Philodendrons are easy-to-grow houseplants. These are the best plants to start indoor gardening. Because they grow fast than other plants, they need frequent repotting.
We repot philodendrons for two reasons. One is they grow bigger than the pot and the roots become uncomfortable in an old pot.
The second reason is the soil in the plant pot loses its fertility and our philodendron needs fresh soil.
Today you will learn how to repot philodendrons without damaging the roots? How to water them after repotting and Why do sometimes philodendrons stop growing after repotting?
After reading this guide you will be able to repot all types of philodendron plants in less than 5 minutes.
Repotting Philodendron in a Few Steps
Below are the 6 easy steps of Repotting Philodendrons. The very first step in repotting is choosing the right time of the season.
The early days of the growing season are the best repotting time. In this case, you should repot your philodendron in the last days of spring or early days of the summer season.
Get Ready
Before touching the plant, you need to wear garden gloves. The reason is Sap of philodendron plants is toxic to humans if ingested.
It will also cause skin irritation and other skin problems, especially to sensitive skin people. It is equally toxic to pets.
Therefore, while working on the plant make sure your pets do not enter the working space. Also cleans the area after repotting.
You will need a sharp pair of shears and a plant pot.
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Choosing a Pot
The material of the pot does not matter and you are free to choose any type of plant pot even plastic ones. But I use terra cotta for all my plants.
They help growers to prevent overwatering issues by allowing the air to circulate freely in the root zone.
You need to buy a 2 inches large pot than the current pot. Do not go for extra-large pots because they hold too much potting soil. This increases the chances of overwatering and root fungus.
If you are repotting it because of depleted soil and using the same pot. Then you must wash your pot with dishwashing soap and warm water.
This will kill the harmful bacteria and your philodendron grow safely in new soil.
When choosing a plant pot, you need to check the bottom of the pot for draining holes. Best pots have more than one draining hole to save plants in case of overwatering.
Bottom holes also help growers to water their plants from the bottom (deep watering technique).
Unpot your Philodendron
Unpotting requires patience. Water the plant 24 hours before the repotting time. This will make the soil loose and it will be easy for you to pull the plant out of the soil.
Repotting stress is sometimes deadly for plants. This watering technique also reduces the repotting stress to 85%.
Take a sharp knife and lose the soil, then gently grab the plant from the base and pull up with little force. If the soil is still hard and philodendron is not coming out easily.
Then take out the soil and empty the pot so that you can see the roots (do it carefully).
Root Inspection
Once you take out the plant from its pot, it is time to check the root ball. Remove the soil from the roots.
Closely inspect them for any kind of damage and infection.
Take sharp shears and cut the infected or damaged parts of the roots.
Philodendrons have strong roots they only get damaged when you overwater your plant. To prevent overwatering learn the watering technique. We have mentioned it many times in our articles.
Transfer the Plant
Now that you have everything for repotting, it is time for the important step. Fill the pot with potting soil only to 1.5 inches.
Then grab the plant and place it in the new pot. Then gently fill the remaining pot with potting soil and gently tap around the base of the plant.
Watering
Once you are finished with repotting, give some water to your plant. Use filtered water that you use for drinking.
Water it until it comes out through the bottom holes. Then stop and let the plant take some rest. Remember that it is quite normal to see some weakness in newly potted plants.
They take some time to adjust to their new home.
Best Soil for Repotting Philodendrons?
Generally, we use a regular potting mix or an all-purpose potting mix. But in the case of philodendrons, both soils are not good to use.
These plants need lightweight and well-draining soil. In my experience, African violet soil is good to repot philodendrons.
Philodendron needs plenty of fresh air to breathe and violet potting mix allows fresh to circulate. It does not become heavy after watering sessions.
When should you repot your Philodendrons?
Nobody can tell you the time for repotting your philodendrons. You need to check the conditions of your plants and then decide on the repotting time.
If the plant pots look small and you see the roots are visible over the top surface of the pot. Then you definitely need to repot it.
You should also repot it when you see no growth in its active season. Or when you do the soil test and find that the soil in the plant pot has no or very few nutrients.
Why do philodendrons stop growing after repotting?
This is a rare condition and repotting is not responsible for it. Change in light conditions, humidity, temperature, and place of the plant. All these conditions directly impact growth.
There is only one problem that is related to repotting. Repotting shock or transplant shock is responsible for it. Wilting and leaf dropping are the sure signs of this shock.
To prevent this condition, follow the below steps
Make sure your plant receives the same amount of light and temperature after repotting.
Do not leave the plant roots exposed to light for a long time.
You must complete this process in a maximum of 20 minutes.
Do not let the soil dry, make sure you water it after repotting
Give it a little nutrient boost.
Conclusion
Philodendron repottings are easy and you must collect all the essential tools before starting. Protect the root ball from direct light rays.
This is all about repotting philodendron plants. If you find it difficult or you want more info about repotting. Contact us and we will help you repotting it successfully.
