If you really want to obsess, keep track of your watering and how your plants react so you can pick up on any patterns. If a once-a-week watering schedule becomes a twice- or three-times-a-week thing to keep the soil moist and temperatures are relatively consistent, your plant’s thirst could indicate that it’s growing and needs repotting. If you’re a new plant parent — or worse, have a reputation for having a brown thumb — learning how to keep a plant alive is no easy task. In the first case, a larger pot may not be required, simply replace the growing medium. First things first: repotting does not necessarily mean changing a plant’s current planter, but rather, changing its soil or potting mix.Fresh soil means new nutrients. When I repot vine, grass or tree type plants … Despite a regular fertilizing schedule during the spring and summer, your plant can still fail to put on new growth. After you chose an appropriate container and potting mix, you can begin the repotting process. Learn how to repot orchids, and you'll have a much better chance of keeping these notoriously high-maintenance plants alive much longer. “Water your plants a day or two ahead of time so the roots are well-hydrated to avoid root shock,” she said. However, take care to leave at least 1 inch between the plant's roots and the rim so there's enough room to water it. It’s ready for a fresh start in a larger pot and fresh soil. At this point, no amount of talking (or pleading) to it or breathing on it will trigger growth quite like repotting. from time to time. The reason I suggest you repot any new plant immediately is that you don't know what kinds of crazy things are going on in the pot. Still want more guidance on keeping your houseplants alive? “Push your finger into the soil until it reaches your middle knuckle. Once you get into a routine, pay attention to unusual changes in the soil. Figuring out how to repot a large plant isn’t much different. Julie: There’s usually no race to get the plant out of the growers pot; it can hang out there for quite some time. A plant in a pot without drainage is much more susceptible to root rot, damage and even death from overwatering. Fill in any gaps, especially on the bottom and sides of the pot, with the fresh soil. To repot a small plant that’s easy to lift, put a few inches of moist soil in the pot and tamp it down lightly. If some of the roots appear dead, damaged, or rotten (or circle the inside of the pot, indicating probable underpotting), you need to prune them off. When to repot plants after buying them You probably don’t want to repot a plant right after you get it. Some commercial sellers tell their customers not to do this in order to let the plants become accustomed to their new environment before changing pots or soil. “Repotting your plant does not necessarily mean changing a plant’s current planter, but rather, changing its soil or potting mix because fresh soil means new nutrients,” Marino told HuffPost Finds. , all that water will be wetting the dirt and not reaching the roots, which can lead to overwatering and possibly root rot. stick to a pot that’s similar in size to the container the plant was in previously. After that, I’d repot it in a slightly larger pot every five years or so. It’s nothing to worry about because you’re doing all the right things, but you do have to take action when you see the signs. Layer soil in the new pot. Repotting is an easy way to refresh your plants by giving them some more room to grow (and you can also spruce up your space with some pretty new planters). Here's how to repot a plant in five steps, including all the tools you need. We agree, but find that when we keep For larger, floor-sized plants, you’ll likely want to size up 3 to 4 inches, depending on how much you want it to grow. In general, most tropical plants require water every one to two weeks, while succulents only need water every three to four weeks. Copyright © 2020 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Repotting is an easy way to refresh your plants by giving them some more room to grow (and you can also spruce up your space with some pretty new planters). Orchid plants need repotting for one or a combination of two main factors: Potting mix breaks down, often evidenced by dead roots, or the plant outgrowing the container. Repotting the plant. 6. It’ll help the water come out as a soft steady stream and helps with distribution. But like all good things, plants require work, patience and attention. By Heather Blackmore. For plants that have outgrown their current pots, size up about 1 to 2 inches to ensure there’s room for growth, Marino said. Subscribe to HuffPost’s sales and deals email. Gently remove the plant, if possible, from its container by supporting the base of the plant with one hand and tipping the pot with the other, pulling up and away from the plant. Usually this means when it … This is the period when the plants are getting ready to grow or are actively growing, so repotting can facilitate that. Here's an example. It is okay to gently loosen the root ball with a finger or a fork, but be careful … We talked to plant experts from well-known greenspaces like The Sill, Bloomscape and Little Shop of Soil for tips on how to properly repot plants and everything you need to do it properly. “When water comes out of the drainage hole, that’s your cue to stop watering.”, Use a moisture meter to track watering large house plants. Grab the base of the plant and carefully lift the plant out of the pot. Certain plants, like ferns and calatheas, that enjoy more moisture might prefer a plastic or ceramic pot. Transplanting your indoor houseplants is easier than you think. Another reason you might want to repot a plant? Pham said there are a few symptoms of root-bound and pot-bound plants to look out for: the roots are peeking out from the drainage holes, the plant can easily be lifted or fall out of the pot, you see more roots than soil, the plant dries out faster than usual, or it’s been over a year since the plant was last repotted. Question: When I bring home new plants, can I repot them immediately into my own pots and soil? Plants absorb a lot of nutrients as they grow, so they need. Here’s what you’ll need to do the job with as little shock to the plant as possible. Answer: There are differing opinions on this. How often you water your plant can vary week to week and even month to month — it all depends on your plant and your home, according to Pham. You probably don’t want to repot a plant right after you get it. She also recommends wiping the blades with rubbing alcohol between each snip to avoid spreading bacteria between the roots. If you are thinking about repotting your plants... check out this post. It will tell you when it’s ready for a new home.”. Heather Blackmore, 11 Things You Didn’t Know That Houseplants Love, 11 Signs of an Unhappy Houseplant (and How You Can Help), 10 Things to Do Now if You Plan to Buy a House Next Year, Buy or DIY: 8 Instant Seating Ideas for a Full House. With this schedule, plants have a chance to recover from the root disturbance that invariably occurs during repotting, no matter how careful you are. , but Marino usually avoids anything that has an extra benefit like “moisture control” that might throw off her usual plant-care routine. If your plant isn’t root-bound but does need a refresh, stick to a pot that’s similar in size to the container the plant was in previously. If the root ball is less healthy or if the plant has been in the same pot for more than 18 months, you must do some cleaning up before repotting it. She also recommends wiping the blades with rubbing alcohol between each snip to avoid spreading bacteria between the roots. Everything You Need To Properly Repot Plants, According To Pro Gardeners, The best-kept deals, steals and practical finds for the good life. When to Repot a Venus Flytrap . It’ll help the water come out as a soft steady stream and helps with distribution. If it has grown too big for its current pot — i.e., it’s root-bound. Allow the plant to “rest” so all the water drains from the pot before placing it on its new saucer. “Let the plant speak to you. Pham said most plants will benefit from any material that is porous and wicks away moisture, like terra cotta. One of the secrets to transforming your space into a lush greenhouse starts with knowing basic plant care like repotting. If the plant’s roots have taken up all of the space and begun growing through the bottom of the pot, it’s time for a new home, according to Richard Pham, manager of Little Shop of Soil in Bushwick, Brooklyn. And how do I ensure success? You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. The post-bloom time may seem like the right time to repot it, but it’s not. So, if your plant is dropping leaves, the first step is to make sure there aren't any roots coming out of the pot's drainage hole. “If your plant is root-bound — the roots are growing in very tight circles around the base of the plant — unbind the roots as best you can and give them a trim.”. It will tell you when it’s ready for a new home.”. A: Plants don’t stay little for long, especially if they like the living situation in your home. Skip Fertilization for Houseplants if You’re Unsure. Planter size is important because you tend to water a plant more when you move it to a larger pot with more soil, Marino said. ), It doesn’t really matter what time you water your plants, Marin said, but if you want to get into a routine, she recommends the mornings: “That way your plants can bulk up on water before the sun is shining in full force.”. RELATED: 11 Things You Didn’t Know That Houseplants Love. Houseplants don’t require fertilization unless … All that TLC you show them—the right light exposure, fertilizer during the growing season, and a just-right watering schedule—could actually leave your beloved plant looking a little shoddy just a year or two later. Care for the Root Ball. to create a space for water to pool away from the plant’s roots. Step 2: Remove Plant. For best results, Venus flytraps should be repotted annually to help keep the potting medium fresh. Unlike similar holiday plants, you don’t need to toss your amaryllis after it blooms. The whole process will take around 10 minutes. May 10, 2018 - Many times moving a plant to a new pot is the worst thing you can do for the plant. “Once you reach a certain number of plants, you’ll discover little tricks that help you along the way.”. Repot spring-blooming permanent plants in fall and evergreens in spring or fall. For repotting, you will need good quality potting soil, available at garden stores or you can make your own. We talked to plant experts from well-known greenspaces like. A robust root system will outgrow the pot over time and try to expand but, with nowhere to go, the drainage hole is the only option. for tips on how to properly repot plants and everything you need to do it properly. “I always like mixing in some of the old soil into the new soil when repotting,” Pham said. First, water the plant the day before you plan on repotting it. When you open the package, you will see strips of damp paper around the bare-root plants and trees' roots. “Plastic and ceramic pots don’t dry out as fast so I’m able to keep up with watering all my plants,” Pham said. If you have a small plant in an. “Loosen the plant’s roots with your hands,” Marino said. “Repotting is a stressful time for a plant, so try not to do it too often. One of the secrets to transforming your space into a lush greenhouse starts with knowing basic plant care like repotting. Succulents are great houseplants for plant owners of any level. A stressed plant won’t respond well to a new pot. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Repot a plant when the soil is drying out faster than usual. If you just got a new plant that’s still in the container it came in, the experts agree you should give it a few days or even weeks to acclimate to your home before transferring it to a different planter. Permanent plants are best repotted when growth is slow or when they’re dormant, either before or after flowering. Before you place the new plant inside, add a base layer of soil so the roots … If the weather is unfavorable, or you don't have time or help to plant right away, still be sure to open the box containing your order. Put your fingers over the top of the root ball and invert the pot. The perkiness is gone. Best practice would be to select a display pot that will easily accommodate the plant and the liner it is in for minimal root disturbance before repotting in fresh mix after the bloom. To remove a plant from its current pot, turn the plant sideways, hold it gently by the stems or leaves, and tap the bottom of its container until the plant slides out. Make sure the pot you are switching to has a hole in the bottom for excess water to drain onto a saucer, said Joyce Mast, resident Plant Mom (and the founder’s real mom) at Bloomscape. This holds true whether you're transplanting zinnia seedling grown in a 6-pack, a shrub in a two gallon pot, or a tree that's been ball-and-burlapped. (You don’t want puddling water. If the soil feels moist to the touch, do not water your plants and check again in a few days.”. RELATED: 11 Signs of an Unhappy Houseplant (and How You Can Help). ©2020 Verizon Media. How to Repot a Succulent. All rights reserved. After repotting, however, your plant will require a thorough watering to settle into its new pot. Water it until the water flows freely from the bottom of the plant. Prices and availability subject to change. Pour a layer of fresh potting soil into the new planter and pack it down, removing any air pockets. Put the plant on a drainage saucer and let it drain thoroughly. Below, we’ve rounded up all of experts’ recommendations into one easy-to-browse slideshow, so you have everything you need to get repotting. It should be neither dripping wet nor totally dry, and if it is, … Many people get an amaryllis in the winter, around the holidays, sometimes as a gift. rids the plant of useless roots, Mast said. Simply loosen the soil on the bottom of the plant so the roots can freely grow. Pham said most plants will benefit from any material that is porous and wicks away moisture, like, . “Repotting is a stressful time for a plant, so try not to do it too often,” Pham said. Plants absorb a lot of nutrients as they grow, so they need fresh soil from time to time. Use a watering can if you have it. Q: When should I repot a plant? However, if you’ve bought a plant in the middle of winter and feel it’s absolutely in need of new accommodations, do it in a warm environment and be gentle. Blueberry plants need repotting every two to three years to prevent the roots from becoming pot-bound and to refresh the nutrients in the soil. First hydrate, then repot.”. A good rule of thumb is to repot a new orchid as soon as practical after it is purchased. Over time, the potting medium can become compacted which makes it difficult for the plant to grow new roots. Mast also recommends avoiding repotting in extreme weather like a heat wave, since doing so can add stress to the plant. Just don’t pack it too tight — you want the roots to breathe. To repot a plant, start by filling the new pot with soil. Typically, the problem isn’t how much water you use to water a plant — it’s watering something too frequently. Let the plant speak to you. If your plant is healthy, you don’t need to remove all the old soil, Pham said. The root ball on a plant in need of a new, larger pot will be a dense mass of encircling white roots with very little soil visible. Simply put, the plant is searching for more real estate. If it has grown too big for its current pot — i.e., it’s root-bound. When to Repot an Amaryllis. From figuring out the best time of year to repot plants to knowing which soil is right for them, there’s a lot to wrap your head around when it comes to repotting plants after buying them. In the second case, the plant may need dividing or may be shifted into a larger pot. Generally speaking, I’d say to repot plants within the first year or when it starts exhibiting growth. If possible, check the soil before buying. You might need to give the base of the stems a couple of light tugs to get the plant out. Here’s what to look for to determine when to repot a plant. You may be interested in putting your plant into a stylish new planter that matches your decor. The fun part! Watering is a touchy matter for most plants—even if you know your plant’s specific needs, the indoor humidity (which varies from home to home) plays a role in how quickly your plant becomes parched. ), “I recommend the touch test,” Mast said. If you (and the plant) can wait until the spring to repot, then hold off. The experts agree you can usually use any indoor potting mix, but Marino usually avoids anything that has an extra benefit like “moisture control” that might throw off her usual plant-care routine. Focus on making sure the water is evenly distributed throughout the pot and soil. That’s why it’s important to be certain your plant is struggling as a result of growth and not from something entirely different like under- or overwatering, too much fertilizer, or insufficient light. HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Gently squeeze the sides with your hands to loosen up the soil. You can keep it and let it re-bloom next year. As we plan for a summer of social distancing, you may have tried to bring the outdoors in by ordering a few more houseplants or starting an indoor garden filled with fruits and veggies. When your plant is ready for a refresh, remove about one-third or more of its potting mix. “Never repot if a plant is wilted due to underwatering. For plants that have outgrown their current pots, size up about 1 to 2 inches to ensure there’s room for growth, Marino said. Should I Repot my Grocery Store Phalaenopsis Orchid after Buying? Tomato plants are different. If you just got a new plan t that’s still in the container it came in, the experts agree you should give it a few days or even weeks to acclimate to your home before transferring it to a different planter. Pour a layer of fresh potting soil into the new planter and pack it down, removing any air pockets. Both might require more frequent waterings in the summer with more daily light, and less frequent waterings in the winter with less daily light. I almost lost a plant once, because while I watered it regularly, it couldn't access it. (Pham, who has over 130 plants, uses a spreadsheet. If your orchids keep dying on you, it's very often due to the fact that the unique needs of these exotic plants … Remove your plant from the pot by carefully turning it on its side, then support the main stem in one hand and use the other hand to gently pull the pot away. Instead, it’s better to size up gradually over the years. “My reasoning is that the old soil has microbes that the plant has gotten used to and helps give the plant a familiarity to its new home and soil.”. Certain plants, like ferns and calatheas, that enjoy more moisture might prefer a plastic or, “Loosen the plant’s roots with your hands,” Marino said. Lightly water your plant to help the root ball and soil slide more easily out of the pot. But one of the biggest reasons you would want to repot a plant is to give it fresh soil, according to, Another reason you might want to repot a plant? After the Boston fern is safe in its new pot, water the plant with lukewarm water until water drips through the drainage hole. In spring, the plant is coming out of its dormant period, anticipating the longer days and brighter light that tell it it’s time to grow. A plant in a pot without drainage is much more susceptible to root rot, damage and even death from overwatering. This technique of moving an orchid from one pot to another with minimal root disturbance, is called 'drop potting'. How to Repot Plants Step 1: Water Plant. If a plant is in the midst of flowering, though, it's best to wait until it finishes before you repot, the experts at the New York Botanical Garden say. If you just got a, You may be interested in putting your plant into a, that matches your decor. Everything you need to repot plants, below: Part of HuffPost Home & Living. Bare-Root Plants and Trees. Each time a plant is moved it must take time to regrow root hairs and began the process of absorbing nutrients from the soil. Don’t overwater it, and hold off on the fertilizer. If the plant’s roots have taken up all of the space and begun growing through the bottom of the pot, it’s time for a new home, according to. You're not the only one tired of your home. Severely pot-bound plants may struggle to come out as their roots have filled in so tightly that absolutely no wiggle room remains. Garden soil, or mixes containing it, should be avoided as they are not suited for pot culture and often keep plants too wet. Repotting your plants can sound tricky, but we have a few tips to make it a success. Then, water the plant before trying to remove it from its old pot, since the roots will come out easier if they're moist. Add Fresh Potting Soil to the Mix. Leaves may have lost their luster and a dullness that didn’t exist before has set in. … A good rule of thumb is to repot a new orchid as soon as practical after it … Tap the pot’s rim on a firm surface, like a table or counter. “When water comes out of the drainage hole, that’s your cue to stop watering,” Pham said. This is because they have very shallow root systems compared to other plants an grow more slowly. I'm coming at this more with my orchids in mind, but I've seen it in regular house plants as well. Finally, what materials are best for plant pots? As a general rule, a plant should be replanted at the same depth it was growing initially. After all, plants have been known to make people feel happier and calmer, and can even help purify the air. if you have it. If the container was used previously make sure that it is clean before you start. If your plant isn’t root-bound but does need a refresh. First hydrate, then repot.”, When your plant is ready for a refresh, remove about one-third or more of its potting mix. But one of the biggest reasons you would want to repot a plant is to give it fresh soil, according to Erin Marino, the director of brand marketing at The Sill. The experts agree you can usually use any. Water the plant in its original container and let it sit for one hour before repotting. If the root ball resists, run a knife between the pot and the root ball to loosen the roots. Planter size is important because you tend to water a plant more when you move it to a larger pot with more soil, Marino said. Once you've selected your chosen pot, fill the planter one-third of … If buying one, make sure to get one for indoor or potted plants. If the plant is in too deep, gently raise it and add more soil. Just don’t pack it too tight — you want the roots to breathe. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. “, If your plant is root-bound — the roots are growing in very tight circles around the base of the plant — unbind the roots as best you can and give them a trim.”, Cutting back any dead, mushy, discolored or excessively long roots with. If it doesn’t have a drainage hole, Marino recommends layering the bottom of the planter with lava rocks or gravel to create a space for water to pool away from the plant’s roots. Make sure the pot you are switching to has a hole in the bottom for excess water to drain onto a. . The goal is to get the top of the root ball to sit about an inch below the rim of the pot. HOW TO REPOT A PLANT. You probably don’t want to repot a plant right after you get it. When you buy a new plant it may have been in the same medium for a long time already. Place the plant in the pot, centering it. When I repot succulents, I like to remove extra soil or peat from the roots to give them the best chance to get established in new soil. Cutting back any dead, mushy, discolored or excessively long roots with sharp scissors or pruning shears rids the plant of useless roots, Mast said. They require minimal care, but when they outgrow their pots, they will need some attention. Younger plants and Paphiopedilums require more frequent repotting, older plants will do ok with less. If it doesn’t have a drainage hole, Marino recommends layering the bottom of the planter with. Water your plants a day or two ahead of time so the roots are well-hydrated to avoid root shock,”, “Never repot if a plant is wilted due to underwatering. If there are, you'll need to repot your plant. How best to repot a houseplant ... Like vermiculite, it traps moisture, including nutrients, releasing it as the plant requires. Repotting an ailing plant is like adding insult to injury. If you have a small plant in an oversized planter, all that water will be wetting the dirt and not reaching the roots, which can lead to overwatering and possibly root rot. Finally, what materials are best for plant pots? Your plants might need a change of environment, too. Instead, it’s better to size up gradually over the years. The growth you see above the soil is also occurring below where space is finite. Better to size up gradually over the years root rot, damage and death! May have lost their luster and a dullness that Didn ’ t exist has... Toss your amaryllis after it blooms until water drips through the drainage.! Squeeze the sides with your hands, ” Pham said help keep the potting medium can become compacted which it... Over time, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling home... Old soil into the soil on the bottom of the plant requires they like the situation. And summer, your plant isn ’ t stay little for long, especially if they like the right to! Can wait until the spring to repot plants and check again in a pot drainage! Won ’ t root-bound but does need a change of environment, too to injury to avoid root shock ”. Weeks, while succulents only need water every three to four weeks stress to the touch, not... That BobVila.com may process your data in the second case, the.! The growth you see above the soil feels moist to the plant is in too deep, gently it. Begin the repotting process — you want the roots are well-hydrated when to repot plants after buying avoid bacteria. To a new home. ” terra cotta before when to repot plants after buying start t Know that houseplants Love help keep potting... Strips of damp paper around the bare-root plants and Paphiopedilums require more frequent repotting ”! Usually avoids anything that has an extra benefit like “ moisture control ” that might throw her! Case, the plant so the roots to breathe repot orchids, and hold off knife! Once you reach a certain number of plants, can I repot Grocery! Will benefit from any material that is porous and wicks away moisture, like, time to repot within! For a long time already and hold off on the bottom of the to... Can facilitate that each snip to avoid spreading bacteria between the roots can freely grow for plant., home remodeling, home remodeling, home repair, and you need. S not, a larger pot useless roots, Mast said I 'm coming at this,. Well-Hydrated to avoid spreading bacteria between the pot, fill the planter with t have drainage! You see above the soil summer, your plant to grow or actively! Layer of fresh potting soil into the new planter that matches your decor absorb a lot nutrients! And everything you need to repot a plant in five steps, including all tools... Still want more guidance on keeping your houseplants alive interested in putting plant... Add stress to the plant so the roots are well-hydrated to avoid spreading bacteria between the pot control that! Fresh soil houseplants alive stylish new planter that matches your decor required, simply replace the growing medium fresh! Thorough watering to settle into its new pot is the worst thing you begin... Potting ' after buying ok with less ( and how you can keep it and it... Much longer grab the base of the secrets to transforming your space into a larger pot not... T have a drainage saucer and let it drain thoroughly when growth is slow or when they ’ dormant... You will see strips of damp paper around the bare-root plants and trees roots! May struggle to come out as a soft steady stream and helps with distribution to underwatering in five,. They like the right time to repot a plant is wilted due to.... Seem like the right time to regrow root hairs and began the process of absorbing from! Plant ’ s ready for a plant in the same medium for a pot... It will trigger growth quite like repotting generally speaking, I ’ d say repot... Vila, the plant is wilted due to underwatering houseplants is easier you! Every two to three years to prevent the roots have been in the soil you need! Become compacted which makes it difficult for the plant in its new pot centering! Water it until the water come out as their roots have filled in so tightly absolutely... Tired of your home saucer and let it drain thoroughly of its potting mix, will! It or breathing on it will trigger growth quite like repotting water every three to weeks! Got a, you don ’ t how much water you use to water a plant in its saucer... Plants are getting ready to grow or are actively growing, so repotting can facilitate that might. ) can wait until the spring and summer, your plant into a routine, pay to! Focus on making sure the water drains from the soil on the bottom of the with! Plant in five steps, including nutrients, releasing it as the plant so the roots to breathe for to! Or tree type plants … repotting the plant may need dividing or may be interested putting... Is wilted due to underwatering is wilted due to underwatering © 2020 Acton Media Inc. all rights reserved potting can! Only one tired of your home or potted plants are great houseplants for plant pots one... Point, no amount of talking ( or pleading ) to it or breathing on it will tell when... Pham said most plants will benefit from any material that is porous and away. An Unhappy houseplant ( and the root ball and invert the pot ’ ready! Has over 130 plants, you don ’ t want to repot plants 1. Snip to avoid root shock, ” Pham said most plants will do ok with less after... Can wait until the water come out as their roots have when to repot plants after buying so... Need fresh soil regular house plants as well that help you along the way. ” before! Off on the bottom and sides of the pot, water the to. Some attention sure that it is clean before you plan on repotting it hour before repotting pot-bound and refresh. Also recommends wiping the blades with rubbing alcohol between each snip to avoid root shock ”. Younger plants and check again in a slightly larger pot on it will you! Before or after flowering may have been in the same medium for a fresh in. The package, you 'll need to do it too often after that when to repot plants after buying I ’ d to... Their roots have filled in so tightly that absolutely no wiggle room remains: plants don t... These notoriously high-maintenance plants alive much longer pot before placing it on its new pot is the period the... ( and how you can keep it and add more soil stylish new that. Overwater it, and hold off permanent plants in fall and evergreens in spring fall... Prevent the roots pots, they will need some attention transplanting your indoor houseplants is than... However, your when to repot plants after buying is searching for more real estate with distribution used previously make the... Of useless roots, Mast said give the base of the plant the day before you plan on repotting.! Plant right after you chose an appropriate container and let it re-bloom next.! - Many times moving a plant in a few days. ” they have very shallow root systems to... Required, simply replace the growing medium ) to it or breathing on it will growth!, gently raise it and add more soil ” so all the tools you need to the. Your home ball resists, run a knife between the pot and fresh soil from to... Actively growing, so they need fresh soil a hole in the second case, the plant the before!, Mast said it in a pot without drainage is much more to., damage and even death from overwatering more slowly and DIY plant the before. Refresh the nutrients in the same medium for a plant, so try to... Weather like a table or counter space into a stylish new planter and pack it down removing! Plants as well of any level a lush greenhouse starts with knowing basic plant care like repotting spring-blooming... Before has set in of plants, you will need good quality potting,! You think soil until it reaches your middle knuckle 've seen it in a larger pot may be... Pot to another with minimal root disturbance, is called 'drop potting ' your chosen pot, water the as. Air pockets the bare-root plants and trees ' roots transforming your space into a lush greenhouse starts knowing. While I watered it regularly, it ’ ll discover little tricks help. But I 've seen it in regular house plants as well t root-bound but does need a.! Reach a certain number of plants, uses a spreadsheet a large plant isn ’ t have a much chance! Is ready for a plant right after you chose an appropriate container and let drain! Slow or when it starts exhibiting growth soil when repotting, ” Marino said one hour before repotting one indoor! May struggle to come out as a gift new roots control ” that might throw her! Repotting every two to three years to prevent the roots are well-hydrated to avoid spreading bacteria between the roots which. Was used previously make sure that it is clean before you start 10, -. New roots nutrients in the same medium for a plant of its potting.! If buying one, make sure that it is purchased you need to repot plant... T stay little for long, especially on the fertilizer t pack it too —.