Repotting a houseplant is a simple process, but it’s important to do it properly to ensure the plant stays healthy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to repotting your houseplant:
Materials Needed:
- A new pot (larger than the current one, ideally 3-5cm wider in diameter)
- Potting soil suitable for your plant type
- Gardening gloves (optional)
- Trowel or small shovel
- Watering can
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Choose the Right Time
- Repotting is best done during the growing season (spring or early summer) when the plant is actively growing. Avoid repotting during the plant’s dormant period (late fall or winter).
2. Select the Right Pot
- The new pot should be slightly larger than the current one (about 3-5cm wider in diameter).
- Ensure the new pot has drainage holes and a saucer to prevent water from accumulating, which can cause root rot.
- If there is no drainage hole then create a drainage layer at the bottom of the pot, as described in the next steps.
3. Prepare the Pot
- Whether using a pot with a saucer or a sealed pot with a liner place a layer of hydrogranules at the bottom to form a drainage layer to protect the plant roots from being sat in water.
- If using a sealed pot fit the right size liner to stop the pot from leaking as many are porous and not 100% water tight.
- Place a layer of fresh potting soil on top of the drainage layer at the bottom of the new pot to the level the rootball of your plant will need to sit at. Make sure the soil is suitable for your specific plant (e.g., cactus soil for succulents, general potting soil for most houseplants)..
4. Remove the Plant from Its Current Pot
- Gently turn the plant sideways and tap the bottom of the pot to loosen the plant. Hold the plant gently by the stems or leaves and carefully slide it out.
- If the plant is stuck, you can use a trowel to loosen the soil around the edges of the pot.
- If the plant is very well rooted you may need to cut away the plastic pot to free the rootball safely.
5. Loosen the Roots
- Once the plant is out, inspect the roots. If the plant is root-bound (meaning the roots are circling around the edges of the soil), gently tease them apart with your fingers.
- Trim any dead or damaged with sterilised scissors.
6. Place the Plant in the New Pot
- Position the plant in the centre of the new pot and add fresh potting soil around it, filling in the sides. Make sure the plant is at the same depth as it was in the previous pot.
- Lightly press the soil down around the plant to remove any air pockets, but don’t compact it too much.
7. Water the Plant
- Water the plant thoroughly enough after repotting to help the soil settle and provide moisture for all of the roots. Be conscious not to overwater and if using a saucer drain away excess water.
- If using a liner with a drainage layer and water gauge, the water gauge may take some time to give accurate readings so ere on the side of caution, less is better than more.
- Depending on the plant, allow the soil to dry out between waterings or keep it evenly moist.
8. Post-Repotting Care
- Place the plant back in its usual spot, preferably with indirect light, and avoid direct sunlight for a few days to let the plant adjust.
- Avoid fertilising for several months after repotting (and only fertilise in spring summer), as the plant needs time to recover and good quality houseplant soil will often provide sufficient nutrients.
