Repot houseplants to give them new soil and room to grow. Choose a slightly larger pot, add new soil, break up the roots a bit and place the plant in its new home.
Many houseplants will outgrow their pots in just a year or two, leaving them root-bound and without enough soil to thrive. When plants get to this state, it is time to repot them into larger vessels. If you notice that your plant needs to be watered more often or that the roots hold the shape of the pot, it is time to repot that houseplant!
If possible, this is a job best done outside on a warm spring day. It is an excellent opportunity to give plants a good shower and bit of fresh air, after the winter doldrums. Indoor plants, if given the space, will undertake new growth in the spring so repotting then is optimal. Choose a new pot that is just slightly larger (1-2 inches in diameter) than the previous pot. Too large a pot will be damaging for the plant. Make sure that the new pot has a hole for proper drainage, as well.
Place a few inches of soil at the bottom of the new pot and tamp down firmly. If it is taller than the old one, place enough soil in the bottom so that the plant will sit at the same level: just above the top rim of the pot. An all-purpose potting mix is what we recommend. Try our brand, Pasquesi Premium Potting Mix, for a well-balanced potting soil. Before placing the plant in its new home, it is important to break up the roots gently, to stimulate new growth. This can be done with your hands, gently pulling and massaging the roots apart, to allow the new soil to settle in between them. Place the plant in the pot and fill in the sides with soil to the top. Press the plant firmly into the new the soil at the base, giving it a solid connection. The last step in this process is to give it a good drink of water.
Keep an eye on recently repotted plants. Some experience a bit of shock from the move and may wilt or yellow a bit at first. This is not usually a cause for alarm, as the plant will adjust over time. However, a little extra care, in the form of cautious watering, a little fertilizer and the right amount of indirect light, will help an ailing houseplant recuperate a bit.
Repotting indoor plants will stimulate their growth, causing more bright foliage and possibly new flowers to appear! With a little care, this easy task will be completed in no time and your houseplant will be much happier, with room to grow.
