How to Transplant a Cactus Safely Visualmodo Team May 12, 2023 (September 9, 2024) Cacti are low maintenance houseplants that rarely require repotting, but it is important to repot your cactus correctly and safely when it becomes rooted. The cactus is a type of plant that is native to the deserts of the Americas. They have thick, fleshy stems and leaves to store water, and they have spines or thorns to protect themselves from animals. Once the roots start protruding through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot or the plant seems to have outgrown its space, it’s time to transplant your cactus. Since they are slow growing, cacti usually only need transplanting every 3-4 years, or every 2-3 years for faster growing varieties. Many cactus varieties are adorned with sharp spines that act as protection for the plant. This also makes transplanting cacti a difficult, sometimes dangerous task. One of the best ways to safely repot a mature cactus or cactus pup is to use rolled towel or folded newspaper. It is also a good idea to invest in a pair of thick protective gardening gloves. Avoid gardening gloves made of fabric rather than thick canvas or leather, as cactus spines can easily penetrate most fabrics. It is best to replant a cactus in early to mid spring when the plant has entered its active growing period. This will ensure that the cactus has the energy to recover from the manipulation and acclimate to its new environment. How to Transplant a Cactus1 – Prepare Your Tools The tools needed for transplanting a cactus depend on the size and spiral of the plant. For example, when transplanting smaller cacti, towels and/or newspapers may not be needed, while larger cacti may require a full arsenal of protective gear. Regardless of size, thick protective gloves are always recommended when handling cacti. 2 – Removing the Cactus from the old pot Loosen the soil around the edges of the pot with a dull knife or trowel, if necessary. If necessary, you can wrap the cactus in several layers of newspaper to make it easier to hold, or you can use the towel to handle the cactus. Gently shake the root ball out of the old pot and place the cactus on your work area. If you are repotting a cactus pup without roots, you can simply cut off this section of the plant with clean, sharp garden shears. For a tall cactus, it is best to enlist a friend to help you lift the cactus safely while both people wear thick gloves.