Repotting your plants is a necessary step to help them grow and thrive, but if it's done improperly or unnecessarily - it can actually harm your plants! Here are some helpful tips and instructions to walk you through the process.
Not sure when it's time to repot? Check for any roots sneaking up along the top of the soil, or if you are seeing any roots growing out the drainage holes at the bottom of your pot.
Also when watering, if you are noticing the water seems to rush right through the pot, these are signs that your plant is becoming root-bound and needs more room to grow!
Are you checking any of those boxes? Then it's time for a repot!
Here are some helpful guidelines.
You should only increase your pot size by approximately 2" in diameter and height. If your current plant is in a 4" diameter pot, you should be repotting into a 6" diameter pot. Moving it to a bigger pot too soon cause be overwhelming for your plant. Too much soil for too little roots can cause it to remain wet for too long and easily lead to root rot. No thanks!
Always (and we mean always) select a pot with drainage holes! No drainage means there is nowhere for your water to go and can lead to root rot in plants. If you would like to put it into a pot without drainage (aka decorative pot), we suggest repotting it into a plastic grower's pot with drainage holes that can then be dropped into the decorative pot.
If your plant is currently in a plastic pot: gently squeeze the sides to loosen the soil. Tilt it slightly and slide it out of its old pot. If your plant is in a ceramic/'non-squeezable' pot: use a trowel or dull soil knife and, much like a cake out of the oven, run the tool along the sides of the pot to loosen it. This may take a couple goes depending on the size. Be gentle and take your time! Once loosened, tilt the pot and carefully lift your plant out.
Add a couple inches of fresh, well-draining soil to the bottom of your new pot.
Place the plant in the center of your new pot, ensuring the root ball is 2" below the top of the pot's rim. If it's too low or high, add or remove a bit of soil to the bottom of the pot.
Using your fresh soil, fill the sides and top of pot, only packing lightly so your plant is sturdy enough in place. The soil should be filled to about 1" from the top the pot.
We suggest allowing your plant to settle into it's new home before watering. Allow atleast 48hrs before you water it.
And that's it!
Now your plant has room to grow.
General rule of thumb for larger plants is to repot every 2 - 3 years. Again, it's a general rule, and it's always best to monitor your plant for any signs that it's ready for a repot.
Happy planting!
-Plant Therapy
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