How to repot a cactus

To stop your cacti getting pot-bound, repot every three to four years or when the roots reach the side of the pot. Here's how to do it.

You Will Need

• Tea towel or sheets of newspaper
• Slightly larger pot
• Free-draining compost or cactus compost
• Fork
• Horticultural grit
• Watering can

Step 1

Fold a tea towel into a loop, or roll layers of newspaper. Wrap it securely around the body of the cactus to protect your hands against the sharp spines.

Step 2

Choose a new pot one size bigger than the original and half fill it with specialist cacti compost or a sharply draining mix.

Step 4

Check the roots for signs of pests or disease and gently tease out any roots that have become compressed, with a fork.

Step 5

Step 6

Fill in around the root ball with more compost, firming it gently to remove air pockets and then top-dress with grit. Water.