Repotting guide

When & how to repot Poker alumroot (Heuchera cylindrica)

Also called Poker alumroot, Roundleaf alumroot, Lava coral bells.

More about poker alumroot

About Poker alumroot

Heuchera cylindrica · also called Poker alumroot, Roundleaf alumroot · flowering

Heuchera cylindrica is a western North American native alumroot found on rocky slopes and cliff faces from British Columbia to Nevada. It produces distinctive cylindrical flower spikes of creamy-white to greenish-pink blooms in late spring, held well above rounded, dark-green foliage. Exceptionally drought-tolerant and suited to rock gardens and xeriscape plantings.

Mature size: 20–35 cm tall (flower spikes to 60 cm), 30–45 cm wide

Watch for — Root rot from poor drainage: The biggest killer of this drought-adapted species is waterlogged soil. Ensure gritty, free-draining substrate and never allow plants to sit in water. Container plants must have drainage holes.

How to tell poker alumroot needs repotting

Repotting on a calendar is less reliable than reading the plant. For poker alumroot, 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 poker alumroot

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix. Poker alumroot's growth habit — compact clump-forming semi-evergreen perennial — sets the pace. Heuchera cylindrica is a western North American native alumroot found on rocky slopes and cliff faces from British Columbia to Nevada. It produces distinctive cylindrical flower spikes of creamy-white to greenish-pink blooms in late spring, held well above rounded, dark-green foliage. Exceptionally drought-tolerant and suited to rock gardens and xeriscape plantings.

What size pot to step poker alumroot up to

Use a pot only one size up — or even the same pot with fresh gritty mix if the roots have room. Poker alumroot 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 poker alumroot

Spring or summer, while poker alumroot 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 poker alumroot

Repot dry. Do not water poker alumroot 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 gritty, sharply draining rocky or sandy loam 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 poker alumroot 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 poker alumroot 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 poker alumroot

Poker alumroot wants gritty, sharply draining rocky or sandy loam. Native to cliff ledges and rocky outcrops; requires excellent drainage. A mix of coarse grit, perlite, and loam at roughly 1:1:2 suits container culture. pH 6.0–7.5 is acceptable. Will not tolerate heavy clay or waterlogged conditions. Always use fresh mix when you repot — reusing old, broken-down soil reintroduces the compaction and poor drainage you are repotting to fix.

Repotting poker alumroot — frequently asked questions

How often should you repot poker alumroot?

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix for poker alumroot. Repot poker alumroot every 2–3 years into a snug pot of gritty, sharply draining rocky or sandy loam, 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 poker alumroot need?

When is the best time of year to repot poker alumroot?

Should you water poker alumroot after repotting?

No — not straight away. Repot poker alumroot 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 poker alumroot after repotting?

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