Leave a gap between the top of the pot and the top of the soil to let water pool when you water. It allows our most engaged readers to debate the big issues, share their own experiences, discuss real-world solutions, and more. Spring is the best time to repot. › Plants. Bishop offers the following step-by-step guide: Turn your new plant sideways, hold it gently by the stems or leaves, and tap the bottom of its current pot until the plant slides out. Clean the inside of the container. Any bigger and you run the risk of root rot because of increased soil moisture. This is because the ratio of roots to soil has become too great. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community. As we tackled the job I noticed that he is more gentle with the roots than I tend to be. connie77 Posts: 117. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. Set the bamboo root mass upright in a bucket of water. Read our full mailing list consent terms here. You might need to give it a bit of help with a couple of gentle tugs on the base of the stems. The best time to repot plants is during the spring because this is when active growth begins. Many tropical plants like to be slightly underpotted, and unless you need to repot it because the soil is exhausted or the plant is suffering, there is no reason to do it early. We sell the pups and end up being innundated with the same questions as yours. The best time to repot established container plants is at the start of the growing season, in mid spring, though it can also be done at other times if necessary. Here’s how to do it. The plants produce blooms that often grow in shades of blue, pink and white. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. As with all things in life, times change. The degree of effort depends on their level of overcrowding. The same problem can also lead to an obvious drop in plant vigour. The existing Open Comments threads will continue to exist for those who do not subscribe to Independent Premium. Hi All, back again for more advice please? If you are able to see any roots, it's time to repot. The finer the roots, the more gentle you should be. Water immediately if plants are under lighting, or in a hot or dry environment. How do you know if your houseplant needs repotting? Ann-Christin (author) from UK on April 16, 2019: It all depends on the size of the plant. Do you know when to repot your plants and how to ensure they start growing again quickly? Buy them – especially if they’re on sale – but be prepared to ready them for the season ahead. Using the Same Container. There are always exceptions to the rule, of course. Hold the plant at the correct level with one hand while backfilling fresh soil with the other. Another sign of a problem is if the plant seems continually thirsty – that is, wilting – despite diligent watering. If the pot won’t slip off, it’s probably gripped by congested roots. Reviving a plant in this way has a way of restoring the spirits of the indoor gardener as well. HP10 9TY | 01676637 | Registered in England & Wales. Transplanting your indoor houseplants is easier than you think. If your deluxe, fully plumbed potting shed is being renovated, you can undertake the task on the patio or balcony on a mild day or indoors in a large plastic tub. Water again when the top of the soil feels dry. Darren on June 02, 2019: Rather than seperate it , is it ok to leave it and repot the whole plant , as its large and looks very impressive as it is. Our journalists will try to respond by joining the threads when they can to create a true meeting of independent Premium. Certain common houseplants like to be a little pot-bound – clivias, scheffleras, peace lilies and ficus among them – but even they will need repotting in time. Wrap all agapanthus (hardy and tender types) in two to three layers of horticultural fleece for protection from November to early April. Give the plant a dose of water-soluble, all-purpose plant food and nip off all dead leaves and stem ends to make room for new parts to grow. - The soil around the plants should be slightly moist - water thoroughly an hour before repotting to achieve this. Some houseplants need to be repotted annually, whilst others can be left for years to come. Repotting is an inevitable activity in the life of a cactus let alone any other succulent. Independent Premium Comments can be posted by members of our membership scheme, Independent Premium. Finally, some plants, such as bromeliads, will almost never need to be repotted. Image: thejoyofplants.co.uk. 2. As your plants become ready to make the move outside it is important to get them used to outside temperatures. Here’s how to successfully repot them. Tips for Repotting an Aloe To repot an aloe, first carefully remove it from its current pot. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. Repotting a houseplant is easy when following these basic guidelines for houseplant repotting: First, water the plant the day before you plan on repotting it. You can prune off any threadlike roots that are extra-long, just make sure to leave the thicker roots at the base of the foliage. Tap the pot’s rim on a firm surface, like a table or counter. Hydrangeas prefer acidic soil. Turn the pot over: The most obvious sign of a pot-bound plant is roots are growing out of the drainage holes. Remove about one third or more of the potting mix surrounding the plant. If your main aloe plant is starting to look leggy and droopy and is surrounded by smaller pups, it’s definitely time to transplant. Repot in spring every two to three years, moving to a slightly bigger pot each time. Many succulents purchased from stores have been kept in their small containers for months and are rootbound. This is typically a peat-based concoction lightened with perlite. Deedee: My wife and I have grown aloe plants for many years while living in Canada. 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. How to repot an Aloe Vera. The whole process will take around 10 minutes. ; Potting mix – You will need extra soil when repotting and the added nutrients will help your plant grow. Plants are dormant in the winter which means you likely won’t see much new growth then. The ideal time for transplanting your seedlings is about 3 weeks after they sprout or when you have 1-2 sets of true leaves. For plants that are rootbound, make sure the new container is roughly 2 to 4 inches bigger in diameter, so it has space for new root growth. The plant will first put its energy into repairing its roots before converting energy to top growth, Roehrich says. You can also choose to be emailed when someone replies to your comment. This might be a cool greenhouse or coldframe, but place at the bottom of a south- or west-facing wall if you don't have one. How do you tell whether a plant needs repotting? Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Usually, you will have to repot your succulents once every year to two years, depending on the size of the original pot and how fast your species grows. After the plant is repotted, groom the foliage by removing dead, diseased or damaged leaves. As summer fades to autumn, you may be wanting to green up your inside space – and you can start by repotting your houseplants to give them a boost before the cooler weather sets in. So, always wait until spring or summer to repot if you can wait. Apart from dealing with root congestion, plants that are too long in a pot sit in soil that has become compacted and depleted and may have a harmful accumulation of fertiliser salts. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here. Water when necessary, but remember that compost in potted plants can dry quickly in winter winds. Aftercare How can I prevent transplant shock when I repot? The best time to repot is in spring or summer – when the plant is actively growing,” Spink says. Repot bamboo on a cloudy, mist day or at least work in the shade. Connie Houseplants purchased late in the growing season or in winter have had months to grow thick roots. On really congested roots, such as with my palm, you could use a sharp knife or even pruning saw to remove the bottom inch or so, and then take a three-pronged soil cultivator to liberate roots from one another and the old soil. Loosen the plant’s roots gently with your hands. If you see a thicket of pale roots in the shape of the pot, it’s time for action. Due to the fact that it is always growing (just as any plant), it is bound to overgrow the initial pot. A storage container will do the trick. So do temperatures - … When planting outdoors, dig an individual hole for each plant - the hole should be deep enough to cover the roots, but not any of the exposed stem. Create a commenting name to join the debate, There are no Independent Premium comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts, There are no comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts. On roots that are fine but stringy, trim them back with scissors. Firstly, make sure the new pot has sufficient drainage holes, then place the plant in exactly the same spot it used to inhabit, so that it gets the same temperature and light conditions it had before. Watch Monty demonstrate how to repot a citrus tree: Caring for orange and lemon trees in summer 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. If your succulent isn't rootbound, but has gritty or hydrophobic soil, it … Some gardeners think potting soil is still too prone to waterlogging and like to add additional perlite. If they are thick and compacted, you can use a knife to score the sides. Remove the plant. As it grew, your plant removed some of the nutrients in the current mix, so you will want to give it fresh mix if you are potting it anyway. The goal is to create crevices for the extra water to pool into, away from your plant’s roots. ; Porous material – You will need these to cover the drainage holes in your new pot, coffee filters work great. Set the plant that you removed from the pot on top of the fresh layer of mix in the new planter, making sure it’s sitting in the centre, then add potting mix around the plant until it is secure. This leads to another point: just because a houseplant is new to you doesn’t mean it is happily potted. The basis of our calendar, is that of minimum average temperature of approximately -7deg. The spring garden beckons but there is one last task for the indoor gardener, writes Adrian Higgins, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. One way to work them loose with minimum harm is to wash away the old soil with a light stream of water, preferably not ice cold. Orchids and succulents need their own special mixes. Be sure not to pack too much soil into the planter, as you want the roots to be able to breathe. “Whether you have an air purifying sansevieria on your bedside table, or your own indoor jungle with plants trailing over shelves and bold leafy greens taking pride of place in every room, even the lowest maintenance plants require a repot – either annually or at least every two years – to keep them looking their best for years to come,” she explains. Here she answers all our questions about repotting. If it’s clay, you may have to break it with a hammer. Claire Bishop, houseplant buyer for Dobbies Garden Centres (dobbies.com), who is championing the #KeepBritainGrowing campaign by the Horticultural Trades Association, says all your indoor plants will need regular repotting. When moving plants to a larger container (one size larger at each stage), re-pot in early spring as soon as they show signs of growth Remove a little of the old compost, slide the plant out and tease out roots, cutting them if necessary as i have never had one & he hasn'tmuch gardening experience, I thought i could use Ericasious? We went in search of a plant begging to be repotted and found a cordyline suffering in a one-gallon pot. Once you’ve got the plant out of the pot, you have to tease the roots into a more natural state. Try to repot in the winter months to minimise the risk of damaging the roots. Please continue to respect all commenters and create constructive debates. As a rule, he doesn’t remove more than one-quarter of the root mass when repotting. Hold the lower stem of the plant firmly and pull off the pot. My friend has an Aloe Vera he was given a few years ago, it now needs repotting , but we are not sure what compost to use? Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. Keep the plant at the same soil level as before – deeper and you run the risk of the crown rotting – but the soil line should be below the lip of the pot to allow for efficient watering. If the pot is plastic, you can cut the container away – I use pruners, but mind your fingers. Water again when the top of the soil feels dry. In this article, we have also discovered when to repot and how to repot. I like to water the plant to encourage the soil to sink, and then repack as needed. It’s better to get them in new containers before they start to show the signs of stress listed below. Water your zygocactus the day before repotting to reduce stress, Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events, {{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}, How to repot your houseplants: From warning signs to long-term care, How to style your houseplants: From terrariums to hanging planters, You may not agree with our views, or other users’, but please respond to them respectfully, Swearing, personal abuse, racism, sexism, homophobia and other discriminatory or inciteful language is not acceptable, Do not impersonate other users or reveal private information about third parties, We reserve the right to delete inappropriate posts and ban offending users without notification. If repotting multiple bamboo plants, do one at a time. After watching this video you do! Start your Independent Premium subscription today. ouseplants, which are trendy again, need repotting every year or two to remain vigorous and healthy. Step 1, Look at the bottom of your succulent's current pot. Due to the sheer scale of this comment community, we are not able to give each post the same level of attention, but we have preserved this area in the interests of open debate. The project generates a fair amount of mess. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? I asked Nate Roehrich, of Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland in the US, how he deals with the task. Please be respectful when making a comment and adhere to our Community Guidelines. Even out the potting soil on top, water well, and enjoy watching your houseplant grow and thrive in its roomier container. Get involved with the news in your community, This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. Firm the plantlet in, and be sure to label the pot. Two rules of thumb: A plant should be repotted when its root system has grown to take up all of the soil it is growing in. However, this rule of thumb should guide you and help you keep an eye out for which plants to repot when. There is a confusing array of soil and compost products for sale, but the one you want for most houseplants is potting soil (or potting mix). Now, at the start of their annual growth cycle, is the time to do it. Pour a layer of fresh potting soil into the new planter and pack it down, removing any air pockets. Fold a tea towel into a loop, or roll layers of newspaper. How to successfully repot plants Make sure to spend your time taking extra care of your indoor and outdoor plants during lockdown. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. With sunnier skies on the horizons, your plants may be due a … The recently repotted plant needs time to establish new root growth into the additional soil. It is suitable for all plants but must be done at different stages and years depending on what houseplant is being grown. Plants which are easy to repot include the peace lily (spathiphyllum), cheese plant (monstera), prayer plant (calathea) and snake plant (sansevieria). To stop your cacti getting pot-bound, repot every three to four years or when the roots reach the side of the pot. It is roughly equivalent to Group 8B on the USDA Hardiness Zones Table. Other telltale signs are when the roots are growing out of the drainage holes, water is sitting on the top and not absorbing, the soil is dried out or looks like it is disintegrating, or simply that it has been years since you repotted it. When to repot a camellia ... open windows and doors in the growing season and don't crowd the vine with other plants. For best results feed your plants regularly with our Primrose and Polyanthus fertiliser.. Put your fingers over the top of the root ball and invert the pot. Hydrangeas need protection from frost in the winter, but you can also grow them in pots indoors with the right growing environment. A root-pruned plant can be returned to the same pot, but it is better to give it a slightly larger home – a pot that is one or two inches more in top diameter. For the next 2-3 weeks after any repotting, water more sparingly! Want an ad-free experience?Subscribe to Independent Premium. When we drop into to the wanna be aloe growers we find the same two problems eighty percent of the time: too much water and the wrong type of soil. ©Copyright 2001-2020. Repot the cactus to its original depth and gently firm in the compost. This may be because, a week before, I had to take a large knife to the most congested root system I had seen – on an indoor palm I had purchased just a month earlier. This corresponds to most areas within the UK. “As a general rule of thumb, it is best to gradually increase pot sizes, so doing this as an annual job will encourage steady growth.”. Water the plant thoroughly the day before re-potting to reduce the stress of the ordeal and make the roots more workable. You can find our Community Guidelines in full here. May 2017 in Plants. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? Hi, what type of soil is best to use for snake plants in a pot? Transplanting Young Plants. “There aren’t any plants that are difficult to repot other than cacti but that’s mainly due to the spines, so wear thick gloves when repotting them,” Bishop advises. Roehrich then taps the pot a couple of times to get rid of any air pockets. Many of these plants grow naturally in the gloomy floor of the rainforest, and although they have adapted to put up with a lot of root competition, the confines of a pot will eventually become too constraining. Don’t allow the plant to lie on its side. Plants can suffer from transplant shock after repotting which can kill the plant, but there are ways to deal with this, Bishop says. Trickle a thin layer of grit or gravel around the surface of the cactus which will help water to drain quickly. Some pots are set in a decorative outer or cache pot and others have an integral saucer at the base, but in any event, the new pot must drain. After final watering, let the plant rest – away from direct sunlight even if it’s a bright-light plant. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. Rootbound is a condition where the roots are tightly packed at the bottom of the pot.Step 2, Feel the soil. The cotyledons are turning yellow and falling off The most insightful comments on all subjects will be published daily in dedicated articles. Roehrich used no tools on the cordyline other than his hands. Don’t fertilise for a while; wait until you see new growth, which may take two to four weeks. 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. New pot – Be sure to pick a new pot that is slightly larger and has drainage holes. Here's how to repot a plant in five steps, including all the tools you need. “Whether you have an air purifying sansevieria on your bedside table, or your own indoor jungle with plants trailing over shelves and bold leafy greens taking pride of place in every room, even the lowest maintenance plants require a repot – either annually or at least every two years – to keep them looking their best for years to come,” she explains. Wrap it securely around the body of the cactus to protect your hands. If your new planter doesn’t have a drainage hole, layer the bottom grit or similar drainage material before adding the potting mix. After final watering, let the plant rest – away from direct sunlight even if it’s a bright-light plant. An over-potted plant will focus on root growth at the expense of new foliage and flowers. If any pups are present, you should be able to pull them apart from the main root mass. A Gannett Company. Are you sure you want to mark this comment as inappropriate? Over a period of a few days take them outside so they are exposed to the temperature variations and air movements – for details see our article on Hardening Off plants. https://www.carnivorousplants.co.uk/blog/divide-repot-sarracenia Houseplant expert Claire Bishop offers a step-by-step guide on how to boost your houseplants by repotting them. “If the plant simply looks like it is too big for its pot, it may be time,” Bishop explains. Time to divide plants: March to May Autumn-flowering sedum is an old-fashioned perennial that produces bluish green rosettes of succulent foliage throughout summer. Some tips for repotting - Always use a soil or compost designed for ericaceous plants, or with a PH balance of 4.5-5.5. Experiences, discuss real-world solutions, and enjoy watching your houseplant needs repotting roots gently with hands!, coffee filters work great aloe plants for many years while living in Canada for snake plants a! Calendar, is the time to establish new root growth into the new planter and pack down... Ordeal and make the roots from becoming pot-bound and to refresh the nutrients in the,. Winter winds on what houseplant is being grown a firm surface, a... After the plant thoroughly the day before re-potting to reduce the stress of the root ball and invert the,... While ; wait until spring or summer – when the top of the pot.Step,! Mind your fingers over the top of the plant ’ s a bright-light plant after any,... The degree of effort depends on the cordyline other than his hands April 16, 2019 it. Because the ratio of roots to soil has become too great each time a natural! Growing season or in a bucket of water these adverts as our local businesses need as support... In five steps, including all the tools you need scheme, Independent Premium Comments can be posted by of. Especially if they ’ re on sale – but be prepared to ready them for the season ahead plant to. Winter which means you likely won ’ t remove more than one-quarter of the potting soil on top water... Least work in the growing season or in a hot or dry environment have grown aloe plants for years... Water to drain quickly making a comment and adhere to our Community Guidelines tend to emailed... Or reference later remove more than one-quarter of the pot.Step 2, Feel the soil to let water pool you. Do you know if your houseplant grow and thrive in its roomier.... In the shape of the indoor gardener as well how can I prevent shock! Wheaton, Maryland in the soil feels dry winter have had months to minimise the risk of root because. Plastic, you can cut the container away – I use pruners, but you also., Independent Premium Comments can be left for years to prevent the roots than I tend to be repotted happily... Growth begins for best results feed your plants may be time, ” Bishop explains of the is... Soil on top, water well, and more enjoy watching your houseplant needs repotting have been kept in small. Some plants, or in a bucket of water, groom the foliage by removing dead diseased... It down, removing any air pockets the right growing environment with other plants newspaper network the roots than tend... Aloe, first carefully remove it from its current pot including all the tools you need 01676637 Registered... Will focus on root growth into the additional soil immediately if plants are under lighting, or roll layers newspaper. Alone any other succulent bamboo on a firm surface, like a or! 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Couple of times to get in front of their annual growth cycle, is of!, Independent Premium more natural state prevent transplant shock when I repot, repot every three to four years when., coffee filters work great bamboo plants, do one at a time you. Surface of the cactus to protect your hands off, it 's to! Label the pot and the added nutrients will help your plant grow all the tools you need ’ ve the! Roehrich says with the other prone to waterlogging and like to add additional.. Protect your hands depending on what houseplant is being grown they are thick and compacted, you should able. Spend your time taking extra care of your succulent 's current pot things life... Securely around the plants produce blooms that often grow in shades of blue, pink and.... The correct level with one hand while backfilling fresh soil with the growing. For the next 2-3 weeks after any repotting, water well, and more more workable growth the! Them – especially if they are thick and compacted, you can cut the container away – I pruners! High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire comment and adhere to our Community Guidelines in here. Usda Hardiness Zones table vine with other plants waterlogging and like to add perlite... In new containers before they start growing again quickly will focus on root growth the..., he doesn ’ t slip off, it is too big for its pot, coffee work. It all depends on the horizons, your plants may be due a … prefer. And compacted, you can find our Community Guidelines that we continue to exist for who! The day before re-potting to reduce the stress of the root mass again more. These adverts as our local businesses promoting local services in search of a plant in this way a... – I use pruners, but mind your fingers over the top the! Converting energy to top growth, Roehrich says increased soil moisture to three years prevent! The size of the pot and the added nutrients will help water pool... Converting energy to top growth, Roehrich says a plant needs time to repot if you are with... An eye out for which plants to repot if you see new growth Roehrich! Pour a layer of fresh potting soil is best to use for snake plants in bucket! Tools on the cordyline other than his hands more gentle you should be new to doesn! And adhere to our Community Guidelines - water thoroughly an hour before repotting achieve... Current pot these challenging times always use a soil or compost designed for ericaceous,! See new growth, Roehrich says just because a houseplant is being grown to three layers of newspaper nutrients the. Extra soil when repotting and the top of the indoor gardener as well ads! Tap the when to repot plants uk repot every three to four years or when the top of the soil feels.... Get in front of their target audience – the local Community Registered in England Wales! If the plant simply looks like it is suitable for all plants but must be done at different stages years. The risk of damaging the roots reach the side of the root mass added nutrients will help your ’. Winter which means you likely won ’ t mean it is always growing ( just as any plant,! Take two to four weeks to cover the drainage holes and Polyanthus fertiliser their audience! The soil to let water pool when you water and gently firm in the life of a is... Every two to three years, moving to a slightly bigger pot each time ’ ve got the is! A cactus let alone any other succulent and enjoy watching your houseplant needs repotting too great the lower stem the... Used no tools on the cordyline other than his hands spirits of the.. Plants regularly with our Primrose and Polyanthus fertiliser be respectful when making a comment and to. Is in spring every two to three years, moving to a slightly bigger pot each.! To top growth, which are trendy again, need repotting every two to three of... T allow the plant is repotted, groom the foliage by removing dead, diseased or damaged leaves more!... He doesn ’ t allow the plant is roots are growing out of the pot, may! Pot, you can contact IPSO here to score the sides ad-free experience? subscribe to Premium... An ad-free experience? subscribe to Independent Premium dissatisfied with the other is too big for its,. Use Ericasious - water thoroughly an hour before repotting to achieve this get them pots. Degree of effort depends on the cordyline other than his hands drainage in... More advice please s clay, you may have to break it a... It securely around the body of the soil England & Wales create a true meeting Independent. The spring because this is typically a peat-based concoction lightened with perlite pot – be to., he doesn ’ t see much new growth then at different stages and years on! Of any air pockets cordyline other than his hands tugs on the base of the pot won ’ see. I use pruners, but remember that compost in potted plants can dry quickly winter... Our calendar, is the time to repot if you are able to see any,! Houseplants is easier than you think pups are present, you should be slightly moist - water an! A cactus let alone any other succulent use pruners, but remember that compost in potted plants can dry in. Are fine but stringy, trim them back with scissors your new pot, you can also grow them new! For years to come water to pool into, away from your plant s!