Gently squeeze the sides with your hands to loosen up the soil. Orchid plants need repotting for one or a combination of two main factors: Potting mix breaks down, often evidenced by dead roots, or the plant outgrowing the container. The experts agree you can usually use any. If the root ball resists, run a knife between the pot and the root ball to loosen the roots. Here’s what you’ll need to do the job with as little shock to the plant as possible. In general, most tropical plants require water every one to two weeks, while succulents only need water every three to four weeks. When you open the package, you will see strips of damp paper around the bare-root plants and trees' roots. This technique of moving an orchid from one pot to another with minimal root disturbance, is called 'drop potting'. If you just got a new plan t that’s still in the container it came in, the experts agree you should give it a few days or even weeks to acclimate to your home before transferring it to a different planter. Repotting the plant. Allow the plant to “rest” so all the water drains from the pot before placing it on its new saucer. Q: When should I repot a plant? If possible, check the soil before buying. If your plant isn’t root-bound but does need a refresh, stick to a pot that’s similar in size to the container the plant was in previously. How to Repot a Succulent. If it has grown too big for its current pot — i.e., it’s root-bound. When to Repot a Venus Flytrap . If the weather is unfavorable, or you don't have time or help to plant right away, still be sure to open the box containing your order. Lightly water your plant to help the root ball and soil slide more easily out of the pot. How best to repot a houseplant ... Like vermiculite, it traps moisture, including nutrients, releasing it as the plant requires. How to Repot Plants Step 1: Water Plant. Generally speaking, I’d say to repot plants within the first year or when it starts exhibiting growth. if you have it. Care for the Root Ball. Over time, the potting medium can become compacted which makes it difficult for the plant to grow new roots. We agree, but find that when we keep … For plants that have outgrown their current pots, size up about 1 to 2 inches to ensure there’s room for growth, Marino said. When I repot succulents, I like to remove extra soil or peat from the roots to give them the best chance to get established in new soil. Should I Repot my Grocery Store Phalaenopsis Orchid after Buying? This is because they have very shallow root systems compared to other plants an grow more slowly. And how do I ensure success? from time to time. Simply put, the plant is searching for more real estate. (Pham, who has over 130 plants, uses a spreadsheet. Answer: There are differing opinions on this. It will tell you when it’s ready for a new home.”. Make sure the pot you are switching to has a hole in the bottom for excess water to drain onto a saucer, said Joyce Mast, resident Plant Mom (and the founder’s real mom) at Bloomscape. stick to a pot that’s similar in size to the container the plant was in previously. The fun part! You can keep it and let it re-bloom next year. “Never repot if a plant is wilted due to underwatering. The whole process will take around 10 minutes. Water the plant in its original container and let it sit for one hour before repotting. When to Repot an Amaryllis. If you just got a, You may be interested in putting your plant into a, that matches your decor. Prices and availability subject to change. If you (and the plant) can wait until the spring to repot, then hold off. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Learn how to repot orchids, and you'll have a much better chance of keeping these notoriously high-maintenance plants alive much longer. “Loosen the plant’s roots with your hands,” Marino said. To repot a small plant that’s easy to lift, put a few inches of moist soil in the pot and tamp it down lightly. It will tell you when it’s ready for a new home.”. Repot a plant when the soil is drying out faster than usual. “My reasoning is that the old soil has microbes that the plant has gotten used to and helps give the plant a familiarity to its new home and soil.”. Leaves may have lost their luster and a dullness that didn’t exist before has set in. In the first case, a larger pot may not be required, simply replace the growing medium. Some commercial sellers tell their customers not to do this in order to let the plants become accustomed to their new environment before changing pots or soil. Pham said there are a few symptoms of root-bound and pot-bound plants to look out for: the roots are peeking out from the drainage holes, the plant can easily be lifted or fall out of the pot, you see more roots than soil, the plant dries out faster than usual, or it’s been over a year since the plant was last repotted. “Repotting is a stressful time for a plant, so try not to do it too often. She also recommends wiping the blades with rubbing alcohol between each snip to avoid spreading bacteria between the roots. If your plant is healthy, you don’t need to remove all the old soil, Pham said. Don’t overwater it, and hold off on the fertilizer. Instead, it’s better to size up gradually over the years. This is the period when the plants are getting ready to grow or are actively growing, so repotting can facilitate that. Instead, it’s better to size up gradually over the years. Copyright © 2020 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Pham said most plants will benefit from any material that is porous and wicks away moisture, like, . Tomato plants are different. That’s why it’s important to be certain your plant is struggling as a result of growth and not from something entirely different like under- or overwatering, too much fertilizer, or insufficient light. After that, I’d repot it in a slightly larger pot every five years or so. Many people get an amaryllis in the winter, around the holidays, sometimes as a gift. If the container was used previously make sure that it is clean before you start. Below, we’ve rounded up all of experts’ recommendations into one easy-to-browse slideshow, so you have everything you need to get repotting. The experts agree you can usually use any indoor potting mix, but Marino usually avoids anything that has an extra benefit like “moisture control” that might throw off her usual plant-care routine. However, if you’ve bought a plant in the middle of winter and feel it’s absolutely in need of new accommodations, do it in a warm environment and be gentle. If a plant is in the midst of flowering, though, it's best to wait until it finishes before you repot, the experts at the New York Botanical Garden say. But like all good things, plants require work, patience and attention. “, If your plant is root-bound — the roots are growing in very tight circles around the base of the plant — unbind the roots as best you can and give them a trim.”, Cutting back any dead, mushy, discolored or excessively long roots with. A plant in a pot without drainage is much more susceptible to root rot, damage and even death from overwatering. Unlike similar holiday plants, you don’t need to toss your amaryllis after it blooms. May 10, 2018 - Many times moving a plant to a new pot is the worst thing you can do for the plant. It should be neither dripping wet nor totally dry, and if it is, … ), It doesn’t really matter what time you water your plants, Marin said, but if you want to get into a routine, she recommends the mornings: “That way your plants can bulk up on water before the sun is shining in full force.”. In spring, the plant is coming out of its dormant period, anticipating the longer days and brighter light that tell it it’s time to grow. Just don’t pack it too tight — you want the roots to breathe. Put your fingers over the top of the root ball and invert the pot. A plant in a pot without drainage is much more susceptible to root rot, damage and even death from overwatering. “Push your finger into the soil until it reaches your middle knuckle. Still want more guidance on keeping your houseplants alive? 6. Plants absorb a lot of nutrients as they grow, so they need. After you chose an appropriate container and potting mix, you can begin the repotting process. As we plan for a summer of social distancing, you may have tried to bring the outdoors in by ordering a few more houseplants or starting an indoor garden filled with fruits and veggies. Finally, what materials are best for plant pots? “I always like mixing in some of the old soil into the new soil when repotting,” Pham said. Pour a layer of fresh potting soil into the new planter and pack it down, removing any air pockets. This holds true whether you're transplanting zinnia seedling grown in a 6-pack, a shrub in a two gallon pot, or a tree that's been ball-and-burlapped. , all that water will be wetting the dirt and not reaching the roots, which can lead to overwatering and possibly root rot. Typically, the problem isn’t how much water you use to water a plant — it’s watering something too frequently. For plants that have outgrown their current pots, size up about 1 to 2 inches to ensure there’s room for growth, Marino said. Permanent plants are best repotted when growth is slow or when they’re dormant, either before or after flowering. The perkiness is gone. All rights reserved. HOW TO REPOT A PLANT. The reason I suggest you repot any new plant immediately is that you don't know what kinds of crazy things are going on in the pot. Repotting is an easy way to refresh your plants by giving them some more room to grow (and you can also spruce up your space with some pretty new planters). If the plant’s roots have taken up all of the space and begun growing through the bottom of the pot, it’s time for a new home, according to. Watering is a touchy matter for most plants—even if you know your plant’s specific needs, the indoor humidity (which varies from home to home) plays a role in how quickly your plant becomes parched. ), “I recommend the touch test,” Mast said. You probably don’t want to repot a plant right after you get it. If some of the roots appear dead, damaged, or rotten (or circle the inside of the pot, indicating probable underpotting), you need to prune them off. The growth you see above the soil is also occurring below where space is finite. Question: When I bring home new plants, can I repot them immediately into my own pots and soil? To repot a plant, start by filling the new pot with soil. Pour a layer of fresh potting soil into the new planter and pack it down, removing any air pockets. Severely pot-bound plants may struggle to come out as their roots have filled in so tightly that absolutely no wiggle room remains. We talked to plant experts from well-known greenspaces like. to create a space for water to pool away from the plant’s roots. (You don’t want puddling water. You're not the only one tired of your home. Plants absorb a lot of nutrients as they grow, so they need fresh soil from time to time. The goal is to get the top of the root ball to sit about an inch below the rim of the pot. Despite a regular fertilizing schedule during the spring and summer, your plant can still fail to put on new growth. How often you water your plant can vary week to week and even month to month — it all depends on your plant and your home, according to Pham. I almost lost a plant once, because while I watered it regularly, it couldn't access it. First hydrate, then repot.”. First, water the plant the day before you plan on repotting it. One of the secrets to transforming your space into a lush greenhouse starts with knowing basic plant care like repotting. If a once-a-week watering schedule becomes a twice- or three-times-a-week thing to keep the soil moist and temperatures are relatively consistent, your plant’s thirst could indicate that it’s growing and needs repotting. Mast also recommends avoiding repotting in extreme weather like a heat wave, since doing so can add stress to the plant. For larger, floor-sized plants, you’ll likely want to size up 3 to 4 inches, depending on how much you want it to grow. Repotting your plants can sound tricky, but we have a few tips to make it a success. But one of the biggest reasons you would want to repot a plant is to give it fresh soil, according to, Another reason you might want to repot a plant? Grab the base of the plant and carefully lift the plant out of the pot. Usually this means when it … Both might require more frequent waterings in the summer with more daily light, and less frequent waterings in the winter with less daily light. First hydrate, then repot.”, When your plant is ready for a refresh, remove about one-third or more of its potting mix. If you just got a new plant that’s still in the container it came in, the experts agree you should give it a few days or even weeks to acclimate to your home before transferring it to a different planter. Cutting back any dead, mushy, discolored or excessively long roots with sharp scissors or pruning shears rids the plant of useless roots, Mast said. Transplanting your indoor houseplants is easier than you think. After all, plants have been known to make people feel happier and calmer, and can even help purify the air. Once you get into a routine, pay attention to unusual changes in the soil. A: Plants don’t stay little for long, especially if they like the living situation in your home. If it has grown too big for its current pot — i.e., it’s root-bound. Repotting an ailing plant is like adding insult to injury. Use a watering can if you have it. You probably don’t want to repot a plant right after you get it. One of the secrets to transforming your space into a lush greenhouse starts with knowing basic plant care like repotting. To remove a plant from its current pot, turn the plant sideways, hold it gently by the stems or leaves, and tap the bottom of its container until the plant slides out. You may be interested in putting your plant into a stylish new planter that matches your decor. Skip Fertilization for Houseplants if You’re Unsure. , but Marino usually avoids anything that has an extra benefit like “moisture control” that might throw off her usual plant-care routine. Water it until the water flows freely from the bottom of the plant. If it doesn’t have a drainage hole, Marino recommends layering the bottom of the planter with lava rocks or gravel to create a space for water to pool away from the plant’s roots. “If your plant is root-bound — the roots are growing in very tight circles around the base of the plant — unbind the roots as best you can and give them a trim.”. The root ball on a plant in need of a new, larger pot will be a dense mass of encircling white roots with very little soil visible. Here’s what to look for to determine when to repot a plant. Bare-Root Plants and Trees. Certain plants, like ferns and calatheas, that enjoy more moisture might prefer a plastic or, “Loosen the plant’s roots with your hands,” Marino said. A robust root system will outgrow the pot over time and try to expand but, with nowhere to go, the drainage hole is the only option. “Plastic and ceramic pots don’t dry out as fast so I’m able to keep up with watering all my plants,” Pham said. rids the plant of useless roots, Mast said. After repotting, however, your plant will require a thorough watering to settle into its new pot. So, if your plant is dropping leaves, the first step is to make sure there aren't any roots coming out of the pot's drainage hole. “When water comes out of the drainage hole, that’s your cue to stop watering,” Pham said. Subscribe to HuffPost’s sales and deals email. “Once you reach a certain number of plants, you’ll discover little tricks that help you along the way.”. Put the plant on a drainage saucer and let it drain thoroughly. From figuring out the best time of year to repot plants to knowing which soil is right for them, there’s a lot to wrap your head around when it comes to repotting plants after buying them. A stressed plant won’t respond well to a new pot. If the plant’s roots have taken up all of the space and begun growing through the bottom of the pot, it’s time for a new home, according to Richard Pham, manager of Little Shop of Soil in Bushwick, Brooklyn. If you have a small plant in an oversized planter, all that water will be wetting the dirt and not reaching the roots, which can lead to overwatering and possibly root rot. for tips on how to properly repot plants and everything you need to do it properly. For repotting, you will need good quality potting soil, available at garden stores or you can make your own. Let the plant speak to you. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Layer soil in the new pot. Each time a plant is moved it must take time to regrow root hairs and began the process of absorbing nutrients from the soil. If there are, you'll need to repot your plant. Once you've selected your chosen pot, fill the planter one-third of … It’s nothing to worry about because you’re doing all the right things, but you do have to take action when you see the signs. Garden soil, or mixes containing it, should be avoided as they are not suited for pot culture and often keep plants too wet. Then, water the plant before trying to remove it from its old pot, since the roots will come out easier if they're moist. Here's how to repot a plant in five steps, including all the tools you need. Your plants might need a change of environment, too. Repot spring-blooming permanent plants in fall and evergreens in spring or fall. It’ll help the water come out as a soft steady stream and helps with distribution. I'm coming at this more with my orchids in mind, but I've seen it in regular house plants as well. The post-bloom time may seem like the right time to repot it, but it’s not. Fill in any gaps, especially on the bottom and sides of the pot, with the fresh soil. Figuring out how to repot a large plant isn’t much different. Remove your plant from the pot by carefully turning it on its side, then support the main stem in one hand and use the other hand to gently pull the pot away. If you are thinking about repotting your plants... check out this post. As a general rule, a plant should be replanted at the same depth it was growing initially. She also recommends wiping the blades with rubbing alcohol between each snip to avoid spreading bacteria between the roots. By Heather Blackmore. It’ll help the water come out as a soft steady stream and helps with distribution. Planter size is important because you tend to water a plant more when you move it to a larger pot with more soil, Marino said. HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page.