How to Replant a Cactus Plant

Ouch! The prickly spines of a cactus are intimidating, and the fear of being poked may make you hesitant to relocate the plant. There's no way to avoid replanting, however; once a cactus outgrows its pot, you'll need to move it to more spacious accommodations. By using an old newspaper, you can save your hands the pain of the cactus's spines. The newspaper will allow you to replant without fear of injury, and you can ensure that your cactus reaches its new home safely.

Pot
Broken pot pieces
Sphagnum or peat moss
Newspaper
Heavy work gloves or kitchen tongs
Potting soil
Gravel

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare your cactus's new pot. Place a layer of broken pot pieces at the bottom, followed by a thin layer of sphagnum or peat moss.
- 2
  Fold the newspaper to a size that allows you to encircle the cactus. Position the paper between the cactus and your hands, grasping the folded ends of the paper.
- 3
  Lift the cactus out of the soil and move it to its new location. Adjust the position of the cactus using heavy work gloves or kitchen tongs.
- 4
  Unfold the newspaper into a square shape. Pour your new potting soil onto the paper and then grasp the middle of two opposing sides. Bend the newspaper into a "U" shape and pour the potting soil around the cactus's roots. Place a thin layer of gravel on top, leaving one inch of room to the rim of the pot.

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