How to Repot Your Plant and What Size Pot to Choose
Proper potting is key to setting your plants up for success. We take a look a what you need to know before you repot your plant.
Firstly, repotting a plant doesn’t necessarily mean changing its pot, it can also be a simple case of changing the potting medium or soil. Adding new soil means adding new nutrients – all good news for your plant.
When Does a Plant Need Repotting?
Most plants will need repotting every 12-18 months, although some slow-growing plants may remain happy in the same pot for several years. In this instance, it will just need the soil refreshing as mentioned above. The best time of year to repot your plants is in the spring before the plants start their growing season.
What Size of Pot Should You Choose?
If you do have to change the plant pot, you should choose a new pot that’s no larger than an extra 2-5cm (1-2”) in diameter if it’s a smaller plant. For large plants in floor planters, do not exceed an extra 10 cm (4”) in diameter.
Why is size important? Because if you repot in too large a pot, the plant and its roots will have too much room. More soil means more water and the roots are in more danger of rotting through overwatering.
How to Repot Your Plant
Make sure that you have everything to hand to repot your plant including the new pot (if you’re using one), the planting mixture, and gravel for drainage (if your pot doesn’t have a drainage hole.
- Remove the plant from its current pot holding it by the stems or leaves. Tapping the bottom of the pot will help to loosen the soil from the sides of the pot.
- Gently loosen the roots. If there are any extra-long roots you can prune them. You may find that the roots have grown in circles around the plant’s base so untangle them and trim them down.
- Remove about a third of the old potting mix to make way for new potting mix.
- Add a fresh layer of potting mix into the pot, pressing it down with your hands to remove any pockets of air. Ideally, you should choose a pot/planter with draining holes but if there aren’t any, add a layer of gravel or rocks to the bottom of the pot before adding the soil.
- Place your plant onto the fresh layer of potting mix, ensuring that it’s centred. Place potting mix around the plant gently pressing it down with your fingers to ensure the plant is secure.
Now that your plant is in its new home it will welcome some water. Then place it back in its location and enjoy!
Treat Your Plant to a New Planter
At Jacob & Roy we stock a wide range of beautiful, chic planters to suit every plant and every location. So, when you’ve re-potted your plant, why not treat it to a new planter too?