Okay, let’s talk about repotting succulents and the big question: when do you actually water them after you’ve moved them into their new pot? I’ve done this quite a bit, and here’s how I handle it.
My Prep Before Repotting
So, before I even think about pulling the succulent out of its old pot, I actually give it a drink. Not a huge soak, but a decent watering maybe three or four days beforehand. Why? Well, I found it makes the soil a bit easier to work with, and the plant isn’t super stressed from being thirsty when I start messing with its roots. It seems to help the plant handle the shock of repotting a little better. Trying to repot a bone-dry succulent can be a dusty mess, and the roots might be more brittle.
The Repotting Itself
Then comes the repotting day. I gently wiggle the plant out. I try my best to be careful with the roots, but let’s be honest, sometimes a few little roots get bumped or broken. It just happens, even when you’re being gentle. I knock off the old soil, maybe trim any obviously dead roots if I see them, and then pop the succulent into its new home with fresh, well-draining soil. I make sure it’s sitting nicely in the new pot.
Here’s the Important Part: Waiting to Water
Now, this is key: I absolutely do not water it right away. Nope. I learned this the hard way a long time ago. After settling the succulent into its new dry soil, I just leave it alone. For how long? Usually, I wait about a week. Sometimes five days, sometimes seven, depends on the plant and the weather, but generally, a week is my go-to period.
Why the wait? Think about those roots. If any got slightly damaged during the repotting (and they probably did), watering immediately means those little breaks are sitting in wet soil. That’s asking for rot or some kind of infection. Giving them that week in dry soil lets any little nicks or breaks callous over and heal up first. It’s like giving them time to scab over before getting them wet.
What I Do During the Wait
During this waiting week, I just let the plant sit. I put it somewhere bright, but usually not in direct, harsh sunlight, especially if it’s hot. The plant is already stressed from the move; no need to bake it. I just keep an eye on it. It might look a little sad or wrinkly, but that’s usually okay. Succulents are tough; they store water in their leaves.
Finally Watering After the Wait
After that week-ish period has passed, then I give it its first drink in the new pot. I don’t usually blast it with water. I water it thoroughly, letting the water run out the bottom drainage holes, but I make sure the soil wasn’t compacted too much during repotting so it drains well. Then, I let it dry out properly before watering again, just like my normal succulent watering routine.
So yeah, that’s my process. Water a few days before, repot, then wait about a week before watering again. It seems to work well for me and keeps my succulents happy after moving houses.
