Repotting Houseplants 101: Tips for Healthy, Thriving Greenery
- By Elm Dirt September 15, 2023
Repotting your houseplants is a key skill for any indoor gardener. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to repot, when to repot, and the best soil to use for flourishing greenery. Keep your indoor jungle thriving with expert advice.
Unveiling The Basics of Repotting Houseplants
Welcome to the world of repotting houseplants! Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting your indoor gardening journey, repotting is a fundamental skill. Here’s why it matters:
Repotting allows your plants to access fresh nutrients and prevents them from becoming root-bound. It’s also a chance to refresh the potting mix, improving aeration and drainage.
When selecting a new pot, consider the material. Terracotta pots are porous and excellent for plants that prefer drier conditions, while plastic pots retain moisture better. Ensure that the pot you choose has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, a common issue in indoor plants.
Signs Your Plants Need To Be Repotted
Timing is indeed everything when it comes to repotting. Signs that your plants are ready for a new pot include:
- Roots emerging from drainage holes.
- Slow growth or stunted development.
- The potting mix dries out very quickly after watering. Elm Dirt Aroid Mix imitate the plants natural environment of the rainforest floor. Orchid bark creates a chunky mix allowing air circulation to these plant’s unique roots. This blend is well-aerated while maintaining a sufficient amount of moisture.
- You notice a lack of flowering or fruiting.
- Consider repotting during the active growing season, typically in spring or early summer, when your plants can recover quickly. However, if a plant is severely root-bound or suffering, don’t hesitate to repot at any time of year.
Choosing the Right Pot
Selecting the right pot is crucial. Choose a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one, allowing room for growth but preventing excessive moisture retention. Ensure it has drainage holes to prevent overwatering.
Consider the material, too. Terracotta pots are breathable, which can help prevent overwatering, while plastic or glazed ceramic pots retain moisture longer. The choice depends on your plant’s specific needs. Terracotta Pots can also absorb water due to them being clay so keep any eye on plants in terracotta pots till you learn a watering schedule.Â
Step-by-Step Houseplant Repotting Guide
Choose the Right Soil
Select a high-quality potting mix appropriate for your plant type. For example, use a cactus mix for succulents or a well-draining mix for tropical plants.
Prepare the New Pot
Add a layer of fresh potting mix to the new pot, enough so that your plant will sit at the same depth as it did in the old pot.
Remove the Plant
Gently tip the old pot to remove your plant. Hold it by the base of the stem or the root ball, avoiding the delicate stems and leaves.
Loosen Roots
If the roots are tightly wound, gently tease them apart with your fingers to encourage outward growth.
Repot
Place your plant in the new pot and fill in the sides with potting mix, gently pressing it down. Leave about an inch of space at the top to make watering easier.
Water Thoroughly
Give your newly repotted plant a good drink of water to help settle the soil. Water until you see excess moisture drain from the bottom.
Remember not to compact the soil too tightly. Your plant’s roots need some air for healthy growth.
Choosing Nutrient-Rich Soil For Thriving Plants
The type of soil you use can make all the difference in your plant’s health. Consider the following:
For succulents and cacti, use a well-draining mix with added perlite. Three part All-Purpose Potting Mix, three part sand, gravel or grit and two parts perlite.
Tropical plants prefer a coco coir-based mix for moisture retention. A well-drainage potting soil that allows air circulation and water to run through the soil. Three part coco coir, two part potting soil, one part perlite and one part orchid bark. Also you can purchase our per-mixed Aroid Mix that is perfect for tropical plants, ferns and hoyas.
Orchids thrive in orchid bark or sphagnum moss. Elm Dirt carries Douglas Fern Orchid Bark ready for repotting or adding to any soil blend.
You can also create your own mix by blending potting soil, perlite, and vermiculite in different proportions, depending on your plants’ needs.
By following these detailed steps and insights, you’ll be well-prepared to repot your houseplants, ensuring their health and vitality for years to come. Happy gardening!
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