5 signs it’s time to repot your pot plants:
- The plant has outgrown its current pot, such as an oversized plant in a really small pot, meaning your plant has no room to grow
- When looking at the base, you notice the roots growing out of the bottom of the pot and/or growing in a circular pattern around the top or bottom of the pot – this means your plant is root-bound
- The pot plant’s soil is dried out, often caused by the plant being root-bound and/or low soil levels in the pot, so the plant isn’t absorbing water and nutrients in the way it needs to if it is to grow and thrive
- When you water the pot plant, the water doesn’t absorb into the soil, sitting on the top of the pot. The term for this is hydrophobic and the main reason is that the plant hasn’t been watered regularly.
- Your plant has lived in the same pot for many years and is not growing or flowering (if it’s a flowering plant)
Whether you’re growing new plants for the first time, simply refreshing your interior décor, or replacing old pot plants with fresh ones, we want to provide them with the best chance at survival in their new environment.
When it comes to repotting, there are a few important tips to keep in mind.
Choose the right pot
When your plant has outgrown its pot, it’s time for a new home. It’s important to give the plant’s roots ample space to grow and expand so your plant will thrive in the new pot. For this reason, your new pot should be slightly larger and wider than the plant’s current pot, with drainage holes in the bottom to prevent roots from rotting.
Gently remove the plant from the old pot
Water the plant first, to help relieve stress on the plant and ensure the root ball stays together. Next, instead of risking damage to the plant or its roots on removal, turn it upside down with your hand over the top of the pot. To loosen the plant from its old pot, rotate it a few inches in both directions. If the plant is still tightly wedged in the current pot, try using a knife to assist in separating the plant from the container.
Massage the root ball
To help your pot plant thrive in its new pot, it’s important to loosen the plant’s root ball. What better way to do this than with a gentle massage? By untangling the roots and inserting them into fresh soil, you’ll be helping them grow outward, and provide greater support for your pot plant as it grows.
Place the plant into its new pot
After ensuring the drainage holes are covered to prevent soil from leaking out, position the plant in the centre of the new pot. Turn the pot to check the plant is straight. Next, add the new soil to a level just below the top of the pot’s rim. Gently but firmly press down on the soil to level it out. The soil needs to be firm enough to support the plant and keep it upright.
Water the plant into its new pot
Complete the repotting process by watering it in well. This will help firm the new soil and allow the plant to settle into its new home. Remember, you’ll need to water your plant more regularly during the first few weeks, as its roots will require extra moisture to encourage the plant to grow and thrive in the new pot.
Did you know? Plateau Landscaping Suppliers have the biggest range of pots in Northern New South Wales? We are your local landscape supplies in Byron Bay, Ballina and Bangalow and specialists in large garden pots for the Northern Rivers. Our friendly team is happy to answer any questions you may have about choosing the most suitable pot or repotting your pot plants.
Call 02 6788 1234 to chat to our friendly staff or visit us at 14 Kays Lane, Alstonville.