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Repotting House Plants

Most house plants need to be repotted annually in spring. Learn how to repot your plants for healthy growth and development.

Most house plants need to be repotted annually: the best time to do this is in spring when your plants are beginning to grow again after a winter period of slow or very little growth.

Key Information:

Most house plants need to be repotted annually in spring. Check if they need bigger pots or just a potting mixture refresh.

  • Repotting in spring helps plants grow after a period of slow growth.
  • Root-bound plants need larger pots to prevent root rot.
  • Repotting replenishes minerals and trace elements in the potting medium.

Most house plants need to be repotted annually: the best time to do this is in spring when your plants are beginning to grow again after a winter period of slow or very little growth. Make the first task of the growing year a spring cleaning exercise for your house plants. Here, you will find out how to repot those that need larger pots and refresh the potting mixture of those that stay in the same pots. repotting-houseplant_thumb-7394376

It is a good idea to give your plants a thorough check in February or March to see if they need bigger pots. Any that are root-bound – their roots may appear through the drainage holes, or over the surface of the potting medium – will definitely need to move into larger pots. Repot into pots just one size larger. Overpotting may result in a stagnant potting mixture that the roots cannot fill quickly enough and this could lead to root rot.

Replenishing plant food

Some plants may be in the maximum size pot that suits them, but they can still be repotted. For them repotting will replenish the minerals and trace elements that they have taken from the potting medium. Even if you have been feeding your house plants regularly, many of the microscopic nutrients that were in the potting mixture will have been used up by the plants.

Potting into a new pot

  • Place the palm of one hand over the surface of the potting mixture and turn the plant upside down. With your other hand tap the base sharply.
  • The plant should slide out easily. Before you repot use an old kitchen fork to remove weeds or moss if on the surface of the mixture.
  • Place a little potting mixture in the new pot, so that the plant is at the same level as in old pot. Use the old pot as a mould for compost.
  • Set plant in the new pot and fill any gaps between rootball and sides with potting mixture. Firm the plant in with your hands or use a tamping tool.
  • If your plants are too large to repot, top-dress them with new potting mixture. Remove as much of the old potting mixture as you can without damaging or disturbing the roots then refill with fresh potting mixture.
  • Don’t assume that all of your plants will need new and larger pots. There are some plants that bloom better with cramped root conditions. African violets, for instance bloom better if they remain in 7-10cm (3-4 inches) pots. If they are repotted into larger pots they may not thrive.

Equipment for repotting

When you begin your spring repotting, make sure you have everything you need ready and within easy reach before you begin. You will need clean pots, adequate potting mixture– either soil-based or peat-based, depending on the needs of the plant you are repotting – drainage materials, canes for support, scissors and an old kitchen

When to repot

Never repot when roots are just beginning to grow into the compost. The rootball will not be well-formed. The rootball is established and the roots are growing well. Repot unless the plant grows better with a crowded root system.

The plant is root-bound – there is no more room for the roots to spread. Repot the plant immediately.

Levelling your plant

When you re-pot plants it is important that they are placed at the same level in the new pot as they were in old one. Place a layer of drainage material and compost in the pot, then place the plant on this layer to check the level.

  • Remove the plant from its pot and have ready a clean pot of identical size. Use a stick, fork or hands to gently tease away half the old potting mixture.
  • Put fresh potting mixture into new pot. Place rootball in it and fill the spaces between it and the pot with new potting mixture. Press down to firm.
  • Water the plants the day before repotting as this helps when removing the plant from its pot.

Before you start repotting see that the new potting mixture is moist. Place some drainage material, if necessary, and a layer of potting mixture in the new pot. (Add drainage material if you use clay pots or commercial potting mixtures which are not free draining.)

Place the old pot inside the new one to give you an idea of how much potting mixture you will need to fill around the rootball. Place the plant on the layer of compost and check that it is set no higher and no lower than it was previously. Fill any air spaces between the sides of the pot and the rootball with potting mixture. Tap the pot on the table to make sure the mixture settles down.

After repotting don’t feed for the first 4 weeks. This encourages the roots to move in search of nutrients. Resume feeding after 4 weeks, when the roots should be well-established in the pot.

Troubleshooter

Usually the rootball will slide easily out of the pot. If not knock the rim smartly against a table. When a plant is pot-bound in clay, break the pot with a hammer. Use pliers or secateurs to cut a plastic pot.

More Information on Repotting House Plants

Repotting house plants is an essential task that ensures their healthy growth and development. While most house plants need to be repotted annually, it is best to do so in the spring when they are starting to grow after a period of slow or minimal growth. This allows them to benefit from fresh nutrients and a larger space for their roots to spread.

When determining if a plant needs repotting, it’s important to check if it is root-bound. A root-bound plant will have roots that appear through the drainage holes or over the surface of the potting medium. Repotting these plants into larger pots just one size up will prevent root rot and provide them with the necessary room to grow.

Not all plants require larger pots for repotting. Some plants, such as African violets, actually bloom better when they remain in smaller pots of 7-10cm (3-4 inches). Repotting these plants serves to replenish the minerals and trace elements in the potting mixture, even if they are already in the maximum size pot suitable for them.

When repotting, it is crucial to place the plant at the same level in the new pot as it was in the old one. This ensures proper root development and stability. After repotting, refrain from feeding the plants for the first four weeks to encourage root growth. Once the roots are well-established, resume regular feeding to support healthy plant growth.

Remember to have all the necessary equipment ready before starting the repotting process. This includes clean pots, appropriate potting mixture, drainage materials, and tools like scissors and canes for support.

By regularly repotting your house plants, you provide them with the optimal conditions for growth and help maintain their overall health and beauty.

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About The Author:

Rupert Foxton-Smythe

Horticulturist and avid plant enthusiast.

Rupert Foxton-Smythe is a seasoned horticulturist and avid plant enthusiast with over three decades of experience in the field of botany. As a leading expert at Houseplant Guru, Rupert brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for all things green.

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