Plants require fertile soil to thrive. Repotting them is beneficial as it increases soil fertility and gives them additional room to grow. If you have a small garden with houseplants, it is necessary to understand the repotting process. In this guide, we share tips on how to repot plants, selecting the right planter and choosing the right soil mix.
See also: How to plant flowers?
What is repotting?
Repotting involves moving a plant from an existing planter to a larger planter. It may involve changing its soil or potting mix as fresh soil has more nutrients.
When is repotting necessary?
As a plant grows, its roots expand through the drainage holes or become pot-bound. Thus, repotting the plant to a larger pot becomes essential. Moreover, the soil in the existing container may no longer be sufficient for the plant’s healthy growth. Hence, they may require a new potting mix.
Repotting is required if the plant begins to show the following signs:
- Drooping leaves that turn brown or fall off
- The plant starts to lean over
- Growth of leaves and stems stops or slows down
- The potting mix quickly dries out
- No moisture retention as water quickly drains out
- Coiled roots emerge from the drainage holes
How to repot a plant?
Choose a large pot for the plant
A small plant in an oversized pot may not be ideal for growth. Hence, selecting the right planter size is important. Make sure the planter has drainage holes. This is essential, especially for vegetable plants, herbs and flowering plants.
A pot should typically be up to two inches in diameter for tabletop planters and up to four inches in diameter for floor planters. If the existing planter is small, choose a new pot, which is one inch larger in diameter.
Choose a planter depending on whether it is an indoor or outdoor plant and the planter material. Opt for large pots for plants that grow quickly, such as bamboo and tree plants. Terracotta, which is a porous material, is ideal for succulents.
Clean and disinfect the pot
If reusing a pot, it may be necessary to disinfect it as minerals or debris may have accumulated, which may affect the plant’s growth. Clean and rinse the pot with water. Soak it till it is ready for use. Add a few inches of soil to the base of the new pot.
Remove the plant carefully
Plants can easily be taken out if their root ball is moist. Water the plant a few hours before repotting it. Watering keeps the plant hydrated and reduces the shock when it is transferred to a new pot. The ideal time for repotting is in moderate temperatures.
Turn the plant sideways and gently hold its stems or leaves. Carefully remove the plant, which requires gentle tugging. You can use a knife to cut around the edge of the soil and repeat the previous step.
Prune the roots and scrape off the soil
Prune the roots, if required, and leave the thicker part at the base. Scrape off old soil using a garden knife. This step requires great attention to prevent any damage to the roots. Remove at least one-third of the old potting mix and fill it with new soil, if you do not want to use 100% of a new potting mix.
Use gardening shears and make small cuts at the bottom of the root system. This will provide your plant with sufficient room to breathe. Pull the roots apart with your hands. Identify any natural split at the roots for dividing and repotting them.
Choose potting soil
Potting soil has more nutrients than gardening soil as it contains peat moss, pine bark and other ingredients that help retain moisture and perlite to allow easier drainage. Organic potting soil includes natural components, such as manure and food compost.
Make sure you pick the right potting soil mix for the plant. For example, when repotting succulents, cactus and palms, mix the soil with sand that provides good drainage.
Place the plant in the new pot
Start adding soil to the pot and fill it up to just below the rim. Place a dryer sheet below the pot’s drainage holes. Place the plant in the centre and ensure it sits upright. Put some soil around the root ball and avoid overfilling the pot. The soil should ideally be filled up to one inch below the top of the pot.
Water the plant
Water the plant in the new pot. Excess water will escape through the drainage holes. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rotting. Keep a saucer at the bottom of the pot for draining water. If the pot does not have drainage holes, place lava rocks at the bottom as it helps drain the water.
Avoid direct sunlight                         Â
Do not keep the plant in direct sunlight for at least a day or up to some weeks until the roots gain strength.
FAQs
How to repot a plant?
Choose a new planter that is larger than the existing one. Pick a fresh potting mix and pour it into the new pot. Carefully remove the plant from the existing planter and transfer it to the new pot.
What is the best soil for repotting plants?
Potting soil, which is better than gardening soil, is best for repotting plants.
Do plants survive repotting?
It may take some time before the plant starts growing in the new pot. Make sure to provide the ideal conditions. Avoid overwatering and direct sunlight for a few weeks.
Should you water a plant before repotting?
Watering before repotting keeps the plant hydrated and makes the root ball moist, which is ideal for repotting.
What happens if you do not repot a plant?
When a plant grows too fast and shows signs, such as expanding roots through drainage holes or browning of leaves, it needs repotting for healthy growth. If avoided, they may become pot-bound and may not survive.
Do plants grow bigger in bigger pots?
Yes. Plants may need a bigger container that gives them breathing room and space to expand their roots.
How many days after repotting can I water?
Check the plant after repotting to assess if it requires watering. You can wait for up to a week after repotting.
Should I wash roots before repotting?
You can wash the roots or, at least, scrape off the old potting mix before repotting.
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