Repotting guide

When & how to repot Bushy Aichryson (Aichryson dumosum)

Also called Bushy Aichryson.

More about bushy aichryson

About Bushy Aichryson

Aichryson dumosum · also called Bushy Aichryson · houseplant

A critically endangered, slow-growing succulent shrublet endemic to a single rocky ravine in Madeira, with reddish-purple branches up to 38 cm tall and bright golden-yellow star flowers. In cultivation it thrives in bright light with good drainage and a summer dry rest. An exceptional collector's plant; Crassulaceae, not individually ASPCA-listed for toxicity.

Mature size: Up to 38 cm (15 in) tall in cultivation; typically 20–30 cm (8–12 in) indoors

How to tell bushy aichryson needs repotting

Repotting on a calendar is less reliable than reading the plant. For bushy aichryson, watch for these signs:

Roots growing out of the drainage holes, or the rootball lifting the plant proud of the rim.
Soil that has shrunk away from the pot sides and no longer holds water.
The pot is unstable because the plant has grown top-heavy.
Old, compacted, broken-down mix that stays wet too long — for a succulent that is a rot risk, so refresh it even if the pot size is fine.

For the underlying biology of a pot-bound root system and why it stalls a plant, see our guide to spotting and fixing a root-bound plant.

How often to repot bushy aichryson

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix. Bushy Aichryson's growth habit — highly branched succulent shrublet with reddish-purple stems; compact and bonsai-like in habit — sets the pace. A critically endangered, slow-growing succulent shrublet endemic to a single rocky ravine in Madeira, with reddish-purple branches up to 38 cm tall and bright golden-yellow star flowers. In cultivation it thrives in bright light with good drainage and a summer dry rest. An exceptional collector's plant; Crassulaceae, not individually ASPCA-listed for toxicity.

What size pot to step bushy aichryson up to

Use a pot only one size up — or even the same pot with fresh gritty mix if the roots have room. Bushy Aichryson stores water and rots in a large pot of slow-drying soil. A tight terracotta pot that dries fast is far safer than a generous plastic one. Never up-pot a succulent by several sizes.

Not sure of the exact diameter? Our pot size calculator takes the current pot and root spread and tells you the right next size — it deliberately recommends a single step up, never a big jump.

The best time of year to repot bushy aichryson

Spring or summer, while bushy aichryson is in active growth and warm, is best — roots recover fastest then, and the plant is not sitting in cool damp soil. Avoid repotting a succulent in winter dormancy.

Step-by-step: repotting bushy aichryson

Repot dry. Do not water bushy aichryson for several days first. Working with dry roots and dry mix dramatically lowers the rot risk for a succulent.
Pick a snug, fast-draining pot. Choose terracotta one size up at most, with a drainage hole. Have gritty well-draining cactus and succulent mix with added grit ready.
Tip it out and clean the roots. Slide the plant out, crumble off the old soil, and trim any black, mushy or dead roots with clean snips.
Pot into dry mix. Set bushy aichryson at its original depth in dry gritty mix, firming gently. Do not bury the stem deeper than it was.
Wait a week before watering. Leave it completely dry and out of harsh sun for about 7 days so any damaged roots callus. Only then water lightly.

Aftercare

Keep bushy aichryson completely dry and out of fierce sun for about a week so any nicked roots callus before they meet moisture; watering a freshly repotted succulent is the classic way to rot it. Then resume the normal lean, dry rhythm. Do not fertilise for about 3 weeks — fresh mix already carries nutrients and feeding freshly disturbed roots scorches them.

The right soil mix for bushy aichryson

Bushy Aichryson wants well-draining cactus and succulent mix with added grit. Mix standard cactus compost with 30–40% extra perlite, pumice, or sharp sand to ensure rapid drainage. In its native habitat it colonises rock crevices with minimal organic matter. A terracotta pan is ideal. Always use fresh mix when you repot — reusing old, broken-down soil reintroduces the compaction and poor drainage you are repotting to fix.

Repotting bushy aichryson — frequently asked questions

How often should you repot bushy aichryson?

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix for bushy aichryson. Repot bushy aichryson every 2–3 years into a snug pot of well-draining cactus and succulent mix with added grit, ideally in spring or summer. Let it sit in dry soil and do not water for about a week afterwards so any nicked roots can callus. Over-potting and watering straight away is what rots succulents.

What size pot does bushy aichryson need?

When is the best time of year to repot bushy aichryson?

Should you water bushy aichryson after repotting?

No — not straight away. Repot bushy aichryson into dry mix and wait about a week before the first watering so any damaged roots callus over. Watering a freshly repotted succulent is the single most common way to rot one.

Should you fertilise bushy aichryson after repotting?

Not immediately. Wait about 3 weeks after repotting bushy aichryson. Fresh mix already contains nutrients, and feeding freshly cut or disturbed roots burns them. Resume your normal feeding routine once you see new growth.