Repotting guide

When & how to repot Spiny Germander (Teucrium subspinosum)

Also called Spiny Germander, Balearic Germander.

More about spiny germander

About Spiny Germander

Teucrium subspinosum · also called Spiny Germander, Balearic Germander · flowering

Teucrium subspinosum is a cushion-forming, spiny, evergreen shrublet endemic to the Balearic Islands (primarily Mallorca and Cabrera), where it grows on dry, stony limestone hillsides. Its twisted, white-woolly, spine-tipped stems bear small grey-green leaves and loose racemes of two-lipped, clear pink flowers in summer. It is one of the most ornamental compact germanders for rock gardens and scree beds, and demands full sun with near-perfect drainage. The plant is mildly toxic if ingested due to diterpene compounds typical of the genus.

Mature size: 15–20 cm tall and 25–35 cm wide after 2–5 years.

Watch for — Winter rot in wet soils: Being an island Mediterranean endemic, this species is especially susceptible to crown and root rot in cold, wet UK winters; grow in a raised scree bed or alpine house in wet regions.

How to tell spiny germander needs repotting

Repotting on a calendar is less reliable than reading the plant. For spiny germander, 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 spiny germander

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix. Spiny Germander's growth habit — compact, cushion-forming, spiny evergreen shrublet with intricately branched, white-woolly stems. — sets the pace. Teucrium subspinosum is a cushion-forming, spiny, evergreen shrublet endemic to the Balearic Islands (primarily Mallorca and Cabrera), where it grows on dry, stony limestone hillsides. Its twisted, white-woolly, spine-tipped stems bear small grey-green leaves and loose racemes of two-lipped, clear pink flowers in summer. It is one of the most ornamental compact germanders for rock gardens and scree beds, and demands full sun with near-perfect drainage. The plant is mildly toxic if ingested due to diterpene compounds typical of the genus.

What size pot to step spiny germander up to

Use a pot only one size up — or even the same pot with fresh gritty mix if the roots have room. Spiny Germander 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 spiny germander

Spring or summer, while spiny germander 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 spiny germander

Repot dry. Do not water spiny germander 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-drained, gritty, neutral to alkaline; lean fertility preferred 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 spiny germander 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 spiny germander 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 spiny germander

Spiny Germander wants well-drained, gritty, neutral to alkaline; lean fertility preferred. Grows best in scree or rockery conditions; mix generous quantities of sharp grit into planting holes and never add organic matter that retains moisture. Always use fresh mix when you repot — reusing old, broken-down soil reintroduces the compaction and poor drainage you are repotting to fix.

Repotting spiny germander — frequently asked questions

How often should you repot spiny germander?

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix for spiny germander. Repot spiny germander every 2–3 years into a snug pot of well-drained, gritty, neutral to alkaline; lean fertility preferred, 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 spiny germander need?

When is the best time of year to repot spiny germander?

Should you water spiny germander after repotting?

No — not straight away. Repot spiny germander 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 spiny germander after repotting?

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