Repotting your houseplant is probably not something that you have thought about much. After all, why would you need to repot them? However, repotting is actually a very important part of the care process for your indoor plants. Repotting your houseplants provides them with new space to grow and also improves their health. When roots are confined in small pots, they begin to grow inwards instead of outwards which can restrict the plant’s growing potential. A pot that is too small also creates an environment where roots can’t breathe properly which gives them limited access to moisture and nutrients. Repotting also helps to prevent root diseases from festering in moist soil which can be hard for plants if their roots are cramped. If you have read this blog about when and how often to water indoor plants , then you will know it is important to keep moisture levels balanced so repotting will help with that as well! Let’s take a look at why repotting is important for the health of your favorite houseplants.
What is Repotting?
The definition of repotting is to relocate a plant’s root system to a new pot. In gardening, this is a regular practice that is often necessary as certain plants grow quickly and require larger pots to accommodate their expanding root system. When talking about repotting indoor plants, the most important thing to remember is that it should be a regular occurrence. You do not want to wait until your plant is rootbound to repot your houseplant. This can lead to problems and is not a good thing for the plant. When you repot your plant, you are simply moving the roots to a new, bigger pot. You should move them to a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one in order to give the plant time to get used to the new environment.
When Should You Repot Your Houseplant?
The best time to repot your houseplant is when the roots are actively growing. This is typically during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm enough for your plant to flourish. If you try to repot your plant when the roots are not growing, you can damage or kill your plant. As mentioned above, it is important to remember that a plant that is rootbound should be repotted as soon as possible to prevent any complications. When to repot your houseplant depends on the type of plant you have. Generally, houseplants with fibrous roots, like the peace lily, African violets and dracaenas, will need to be repotted every 6-10 months. If you are repotting a plant that has a tap root, like a philodendron or a spider plant, you will want to repot them every 2-3 years.
3 Benefits of Repotting Indoor Plants
- Better growth - When your houseplant is in a pot that is the right size for its age and growing stage, it will have plenty of room to spread its roots and grow. When roots are not cramped, they are able to grow naturally and your plant will grow much faster.
- Improved health- Houseplants that have been repotted recently are less likely to develop root diseases when the soil is moist. The larger pot size allows the root system to dry out more quickly, which eliminates the perfect environment for root pathogens.
- Better root structure - The root system provides nutrients to your plant and grows around the inside of the pot. When the roots are old and have nowhere to go, they can grow inwards and damage the plant. When they are young and healthy, they are able to provide your plant with the perfect amount of nutrients.
What You Need to Repot Your Houseplant?
You will want to make sure that you have the right tools for the job before you dive in and repot your houseplant. Some things you might want to consider include:
- A new pot that is only slightly larger than the current one - you want to make sure that the root system has enough room to grow and expand without being cramped.
- Gloves - This would be a good idea if your plant has prickly leaves or is toxic to humans.
- A cutting tool (optional) - This is a must if you have a plant with fibrous roots. You will want to cut away the roots that are coming out of the bottom of the pot and remove any that are wrapped around the inside of the pot. This will help the plant to transition more easily to the new pot.
- Potting soil - Make sure that your potting soil is free of contaminants, pathogens and insects pests.
A Guide to Repotting Indoor Plants: Step-by-step!
- Before you begin, study the root system of your houseplant. Are there any areas that are growing out of the bottom of the pot? If so, this would be the perfect time to snip them off with a pair of scissors.
- Remove the old pot. If your plant has a pot that has cracked or broken, you can remove it now. Gently pull the plant from the pot and place it in a tray of water to get rid of the excess soil.
- Clean out the new pot with water. This will get rid of any dust and debris from the potting soil.
- Add potting soil to the pot. Fill the new pot about halfway with potting soil.
- Place the plant in the pot and push the soil around the roots. It is best to add potting soil to the top of the root system, but don’t push it down too firmly. This can damage the roots. You only want to bury them enough so they don’t stick out of the pot.
- Water the plant thoroughly. This will help the roots to begin to grow into the potting soil.
- Wait a few weeks and then check to see if the plant needs more soil. If it does, add some bit by bit.
- Wait until the plant is established and then you can start watering it regularly again.
