How to repot plants
If you love container gardening then you’ll know all about the perils of leaving growing plants in pots for too long. When plants outgrow their containers, they become root-bound or pot-bound, meaning the roots no longer grow as they’re too cramped in the container. Often the roots of pot-bound plants will poke up in the soil or through the drainage holes – both of which are tell-tale signs you need to repot the plants. To ensure your plants’ roots have room to spread, they should be re-potted every year or two. Here’s our step-by-step guide:
1. A plant ready for repotting often slides out with the soil in once piece. If a lot of soil falls from the roots, your plant might not need repotting.
2. Choose a container that is at least several centimetres wider and deeper than the current pot. When in doubt, go the next pot size up.
3. Take the plant out of its old container. If it’s root-bound it may be stuck at the drainage holes so hold it upside-down and give it a gentle twist. Trim the roots and try to untangle the root ball with your fingers. Cut through any roots growing in a circular pattern.
4. Add a few inches of potting soil in the new container so the plant’s root ball sits a couple centimetres below the rim of pots. Place the root ball in centre of container and pack potting soil around it. Water thoroughly.
5. Keep your newly potted plant out of full sunlight for a couple weeks before introducing it to its permanent place. Avoid over-watering and fertilising at the beginning as too much water can lead to root rot and fertilising can give plants’ root burn. Within a month your plant should have recovered completely.
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