How to Repot a Plant to Help It Grow Healthier and Larger
Repotting plants is a common and often necessary part of caring for indoor and outdoor plants. Plants may need to be repotted for a number of reasons: the soil needs to be updated, the plant has outgrown the container or is root bound, or maybe you just want to move to a new container for aesthetic reasons.
When replanting, it is important to choose a pot of the appropriate size. If you choose a pot that is much larger than the existing one, this may negatively impact the plant’s growth as it is important that the soil drainage matches the plant’s previous life cycle. Consider choosing a pot that is the same size or slightly larger.
We’ve outlined a step-by-step guide on how to repot your plant so you can help it grow healthier and larger.
When to Repot a PlantÂ
If you see roots growing on the sides or above the ground or protruding from drainage holes, your plant is root bound and will need to be replanted in a larger container. If the soil or potting medium does not absorb water well, some fresh soil will be needed along with the replanting.
However, if mold or other foreign matter is growing in the soil, change the soil, replant and clean the container to prevent the spread of bacteria before reusing.
Instructions
How to Repot a Plant
01 Choose a New Pot
When repotting a plant that has become established or has outgrown its original pot, you will need a slightly larger pot. Choose a pot that is 2 to 4 inches wider than the previous pot (2 inches for a tabletop pot or 4 inches for a floor or patio pot). Anything more than this can lead to a number of plant problems, such as slow growth or root rot.
Also, consider what material you want to use for the container depending on the design of your home. For a rustic look, you may want to use plastic, resin, or even terracotta pots. Just make sure your pot has large drainage holes.
02 Remove the Old Plant From Its Container
Handle the tree carefully during the replanting process. By lightly moistening the soil a few hours beforehand, you can reduce the shock to the plant during the transplanting process.
If desired, lay down a few paper towels to keep the mess to a minimum or transplant the plant to the lawn. Using a tool or your hands, carefully remove the plant from the pot and place it on a flat surface or floor.
03 Loosen Up the Roots
This step is necessary for any plant that has roots, meaning the roots have developed into a dense or intertwined mass. You can use your hands or some tool to do this.
If the plant is small enough to handle, you can grab it by the stem or stem and try to gently shake the roots; this will also cause the old soil to peel off, which is the next step.
You may need to cut off diseased or rotten roots; In this case, use a clean, sharp tool and clean it afterwards to avoid spreading bacteria to other plants.
04 Remove Old Soil
When replanting the plant, remove the old soil. After a few months, the soil may run out of nutrients, so changing the soil will help the plant get nutrients for its root system and support new and stronger growth.
Gently tap the root and trunk area to remove old clumps of soil. It is not necessary to wash the roots, but if you do, use distilled or spring water rather than tap water, as it may contain chemicals that can affect the roots.
05 Add the Plant to the New Pot
First, add a few inches of soil to the bottom of the pot. Then place the plant in the pot and add soil around and on top. If the tree is large, you may need one person to hold the tree in place while another person adds soil.
For very large plants, water very lightly until the soil is half full before continuing.
06 Add New Potting Soil
When you add soil to a new container, add a few inches at a time and smooth it down gently each time. When finished, iron the top in place. You may also need to add another inch or two of soil over the next few days as the plant grows on its own and the water causes the soil to take up less space.
07 Water Lightly
Once the new soil has been added and gently compacted, water the plant lightly. This will help reduce the shock the tree may experience during the move.
Wait a day and then water as usual, being careful not to overwater.
Tips to Care for Repotted Plants
Transplanting may cause them some stress, so it is important not to add stress by overwatering or adding too much fertilizer. Too much sunlight can also stress your plant, so if your plant is regularly exposed to direct sunlight, try placing it in indirect sunlight for a few days before returning it to its normal location.
If you usually fertilize your plants regularly, wait a few weeks before fertilizing your potted plants. Most potting soil contains fertilizer, and the plant will easily absorb it over a period of time. If your normal fertilizing schedule is once a month, wait at least two or three months before starting fertilizing again. Once you start fertilizing more frequently, monitor your plant for signs of overfertilization, such as fertilizer burn.