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Cacti & Succulents

Question about closeness to soil/pot edge

Beth 6b eastern ky

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I just got a bunch of little guys and some seem to be jammed in their little pots but when I go to transplant, they seem very floppy like they needed that support. Some also seem like there is dirt above some leaves or right against the leaves. Is that okay? Any thoughts/recommendations?

this is an example of the floppy difference. ^^

Here is an example of the closeness to the pot that seems to rubbing. >>

Also, when I begin transplanting, how do you get the old bad soil off? They seem to fragile to shake and I would imagine rinsing them would be too much water for them.

Comments (4)

Karen S. (7b, NYC)
6 years ago
Don't shake & I don't rinse (some folks do). I just crumble it off w/ my fingertips, sometimes a mini rake.
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
It should come off if you do as Karen said. But if the peat became hydrophobic, it will not work. Hydrophobic peat is very dry and hard around root ball. If that is what I see, I soak plant/swish it around in a bowl with tepid water. Hopefully it will loosen peat enough to be crumbled or raked off. You could also use a bamboo skewer or chopstick. You likely loose few roots, but plant will grow new ones once it is in better mix.

After rinsing, set the plant on newspaper or paper towels or cloth to soak up excess water. Keep it in a spot out of direct sunlight, that has good air circulation. Usually, few hours should be enough.

Pot up plant into fast draining mix, do not water for few days.

Plants that are potted too low/deep inside of pot will often have problem with bottom leaves (and some other problems) being rubbed-damaged. That is why it is recommended to use enough of mix to keep plant away from touching/pressing on the rim of pot. There is nothing you can do to fix already damaged leaves - they most likely will scab over and be ok. There is no need to take off those leaves.

Personally, I do not like to pile mix on top of lowest leaves. If plants bit floppy - and many are until roots get established in new mix, just prop it with one or few bigger rocks. Soon, roots will grow and anchor the plant. Example of 'very floppy' plant, just repotted:
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bunkfree_4a_canada
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Something I've started doing sometimes while repotting is saran-wrapping the top of the plant, leaving the root ball exposed. This helps me avoid manhandling the leaves too much while keeping it high in the pot. It also helps keep them from getting wet if I have to wash the roots, and also prevents soil from getting all over the leaves while filling the pot. It can also help "tuck" the leaves up so it's easier to fill up to the rim of the pot without getting soil all over or burying the lower leaves :)

Others may be less messy than I am and won't need this trick haha!

kd
Beth 6b eastern ky
Original Author
6 years ago
Oh thank you. This is all great advice and now I am not so fearful to transplant. Now I am looking forward to this. And yes, its hydrophobic peat in their bases now.

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