Repotting indoor plants in your home and office: Why it matters & How to do it right!
Nick Whiting • September 21, 2024
If you're an indoor plant lover, like myself, you’ve probably heard that repotting is an essential part of plant care for all your indoor plants in your home or office. But why exactly is it so important, and how do you know when it’s time to give your green friend a new home?
In this post, we’ll dive into why repotting matters and share some easy tips to help you through the process.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- Why Repotting Indoor Plants is Crucial
- When Should You Repot Your Indoor Plants?
- Tips for Repotting Your Indoor Plants
Why Repotting Indoor Plants is Crucial
Repotting your indoor plants may seem like a daunting task, but it’s a key part of keeping them healthy and thriving. Here’s why it’s so important:
1. Nutrient Boost
Over time, the nutrients in your plant’s soil get used up, and no amount of fertilizer can fully restore the lost richness. Fresh soil provides your plant with a new supply of essential nutrients and minerals to encourage healthier growth.
2. Room for Root Growth
When plants outgrow their pots, they can become "root-bound," with roots circling around the pot and becoming tangled. This limits their ability to absorb water and nutrients. Repotting gives the roots more space to stretch and grow, leading to a healthier plant.
3. Improved Drainage
Old soil can become compacted, which hampers its ability to drain properly. Poor drainage leads to waterlogged roots and can eventually cause root rot. Fresh soil helps water move through the pot easily, keeping your plant's roots happy and healthy.
4. Pest and Disease Control
Old, tired soil can harbor pests or harmful bacteria that may not be visible but can negatively impact your plant’s health. Repotting with fresh soil helps you eliminate these issues and create a cleaner environment for your plant.
5. Promotes New Growth
Repotting can also kickstart your plant’s growth, especially if it’s been struggling in a too-small pot. With more space, nutrients, and improved drainage, your plant is set up for a growth spurt!
When Should You Repot Your Indoor Plants?
While each plant is different, a good rule of thumb is to repot most plants every 1-2 years. Signs it’s time to repot include roots growing out of the drainage holes, soil drying out too quickly, or if the plant looks like it’s outgrowing its pot.
I recently repotted all my indoor plants using the Chunky & Funky Indoor Plant Mix from Planti Peeps. Personally I have found that store brought bagged mixes tend to retain way too much moisture leading to root rot or fungus gnats (Or in the worst case, both).
Chunky & Funky Indoor Plant Substrate is a soil-less blend of coco chunks, coco coir, orchid bark, perlite, and pumice for moisture retention, drainage, and root aeration. It’s enriched with worm castings, compost for nutrients, and charcoal for antibacterial properties. Hand-blended in Canberra with ingredients from Australia and New Zealand.
Tips for Repotting Your Indoor Plants
Now that you know why repotting is so important, let’s walk through some easy tips to help make the process smoother.
1. Choose the Right Time
The best time to repot your plant is during its growing season—usually spring or early summer. During this time, plants are actively growing and can recover more easily from the stress of repotting. Avoid repotting in the winter when plants are typically dormant.
2. Select the Right Pot
When choosing a new pot, go for one that’s only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot. This gives your plant room to grow without overwhelming it with too much space, which can lead to overwatering.
Don't forget if you are using a previously used pot to sanitize the pot first and wash it out well to ensure it kills off any bacteria and disease.
3. Use Fresh, High-Quality Soil
Always use fresh, well-draining potting mix suited to your plant’s needs. For example, cacti and succulents thrive in a cactus-specific mix, while other houseplants may prefer a general indoor potting mix. Avoid reusing old soil, as it may be depleted of nutrients and compacted.
4. Water Before You Repot
Watering your plant the day before you repot helps soften the soil, making it easier to remove from the old pot. It also helps reduce transplant shock and makes the transition smoother for your plant.
I always prefer to bottom water my plants by placing them into a small pool or a large bucket and allowing the plant and soil to soak up the water. Even go that extra step to prepare your plants by adding some indoor plant food solution to the water such as The Plant Runner Indoor Plant Food, this will reduce the shock to the plant when repotting.
5. Loosen the Roots
Gently loosen any roots that have become compacted or tangled. If the plant is root-bound, you can carefully untangle or trim some of the roots (using clean and sanitized secateurs or scissors). This encourages the plant to spread its roots into the new soil.
6. Position the Plant Correctly
When placing your plant in the new pot, make sure it’s centered and that the top of the root ball sits about an inch below the rim of the pot. Don’t plant it too deeply, as this can cause the stem to rot.
7. Water Thoroughly After Repotting
After you’ve repotted your plant, give it a good soak to help settle the soil around the roots and eliminate any air pockets. Let the excess water drain away to avoid soggy roots.
8. Hold Off on Fertilizing
Since fresh soil contains nutrients, it’s best to wait a few weeks before fertilizing your newly repotted plant. Let your plant adjust to its new home without overwhelming it with extra nutrients.
9. Provide a Gentle Recovery Environment
After repotting, place your plant in a spot with indirect light for a few days to help it recover from any stress. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight immediately after repotting.
Final Thoughts
Repotting your indoor plants is an essential part of plant care that gives your plants a fresh start and room to grow. With the right timing, fresh soil, and some TLC, you’ll help your plants thrive in their new homes. So next time you notice your plant looking a little cramped or its soil drying out too fast, it might just be time to repot!
Happy repotting!
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