Are the roots of your potted plant growing out of the drainage holes? Perhaps the soil looks dry and disintegrated, or you can’t remember the last time you repotted the plant. All these symptoms point to a plant that needs repotting.
At Amarilis Flowers, we know how to repot a plant properly. Keep reading this repotting guide to learn a few houseplant care and repotting tips to ensure your plants thrive in their new pots.
Choose and Prepare the New Pot
When transplanting plants, choose a larger (wider and deeper) pot. A pot at least one inch larger should suffice, but that depends on the plant’s size. Go for a pot with drainage holes to minimize the likelihood of stagnant water and root rot.
If you opt for a terra cotta pot, soak it in water for a few hours beforehand. Terra cotta absorbs moisture, so soaking it in advance prevents it from drying out your plant.
Next, cover the drainage holes with something porous, like a paper towel or coffee filter. This allows water to pass through while preventing soil from falling out.
Before you place the new plant inside, put a few inches of soil in the new pot. This will act as the base under the plant into which the roots will grow.
Prepare the Plant
To understand how to repot a plant effectively, consider watering it a few hours beforehand. Besides making removal easier, watering will keep the plant healthy and the root ball together.
To remove the plant from its current pot, turn the pot on its side and work it back and forth as you hold the plant’s stem until the plant comes out. You may have to use a knife to help separate the plant and the pot.
Once you remove the plant, untangle the old roots and prune the root ball to expose fresher roots to the new soil. Consider shaving off particularly thick roots on the sides of the root ball as well.
Place the Plant in Its New Pot
Finally, place the plant into its new home and add soil, ensuring it stays centred and upright. Then, press firmly and pat down the soil before watering to help it settle. Ensure the top of the plant’s root ball sits at least an inch below the rim of the pot.
Now that the plant sits in a new pot, it needs extra care for the first few weeks after repotting. During this period, the plant becomes more sensitive and new roots are grown.
As part of your plant care routine, water it frequently, hold off on fertilizing for about a month and keep it away from full sunlight.
Get Fresh Flowers from Amarilis Flowers
When you need flowers for your wedding anniversary, graduation, Mother’s Day, or just because, look to Amarilis Flowers. As a top-rated online florist, we remain committed to offering fresh blooms at fair prices.
Need more information on how to repot a plant or container gardening tips? Count on us for expert advice.
Call (833) 569-3799 to choose the best flowers and schedule delivery from Amarilis Flowers.
Comments