Every houseplant needs repotting after some age but if you are not sure how to repot. Read this 5-step master guide on how to repot a houseplant and master this technique.
It does not matter which type of plants you have in your containers. Repotting steps are the same for all sizes and shapes of plants.
Like we become tired and stressed after moving the stuff in a new home. The same rule applies to plants they also get stressed when transfer to new pots. There are many things that you need to keep in mind at the time of repotting a houseplant.
In how to repot a houseplant master guide you’ll learn when to repot a plant? How to repot a plant successfully? Which soil to use? What are the care steps and what to consider while buying new pots for repotting?
Read till the end to know the best techniques of plant repotting.
How to know it’s time to repot a plant?
You need to inspect your container and plant carefully. If your plant looks uncomfortable then it’s time to repot it.
For example, You need to check the roots of plants. If the roots form a circular and dense system your plant needs a new big pot. Sometimes roots grow too big and come out through the draining hole. This is also a good sign of repotting.
Or
The plant roots grow large in size and the soil in the pot cannot cover them. These types of plant roots are visible on the top layer of the soil.
Plants that grow at a very fast rate need frequent repotting. Whereas plants that grow slowly required repotting once or twice in their life cycle.
Young plants need more repotting than old plants. Also, the succulents don’t need to be repotted because they do not have a large complex rooting system. But if you feel your succulent needs to be repotted use 2 inches wide pot for repotting without wasting time.
What is the best time to repot a houseplant?
One should repot a houseplant just before its growing season starts. This means do not think about repotting in the winter season. Because plants do not grow in winter and those do grow show little to no growth.
Later days of the winter season and early days of spring are the best time of the year to repot a houseplant. Their growing season starts from early spring. Their root system gets activated and starts absorbing nutrients at the time. This helps them to grow bigger and better in a new pot.
What is the right size of the new container?
For sure you need to buy a new big size pot than the current pot. Normally one size up is best for repotting if the plant roots are not exposed from the top layer of soil. If the roots are coming out of the bottom hole and also visible on the top of the pot. Then you need a 2 inches wider pot than the current pot for repotting.
A bigger pot is not always the best solution. Sometimes your plant needs new potting soil and you think to change the pot.
Too big pots can cause root rot to your plant roots. Because big size pot holds large water and when plant roots are continuously live-in wet soil. They get infected by the root fungus called root rot. This is a deadly situation for plants. Once you see the signs of root rot right way take the plant out of the container.
Change the potting soil and container also remove the affected root parts and plant it again in new soil and pot.
The best soil to repot a plant
Soil plays an important part in plant growth and health. If you choose good potting soil according to your plant needs it will thrive like crazy. Plants struggle in the wrong type of soil. So, check the requirements of your plants at the first spot and then choose the soil.
For house plants, you need balanced soil that has good moisture-retaining capabilities. Loam is perfect for growing houseplants in pots. It has excellent qualities that soil should have to boost the plant’s growth in every growing stage
Watering your plants before repotting
Water your plants regularly 2 to 3 days before repotting. Because if you accidentally repot dehydrated plants. Chances are they will die in new pots within 7 days. Therefore, water them without making the soil overly wet.
How to repot a houseplant successfully?
Follow the below written 5 steps of repotting a plant from the old container to the new pot.
Remove your plant from the current pot
Wear the garden gloves and pick the plant pot in your hands. Tilt the pot sideways and cradle it from the stem. To make things easy and safe tap at the bottom of the pot. Your plant will come out smoothly. But if it stuck and don’t come out then grab the stem close to the root and gently pull it outwards. Do not pull it forcefully or you will damage it.
At last, you can use a sharp knife or anything else to insert into the soil to make it lose. But normally plants come out easily they only stuck in pots when growers do not water them before repotting.
Check the roots
Remove the old potting soil from the plant roots with your hands. Check the roots for any sign of infection or disease. If the roots are bound in circular form. Untangle them first and then repot in a new container. If the roots are extra long you can trim them by using sharp shears. Remember you can remove the thin extra-long threads but not the thick central root stem.
Add new soil in the new pot
The first step is to put the fresh potting mix in the bottom of the new pot. Make sure your pot has a bottom hole. If not, change it or use a drill to make a new hole in it. You can put small rocks or pebbles if you don’t want to make a hole by yourself. But to save your plants from overwatering you should use pots with draining holes.
Put your plant in it
Now plant your plant in the pot and fill the pot with potting mix. Gently press the soil to make it firm so that it can support the plant. Leave 1 inch from the top of the pot and fill the pot with potting soil.
Water
Now water your plant with clean drinkable water. At this point do not use liquid or any other form of fertilizers. Because plants do not need fertilizer dosage while repotting. Later you can fertilize them when their growing season just starts.
Conclusion
Repotting a houseplant is an easy process. It takes about 10 minutes to perfectly repot a plant.
How to repot a houseplant explains repotting in simple steps. Hope you enjoy the article and now it is easy for you to repot your houseplants.
If you need any help in repotting, tell us what you don’t understand we will help you ASAP.
