When Should You Replant Your Succulent After Shipment?

If you’re new to Succly (welcome to the squad!), you might be wondering: should I repot my succulent the moment it arrives? It’s a fair question after all, the fun part of getting a new plant is finding it the perfect pot. But the truth is, waiting just a little while can make all the difference in keeping your succulent happy and healthy.

Why You Shouldn’t Repot Right Away

Shipping is a journey. Even though we pack our succulents carefully, travel can cause a little stress, sometimes called “travel shock.” Your new plant needs a short recovery period to get used to its new home environment before you move it into a decorative pot.

Think of it like this: if you just came back from a long trip, you wouldn’t want to move into a brand new house the second you stepped off the plane. You’d probably want to rest first. Your succulents feel the same way.

The Ideal Waiting Period

We recommend waiting about 1 week before repotting. This gives the plant time to:

    •    Adjust to the light levels in your home

    •    Recover from shipping stress

    •    Regain its strength before tackling the move to new soil

During this time, keep your succulent in its nursery pot and resist the urge to fuss with it too much.

What to Do While You Wait

    •    Light: Place your succulent in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Direct harsh rays too soon can stress it further.

    •    Water: Hold off on watering for a few days after arrival. The roots need a breather, and too much water too soon can overwhelm them.

    •    Observation: Keep an eye out. If the leaves look firm and perky after a week, your plant is adjusting well.

When It’s Time to Repot

After a week, once you're succulent has adjusted, you’re safe to move it into a new pot. Choose one with drainage holes and use a gritty, well draining succulent soil mix. This will help prevent root rot and keep your plant thriving.

The Bottom Line

Repotting too soon is one of the biggest mistakes new plant parents make. Giving your succulent a short adjustment period ensures it’s strong enough to settle into its forever pot. Patience here pays off you’ll end up with a healthier, longer lasting plant.

So, the next time you get a Succly box, don’t rush the replant. Give your new little buddy a week or so to rest, and you’ll be rewarded with growth and resilience for seasons to come.