Potted plant care – preparing to re-pot

We outgrow our clothes just as plants outgrow their pots. One of the most important parts of potted plant care is making sure that you follow the correct steps when it comes time to re-pot. If not done properly, your plant can go into a state of shock and it can even die. Here are some of the essential basic steps to follow.

Timing is crucial

When your potted plant has become too large for its current home, you need to plan to re-plant. Re-planting should always be done when the plant is in its dormant phase. If you’re not sure how to tell the plant is dormant, you should wait until it no longer produces flowers. Make sure that you take your time when moving your plant to a new pot. You do not want to rush this process since you may end up damaging the roots which can cause the plant to die. You should ensure that it’s not too cold or too hot when moving a plant. After the bloom season, your plant will have the winter to get used to its new home before it comes time to spout new shoots and produce more flowers.

Preparing the pot

Another important tip to remember is that you need to prepare your new pot before re-potting. The pot should be large enough to not only host the plant but allow for growth over the next year or two. You will need to place some type of material in the base to allow for drainage. Old plant material, for example, will do well. You can also add some pebbles. Add potting soil on top of this but make sure that you don’t fill the pot. Once you have placed enough soil in the pot, it’s time to gently remove the potted plant and place it in the new pot. Add more potting soil on top and make sure that it is a little higher than the rim of the pot. The level will drop after watering.

Water the plant

Next, you will need to water your potted plant thoroughly. Potting soil is usually very dry which means that your plant will dry out if you don’t provide it with water right away. Place the plant in your sink, bathtub or outside and leave it off the drainage tray. Water gently from the top and continue watering until water flows out the bottom of the pot. Stop watering at this point and allow the excess water to flow out. Once this is done, you can place your plant on the drip tray and back in its favourite spot.

Fertilizer

Fresh, new potting soil usually has a fair amount of nutrients. Of course, you can add a small amount of fertilizer too. Do not overdo it since you shouldn’t fertilize during the dormant phase. Once you notice new sprouts or flower buds on your potted plant, you can apply fertilizer as recommended on the package.

As you can see, these steps are really easy to follow. It really is mostly about timing and not rushing through any of the steps. Take your time to really care for your potted plant and you can be sure that it will bring you endless joy.