How to Repot a Plant #PlantTipTuesday
Plants, like people, sometimes need to find a new home.
Whether, like you, they’ve grown too large for the container that’s housing them, or if you’ve just decided they need a fresh new look, we’ve got the tips and tricks you need for how to repot a plant successfully.
First up, how do you tell if your plant actually needs to be repotted? In this article you’ll learn how to tell if your plant needs a new home, and the foolproof way to make it happen!
How do I know if my plant needs to be repotted?
Before doing anything, take a look at your plant and ask the following:
Do you see roots coming through the drainage holes in bottom of the container?
Do you see any tangled roots in a thick mass near the soil surface?
Gently slip the plant out from its container. Do you see more roots than soil?
If you answered yes to ANY of these, it's time to give your plant a new home. If you answered no to ALL of these questions, you do not need to repot your plant.
What tools do I need to repot my plant?
Nothing besides a pot, your hands, and some additional soil are completely essential for the repotting process, but there are a few additional tools that you might find helpful!
Gloves
Trowel
Small paintbrush
How do I know what kind of container to use?
Pick a container that has good drainage. You want to make sure water doesn't stay stagnant - this causes root rot and other not fun plant illnesses. Good drainage means that water can flow out of the container unobstructed, usually through holes in the bottom of the container. If the container you want to use doesn’t have drainage holes, you can create a drainage system in the bottom of the container using a layer of rocks.
If you're using a new pot, give it a good rinse under warm water before you repot. If you're using an old pot, wash it with soap and water.
Have you repotted plants before? Let us know how it went in the comments!