Repotting guide

When & how to repot Hairy-leaf Tylecodon (Tylecodon hirtifolius)

Also called Hairy-leaf Tylecodon, Hairy-leaved Tylecodon.

More about hairy-leaf tylecodon

About Hairy-leaf Tylecodon

Tylecodon hirtifolius · also called Hairy-leaf Tylecodon, Hairy-leaved Tylecodon · houseplant

A low, spreading succulent shrublet from the arid regions of South Africa, notable for its densely glandular-hairy, oblanceolate leaves and yellowish-green tubular flowers in mid-summer. Growing to 30 cm, it thrives in full sun with sharply draining soil. Toxic to pets and people — contains bufadienolide compounds; handle with gloves.

Mature size: Up to 30 cm (12 in) tall and 40 cm (16 in) wide

Watch for — Root rot from summer watering: Watering during summer dormancy is the primary cause of death. The plant signals readiness to grow by pushing new leaves in autumn — only begin watering then.

How to tell hairy-leaf tylecodon needs repotting

Repotting on a calendar is less reliable than reading the plant. For hairy-leaf tylecodon, 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 hairy-leaf tylecodon

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix. Hairy-leaf Tylecodon's growth habit — low, sparingly branched succulent shrub with spreading to decumbent stems; stems clothed in grey-black phyllopodia when leaves are absent — sets the pace. A low, spreading succulent shrublet from the arid regions of South Africa, notable for its densely glandular-hairy, oblanceolate leaves and yellowish-green tubular flowers in mid-summer. Growing to 30 cm, it thrives in full sun with sharply draining soil. Toxic to pets and people — contains bufadienolide compounds; handle with gloves.

What size pot to step hairy-leaf tylecodon up to

Use a pot only one size up — or even the same pot with fresh gritty mix if the roots have room. Hairy-leaf Tylecodon 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 hairy-leaf tylecodon

Spring or summer, while hairy-leaf tylecodon 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 hairy-leaf tylecodon

Repot dry. Do not water hairy-leaf tylecodon 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 sandy or rocky, sharply draining succulent mix 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 hairy-leaf tylecodon 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 hairy-leaf tylecodon 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 hairy-leaf tylecodon

Hairy-leaf Tylecodon wants sandy or rocky, sharply draining succulent mix. Combine 50% coarse horticultural grit or pumice with 50% cactus compost. The glandular hairs on the stems and leaves are also on the roots, making them sensitive to prolonged moisture. Terracotta pots are 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 hairy-leaf tylecodon — frequently asked questions

How often should you repot hairy-leaf tylecodon?

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix for hairy-leaf tylecodon. Repot hairy-leaf tylecodon every 2–3 years into a snug pot of sandy or rocky, sharply draining succulent mix, 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 hairy-leaf tylecodon need?

When is the best time of year to repot hairy-leaf tylecodon?

Should you water hairy-leaf tylecodon after repotting?

No — not straight away. Repot hairy-leaf tylecodon 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 hairy-leaf tylecodon after repotting?

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