Repotting indoor plants can be very easy if done the right way.
Tips for Repotting Indoor Plants That Can Make Anyone Have a Green Thumb
- Repot or not to repot? Indoor plants don’t need repotting very often. At most, every two years. If a plant is getting the nutrients and water it needs, it may not need repotting. Check the roots at the bottom of the root ball. If few roots are circling the bottom of the pot, leave it as is.
- What pot size to use when repotting indoor plants? When choosing a new pot, go up just one size. A pot that’s too large can lead to overwatering. One size up means increasing the diameter by 2 inches. For example, if the plant is in a 4-inch pot, repot it into a 6-inch pot.
- Choosing a pot. Select a pot that is well drained. In addition, you can also add some stones or broken clay pieces to the bottom to add to drainage.
- What should the roots look like? When you take the plant out of the pot, look at the roots at the bottom of the root ball. Are the roots going in a circle at the bottom? If so, they’re root bound. If this is the case, loosen the roots a bit to help them grow into the new soil. Don’t worry if you break them a little. It’s important to get the roots to grow out, not strangle themselves.
- What type soil? For most plants, use a soil that is light in weight and contains a lot of organic material. You want the soil to hold water and allow the roots to breath. Common components of potting soil are organic materials, like peat moss or compost, perlite and/or vermiculite for air and drainage, sand and a slow release fertilizer.
- Filling the new pot. Put soil in the bottom of the pot and pack it down firmly, then put the plant in the pot and fill in the sides. Pack the sides down firmly as well. You don’t want the plant to settle down later and the pot is only half full with soil.
- Watering: After repotting, give the plant a thorough watering. Don’t water again until the top few inches of soil dry out.