Repot a Plant: Simple Step-by-Step Directions

Select the Finest Pot for Your Plant

If a houseplant’s roots have run out of house, its new pot usually ought to be 1 to 2 inches bigger in diameter than the unique, permitting extra room to develop with out requiring extreme quantities of soil and water.

That is perhaps much less of a difficulty for outside potted vegetation that obtain rainfall, however whereas some vegetation want extra root house than others, it’s usually finest to not encompass a potted plant with much more soil than it wants.

Plastic pots are lighter and simpler to maneuver, however are likelier to tip over. Terracotta and different ceramic pots supply some benefits over plastic, however they’re heavy, breakable, and take in moisture, so they might require extra watering than plastic pots.

Whichever materials you select, be certain your pot has drainage holes to assist scale back illness threat.

Select a Good Potting Medium

Search for a potting medium that’s well-suited to your plant. Houseplants grown for his or her foliage or flowers typically want loamier, humus-rich soil, for instance, whereas cacti and succulents want much less humus and extra sand.

Many kinds of potting mixes can work effectively for potted vegatables and fruits, though it’s price researching your particular plant, since some are extra explicit about pH ranges, water retention, or different elements. 

Usually, potted vegetation want a rising medium that’s porous sufficient to let air attain the roots, however can also be capable of retain water and vitamins for the plant’s sustenance.

It’s typically higher to keep away from merchandise labeled as “potting soil,” in response to the College of Maryland Extension Service, since these are typically too dense for sufficient aeration. If you happen to do purchase precise soil, you could need to add perlite or vermiculite to assist loosen it a bit. In any other case, search for a man-made potting combine with peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite, and presumably slow-release fertilizer, though it’s also possible to simply add fertilizer later.

Another choice is to make your personal potting medium at residence, utilizing a combination of roughly half natural substances (like peat moss, compost, or rice hulls) and half inorganic substances (like perlite, builder’s sand, vermiculite, or pumice).

Water the Plant in Its Authentic Pot

Hold your plant well-hydrated previous to repotting. Attempt to present its typical water provide within the day(s) main as much as the transfer, then give it yet another drink about an hour earlier than you repot it.

This step would possibly assist your plant deal with the stress of repotting, and it may end up in much less brittle, extra pliable roots, which make the repotting course of simpler for everybody.

Put together the New Pot

If you happen to’re reusing a pot that beforehand held one other plant, be certain to scrub it effectively earlier than utilizing it once more.

Relying on the plant, the pot, and your preferences, you could need to add one thing on the backside of your new pot to stop potting combine from leaking by way of the drainage holes.

This isn’t at all times crucial, however should you’re anxious about it, you’ll be able to add shards of damaged clay or terracotta to the underside. Don’t add small rocks or gravel, although, since that doesn’t assist with drainage and takes us house that might in any other case be utilized by the roots. Some gardeners use a paper towel or espresso filters.

Add Some Potting Medium to the New Pot

Pour a little bit potting combine into the brand new pot. Add sufficient to cowl the underside and supply a cushion, however bear in mind to go away house not simply on your plant’s roots, but in addition for some extra potting combine to cowl them on the floor.

Visualize how massive the foundation ball will likely be contained in the pot, and attempt to maintain the highest of the foundation ball 1 or 2 inches under the rim.

Take away the Plant From Its Outdated Pot

There are completely different strategies for eradicating a plant from its pot, and a few may fit higher than others relying on variables like the kind of pot, the kind of plant, or the situation of the roots and soil.

It’s typically simpler to take away a plant from a plastic pot, for the reason that extra versatile materials permits you to gently squeeze, pinch, or roll from the surface to separate the soil and roots from the pot’s inside partitions. You possibly can obtain the identical end result with ceramic pots, nevertheless, by gently knocking the pot towards a tough floor, or by turning the pot upside-down and patting or slapping the underside together with your hand.

In any case, bear in mind that is already an enormous ordeal on your plant, so attempt to be as mild as attainable. Flip the pot upside-down slowly, with one hand able to catch the mass of roots and soil when it comes out. (Some vegetation slide out simply, whereas others could must be gently pulled, wiggled, and coaxed).

When you’ve eliminated the plant, put down the outdated pot and punctiliously flip the plant upright in your arms, cradling it by the foundation ball.

Carry out a Fast Well being Test on the Roots

Whereas nonetheless holding the unpotted plant, look at the situation of its roots. Don’t fear in the event that they’re a little bit matted or root-bound—you’re already within the means of addressing that drawback by shifting your plant to a much bigger pot.

If you happen to do see lots of matted or clumped roots across the exterior of the foundation ball, although, it is perhaps price gently teasing them aside together with your fingers. If that appears unimaginable, you’ll be able to attempt loosening the clump by trimming a couple of roots with scissors or a knife, then untangling the remaining by hand.

For some vegetation, it may be useful to trim away clumps of roots on the prime of the foundation ball, together with every other brown, dead-looking roots.

Place Your Plant in Its New Pot

Rigorously decrease the foundation ball into the brand new pot, setting it atop the layer of potting combine you’ve already poured onto the underside.

Sprinkle in additional potting combine across the sides of the foundation ball, gently patting it in to scale back air pockets, however with out compacting it an excessive amount of.

Usually, the aboveground components of the plant—leaves, flowers, and fruit—shouldn’t be involved with the soil or potting combine as soon as transplanting is full.

Water the Plant

Your plant has been by way of loads at this level. Give it loads of water when you’ve completed repotting, however then wait till the soil has dried on the floor earlier than you water once more.

Select a Good Spot for Your Repotted Plant

You’ve gotten now repotted your plant, however that isn’t the top of the story. The plant might have time to beat the stress of repotting and to regulate to its new residence.

Test on it repeatedly, searching for indicators of transplant shock, like wilting or falling leaves. Present the correct amount of water, and place it someplace with optimum daylight, temperature, and airflow. You would even attempt studying bedtime tales to your plant.