Do Succulents Like to Be Root Bound?

Got some succulents at home that seem to be growing out of their pots. Wondering if succulents like to be root bound, and if you should just consider repotting them?

Well, here’s exactly what you need to know!

Do Succulents Like Crowded Roots?

Succulents do not mind being grouped together or in a crowded setting. That said, when their roots get crowded, they can start to show signs of distress, much like any other plant.

Do Succulents Like to Be Root Bound?

While succulents are tougher than most other plants, you won’t be doing them any favors if you’re considering getting them root bound.

Root bound plants tend to flower quicker than plants who aren’t root bound, and while that sounds great, the process itself can put the plant under stress.

This can then eventually cause the plant- regardless of whether it is a succulent or not- can cause the plant to become less healthy.

What Happens When Succulents are Root Bound?

Succulents are very forgiving plants. However, if they are root bound, chances are all the nutrition from the soil, and much of the soil that was in the pot has been drained off.

This can eventually cause the succulent to suffer from issues arising due to lack of nutrition. You’ll start to notice stunted growth, discolored leaves, and a dry top layer of the soil, among many other signs.

What Should I Do if My Succulent is Root Bound?

If your succulent is root bound, you might want to consider pruning the roots, or just repotting it entirely.

Pruning the root is best done during the end of the succulent’s growing season. All you really need to do is gently get the succulent out of the pot, brush away the excess dirt, attempt to detangle its roots and use a pair of scissors or pruning shears to do a quick trim.

Repotting the succulents is an entirely different story- you’ll need to first understand if the succulent really needs to be repotted first.

When Should I Repot my Succulents?

You’ll know it is time to repot your succulents when they have very clearly grown out of their pots.

If the pots have holes for drainage at the bottom, and you start to see the roots coming out of these holes, it is the perfect time for you to consider repotting the succulent, and giving its roots a bit of breathing room.

Another sign that your succulent needs to be repotted is when you find that it stops growing, or just looks unhealthy in general even if you’re religiously watering it and ensuring it has the perfect growing environment.

How Should I Repot my Succulents?

Okay, so now that you know it is time for you to repot your succulents, how exactly do you go about it? Well, here are a few pointers to help you out with just that.

Consider repotting the succulent just before spring. That way, they will get enough time to recover from the transfer, and won’t end up with plant stress related issues like yellowing and drooping of leaves.
Move your succulent into a larger pot, and choose a well draining soil mix to give it a quick boost of nutrients and a healthy environment to start growing in.
Remember NOT to wash the roots with water. If you’ve already washed the roots, make sure you allow them to dry out completely before making the transfer.
Wait for a few days before fertilizing the soil in the new pot. This will give your succulent a little more time to adjust to the new environment.
While it may seem ideal, watering the succulent before repotting it is not a great idea. Doing that can cause the soil to become wet and cling to the surface of the roots, which can be difficult to shake off.
Make sure you wear gardening gloves before repotting the succulents.

Remember that younger succulents have less mature root systems and may need to be repotted in less than a year. Older succulents, however, have a strong root system, and don’t need to be repotted as often. You can choose to repot them around the 18-20 month mark.