Succulent Survival Guide: Mastering the Repotting Ritual

The importance of reporting succulents cannot be stressed enough, but it seems that many individuals struggle with the process and experience negative outcomes. When I sell my succulents to the public, customers often inquire about when the plants were last reported and express concerns about potential damage during the repotting process. In online groups and Social Media individuals frequently seek advice on what to do when their recently reported succulents begin to lose leaves or die off. As I work to troubleshoot these issues with customers, a few potential causes come to mind.

It is important to recognize that succulents are living things that can be negatively impacted by changes in environment and climate. While they may be tough plants, they still require a period of adjustment after being replanted in a new pot. Despite the common tendency to immediately repot new plants, this could contribute to negative outcomes if done without proper care and consideration.

When succulents are moved from their cozy greenhouse to the real world, they may experience shock or stress. Repotting coinciding with this change in environment could give the impression that the reporting process is to blame. However, it is important to acknowledge that reporting is an essential aspect of succulent maintenance when purchasing from garden centers or online nurseries, where plants may be grown in vastly different climates and greenhouses.

In summary, the importance of reporting succulents should not be overlooked. Although negative outcomes may occur, proper care and consideration during the repotting process can prevent many issues. Succulents are living things that require a period of adjustment when exposed to new environments, and reporting can help ensure that they are able to thrive in their new homes.

One reason why reporting may not be the actual cause of succulent decline is the coincidence of indoor placement and care. There are suitable succulents that can thrive in various conditions, and they often come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In today's market, finding a good quality product that actually delivers on its promises can be a daunting task. Even if one invests in expensive succulent pudding mix, it may still be inadequate. In fact, the differences between various pudding mixes can be visibly apparent. Therefore, it is important to choose a trusted supplier who tests for pH and ensures each batch is of high quality. In a video which I will link in the description, I explain what to look for in good quality succulent pudding mix. While some hardy succulents can grow in gravel, some may suffer or even die if the potting mix is not ideal. Poor pudding mix can lead to imbalanced pH levels, poor drainage, or excessive sand, all of which can negatively affect the health of the plant. When reporting sensitive succulents, it is best to leave a gap between the bottom leaves and the potting mix. Failure to do so may result in rot, particularly in rosette-type succulents. While some succulents may require contact with potting mix, the base of the leaves should not be covered or be inside the rosette. Otherwise, it can lead to rot, which can be fatal to the plant. Instead, the succulent should be planted slightly higher, with just a bit of space at the top. As the plant grows, it may push the older leaves down and come into contact with the potting mix, but this is unlikely to cause harm. Therefore, it is essential to take care when reporting succulents to avoid potential issues and ensure their continued health and vitality.

Each year, I experiment with a variety of new hybrid plants. Some require specific and precise greenhouse conditions to thrive. Even minor changes, such as repotting, can cause them to lose leaves. Like any living organism, succulents are susceptible to genetic mutations that can weaken them. It's not uncommon for a handful out of a hundred identical succulents in the same potting mix and position to struggle while the rest flourish. In these cases, it's likely that the struggling plants would have eventually died regardless of my efforts. So, if you've recently repotted a plant and followed all the proper steps but it still doesn't seem to be doing well, don't be too hard on yourself - it may just be unlucky genetics at play.