How to Repot a Cactus Without Getting Poked

Repotting your houseplants can be a little messy, a little therapeutic, and—if we’re being honest—slightly dangerous when your plant has spikes. While repotting tropical plants is second nature to most plant parents, cacti require a slightly different approach.

Whether you just bought a cactus (hey, DIY kit fam) or inherited one from your desert-loving aunt, here’s how to know when it’s time to repot—and exactly how to do it without getting pricked.

When to Repot a Cactus

If one or more of these sound like you, it’s time to grab your gloves:

• You just purchased a cactus cutting
• Your cactus hasn’t been repotted in 2+ years
• You inherited a cactus and have no clue when it was last potted
• You see roots poking out of the bottom drainage hole or the top of the soil

If none of these apply, keep doing what you're doing. If even one does, let’s get you set up.

What You’ll Need:

• A cactus (obviously)
• Fresh, well-draining cactus or succulent soil
• A pot with at least 2" of extra space around the base
• Gloves—preferably thick ones
• A clean surface like newspaper or a tarp
• Optional: a friend to keep things steady

Bonus points if your pot has a drainage hole. If it doesn’t, you’ll need lava rocks to help with airflow.

How to Repot a Cactus (Step-by-Step)

1. Loosen the roots
Gently massage the root ball to break up old soil and untangle any roots. (Skip this if you’re planting a bare-root cactus or a cutting.)

2. Prep your pot

• If your pot has a drainage hole, mix lava rocks into the soil for added aeration.
• If it doesn’t, add a layer of lava rocks to the bottom for drainage.
• Always aim to drill a drainage hole if it’s safe—your cactus will thank you.

3. Add soil
Line the bottom of your pot with a layer of fresh cactus soil.

4. Plant your cactus
Place the cactus in the center of the pot and start filling in soil around it, gently packing as you go. It should sit deep enough to be stable but not buried too far—planting it too deep can lead to rot.

Leave about 1 inch of space from the top of the soil to the top of the pot to avoid overflow on watering days.

5. Water lightly
Give the base a small drink to help the roots settle into their new home. No need to soak—it’s just a welcome splash.

6. Find the sun
Place your freshly potted cactus in a spot with bright direct or indirect light. These desert babes thrive in sunshine.

Aftercare: Let it Settle, Then Feed

Fresh soil = fresh nutrients. So hold off on feeding for about six weeks. After that, consider treating your cactus to an Organic Fertilizer Shaker to support new growth and root health.

You did it! You survived the spikes, managed the mess, and gave your cactus a fresh start. Admire it. Post about it. Brag a little. You earned it.

Questions? Concerns? Not sure if your cactus is thriving in its new home? Shoot us an email at hello@rootedbrooklyn.com—we're always here to help, minus the thorns.