Repotting a Small Jade Plant: Loosen Roots, Don't Remove All Soil

Pam asked whether to strip old soil from jade roots or just place the root ball in new soil.

Best Practice

Leave most old soil intact but gently loosen the root ball with a small screwdriver or chopstick, running it vertically up and down the sides. This encourages roots to grow outward into the new mix instead of circling.

Steps

1. Choose a pot only 1–2 inches larger.
2. Use cactus/succulent mix with added perlite.
3. Loosen roots as described.
4. Plant at same depth; top-dress with gravel.
5. Wait 3–5 days before first watering.

Minimal root disturbance reduces transplant shock.