How to Repot a Plant

Plants usually need to be repotted every 12 to 18 months, and this will depend on a number of factors, including how actively they are growing. If you see the roots are pushing the plant out of the planter, the plant falls over easily because it is top-heavy, or the plant is growing slower than normal, these are usually signs that it’s time to repot this plant. But how do you do this?

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How to Repot a Plant

Step 1: Remove the Plants from the Current Pot

You do this by turning your new plant sideways. Make sure you hold it gently by the stems or the leaves, and tap the bottom of the pot until the plant gently slides out. If this is not working, you will need to give it a couple of taps on the base of the stems, but make sure you do this gently.

Step 2: Loosen the Roots

You need to loosen the roots of the plant very gently with your hands. To make it easier, you can prune off any roots that are extra-long and thread-like, but make sure the thicker roots stay at the base of the foliage. If the plant’s roots are growing in very tight circles around the base of the plant you need to unravel these roots as best as you can and trim them, so this will make the process easier, and you won’t rip the roots apart, potentially hindering the growth of the plant.

Step 3: Removing the Old Potting Mix

The mix that surrounds the plant needs to be removed by approximately a third. As the plant grows, it will take some of the nutrients in the current mix, so when you are repotting, you should give it a fresh mix, ensuring that it’s got the opportunity to thrive in its new environment with some fresh air nutrients.

Step 4: Add the New Potting Mix

Put a layer of fresh soil onto the new planter, and gently pat it down, making sure that there are no air pockets. If there are no drainage holes in the new plant pot, you can layer the bottom of the pots with some rocks and gravel before adding the potting mix, as this will create extra spaces for the water to pool into, taking it away from the roots.

Step 5: Add the Plant

Put the plant on top of the fresh mixture in the new pot, and make sure that it is centred. You then add the potting mix around the plant, patting it gently, and repeating until it is secure. However, make sure you do not put too much soil into the pot, as you need the roots to breathe. Ensure that there is enough to keep it secure, and no more.

Step 6: Even the Soil Out

Make sure that the potting soil is even on the top, and water it properly. That is it! A freshly repotted plant gives it the opportunity to thrive in a new environment, and is a very simple process, allowing your plants the extra room to grow for the year ahead.