One of the many crucial aspects of caring for your indoor plants is knowing when to repot them. Depending on the plant’s kind, repotting frequency varies. Some require a new container every year because they grow swiftly. Some people like being rooted down. Know your plants, and only repot them when necessary.
When should a plant be repotted?
When deciding when to repot plants, the best place to start is with the species. Do some research on the plants you have. Learn how rapidly they grow and how often gardening professionals advise repotting them. The plants that grow the quickest could need a new container each year. Two, three, or even more years may pass for slow growers.
Look for these indications that a plant could need a larger container in addition to considering the individual species you have and their growth rates:
- An unusually rapid drying of the earth has started.
- In the container, there are more roots than soil.
- The drainage pores on the bottom of the container can be seen to be sprouting roots.
- The soil’s surface is covered with roots.
- The plant has not recently increased in size.
Other symptoms that a plant needs additional room include failing to bloom or losing lower leaves. However, they may also be signs of other problems.
You might gently remove the plant to look at the roots if you do not see them but believe it might be time to repot. Give the plant plenty of water, then let it drain. To examine the roots, you should be able to carefully remove the plant from the container. It may be time for a new container if your roots are thick, matted, and tangled.
Which Plants Rarely Need Repotting?
- African violet
- Aloe
- Amaryllis
- Asparagus fern
- Boston fern
- Christmas cactus
- Ficus
- Hoya
- Jade plant
- Peace lily
- Snake plant
- Spider plant
- Umbrella tree
Sometimes even these plants need extra room. Look for indications that the roots are attempting to break out of the container. If they are, they could need a new pot, and it has been a while.
When Should Plants Be Repotted?
The first thing to figure out is when to repot plants. Additionally, there is an ideal time of year to do this work. In the spring or early summer, examine the roots of your plants and repot them if necessary.
It is ideal for repoting during the early growing season to give your plant enough time to establish roots in the new soil before turning dormant in the autumn and winter. If required, you may repot in autumn or winter, although this is not ideal. Repotting during the dormant season should be done carefully, without using fertilizer or excessive watering.
When it comes time to repot a houseplant, choose a pot with a larger diameter, just a hair—one or two inches (2.5 or 5 cm) larger. If the pot is not brand-new, thoroughly clean it to prevent any bugs or illnesses from infecting the plant.
If the plant is connected by its roots, you may need to use a knife to untangle them carefully. Place the plant in the new container with high-quality potting soil, with the top of the root ball about one inch (2.5 cm) below soil level.
You may employ top dressing if your plant is huge or challenging to repot. Remove the top few inches of soil every few years and replace it with new, premium potting soil.