Home > Projects >

How to re-pot a cactus

You will need: Cactus, Pot, Cactus compost, Newspaper, Gravel

Cacti are easy houseplants to grow on a sunny windowsill, where other plants might struggle in the heat, and many provide a stunning display when they flower. A cactus only needs repotting when it outgrows its current container and, even then, only needs to move up one pot size.

Best time to do it:

Step 1

A spiny cactus can be vicious to handle, but working in thick gloves may not be an option if you are handling a small plant. In this case, fold a sheet of newspaper into a strip.

Step 2

Wrap the paper around the plant and grip tightly. You should be able to move the plant without touching it. Take the pot off the plant.

Step 3

Transfer the plant to its new pot. Fill around the sides of the roots with cactus compost, rocking the plant gently, using the paper, so you can fill the pot.

Step 4

Water the plant to settle the compost and allow to drain. A layer of fine gravel on top of the compost reflects heat back to the cactus and stops the surface nearest the plant being too wet.

Related FAQs

Ask a gardening question:

Latest Gardening News

Hosepipe Bans Continue Across Southern England

Autumn Estate Tractor and Trailer Tours launched at Blenheim Palace

Give the Gift of Nourishment to Garden Birds This Christmas With Peckish and Gardman

Essential Gardening Jobs for Late Summer

Gardening Projects for November

---

How to protect bulbs in the garden

How to Protect Containers

How to Plant a Fruit Bush

How to Make Leaf Mould

Latest Gardening Videos

---

How do I treat liverwort?

Growing Geraniums

How do I insulate my greenhouse?

Digging Up Sweet Potatoes

Five Essential Tips for Growing Lemons

Planting a Spring Flowering Container

All Videos

Explore Gardens from Around the World

RHS Garden, Wisley
Woking, United Kingdom

Kenrokuen Garden
Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan

Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Vallarta Botanical Garden
Vallarta, Mexico

Butchart Gardens
British Columbia, Canada

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Cape Town, South Africa