Why do my succulents die after I repot them? - Ask Extension
When I buy a small succulent plant, and I transfer it over to repot, the plant looks like it is going to die a couple days later. It goes from being a...
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Why do my succulents die after I repot them? #347188
Asked July 27, 2016, 12:13 PM EDT
When I buy a small succulent plant, and I transfer it over to repot, the plant looks like it is going to die a couple days later. It goes from being a nice plump plant, to one that is withering away. When I repot, I use soil mix that is meant for succulents, I place it in a planter that has plenty of holes for drainage, I make sure the roots aren't tied up or smothered, and I avoid watering it for a week. These are all points that I have read on replanting succulents and even though I follow the instructions, the plant won't survive on me. Not to mention I have it exposed to sunlight. What am I doing wrong?
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
Overall it sounds like you are doing all the right things - It might be when you make sure the roots are tied up or you are actually transplanting it you might be injuring the roots- they are quite fragile. Also when I transplant any plant I do water it a little to help it through the transition time and to get adjusted to its new soil. It sounds like you didn't water it until after a week. Give it morning light not afternoon light until it has adjusted. Do not fertilize for a couple of months but water once a week during the hot days but just a little- too much water will kill them. Hope this helps
Here is a Planttalk document which might help
