Repotting plants is a necessary part of home gardening, allowing your plants to experience maximum growth and health.
Many gardeners feel intimidated by this process, but it is actually a simple and rewarding task. From evaluating the size of the container, to fertilizing your freshly potted plants, to providing the right amount of water, with this guide, you will learn the basics of how to properly repot plants.
1. Choose the right pot. A new pot should be one size larger than the old pot, and it should have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
2. Prepare the soil. Fill the new pot with fresh potting soil that you can buy at most gardening centers. Once the soil is prepared, you should then remove the plant from the old pot. Gently turn the plant over and tap the bottom of the pot to loosen the soil.
3. Remove the plant from the old pot. If the roots are circling around the bottom of the pot, they are root bound. To repot a root bound plant, gently loosen the roots with your fingers. You can also trim any long, scraggly roots.
4. Insert the plant in the new pot. Place the plant in the center of the new pot and add soil around it. Be sure to leave about an inch of space between the top of the soil and the rim of the pot. Additionally, you may choose to trim any long, scraggly roots. Once the roots have been addressed, you can now place the plant in the new pot. Place the plant in the center of the pot and add soil around it, leaving about an inch of space between the top of the soil and the rim of the pot.
5. Water the plant. It is important to water the plant thoroughly until you notice water is running out of the drainage holes.
6. Fertilize the plant. After the initial watering, wait about two weeks before fertilizing the plant with a balanced fertilizer. Following these steps, you can successfully keep your plants healthy and thriving through proper repotting. It is an important gardening skill to learn, as regular repotting every few years allows plants to remain healthy and maintain root spread.
Here are some additional tips for repotting plants:
- Repot plants in the spring or early summer. This is when plants are actively growing and will be less stressed by the repotting process.
- Avoid repotting plants when they are in bloom. Repotting a blooming plant can stress the plant and cause it to drop its blooms.
- Be careful not to overwater plants after repotting. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can kill the plant.
- Check the plant regularly after repotting for signs of stress, such as wilting or dropping leaves. If you notice any signs of stress, adjust your watering or fertilizing schedule accordingly.
With a little care and attention, you can easily repot your plants and keep them healthy and thriving.
Happy gardening!
