How to Replant a Potted Cactus

With prickly thorns and thick outer skin, many cactus varieties are perfectly suited for a harsh, arid environment. Others, such as Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) and Thanksgiving cactus ( Schlumbergera truncata), hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11, have fleshy, flat stems and grow naturally in humid conditions. With proper care, cactus is a fascinating plant that adds color and interest to the indoor environment. Most cactus plant are slow growers that eventually outgrow their home and require a larger pot, but repotting cactus can be a risky business.

  1. 1.

    Repot cactus when the plant appears top heavy or out of proportion to its pot, or if roots grow through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot.

  2. 2.

    Prepare a new pot for the cactus. Select a pot only one size larger than the current pot. Ensure the pot has at least one drainage hole, as cactus plants rot quickly in soggy soil.

  3. 3.

    Place a mesh screen or a few pieces of broken clay over the drainage hole. Covering the hole loosely prevents potting soil from escaping through the drainage hole.

  4. 4.

    Fill the pot with potting soil made specifically for cactus and succulents. This specialized potting soil has a high level of sand, which promotes drainage. If you prefer to make your own potting soil, combine equal parts of peat, garden soil and clean, coarse sand.

  5. 5.

    Turn the pot upside down. Place one hand around the plant to guide it from the pot while you tap the bottom of the pot with your other hand.

  6. 6.

    Separate the roots carefully with your fingers if they are tightly compacted. This occurs when a cactus becomes severely pot bound.

  7. 7.

    Use a trowel or your hand to make a hole in the fresh potting soil. Plant the cactus, and then pat the soil lightly around the roots. Locate the cactus at the same depth at which it was planted in its previous pot, as planting too deeply may cause the plant to rot.

  8. 8.

    Place the cactus where it isn't exposed to bright, direct sunlight, and then leave the cactus there for one or two weeks. After that time, water the cactus as usual, and place it in its normal level of sunlight.

    Things You Will Need

    • Fresh pot with drainage hole

    • Potting soil for cactus and succulents, or mixture of peat, garden soil and sand


    If you are repotting a prickly cactus, wear a pair or sturdy gloves to protect your hands. Another way to repot a spiny cactus is to wrap the cactus loosely in newspaper.

    Don't place pebbles or gravel in the bottom of the pot, as the water remains trapped and the plant may rot. Instead, always use a pot with a drainage hole.