blade passing around the inside wall of the pot should cut any clinging root ends and free the plant. A plastic pot would seldom or no such problem of having roots sticking on to the pot.

To avoid bare hand contact with the plant, we have 3 choices :

¤ use thick leather or suede gloves to hold
¤ a paper collar (a thick paper strip made by either card board or layers of newspaper) to wrap round the plant
¤ or barbecue tongs (remember to wash before using it for barbecue again)

However, certain species may have stems grown wider than the pot rim. In such situation, the only way to avoid damaging the plant and spines is to say ‘Good-Bye’ to the pot (SMASH IT!!).

Some people will replace the old soil base with a fresh one but most would prefer to keep them and add new compost. Which ever it is, handle the roots with care. Leave the plant aside to adapt the new soil for 3-5 days before watering and keeps the plant away from bright sun light for at least a week.