Repotting gives roots fresh soil and room to grow. Done at the right time, it takes fifteen minutes and your plant will thank you for a year.
Sooner or later every healthy plant outgrows its pot. Roots fill the space, the soil loses its structure and water runs straight through without soaking in. Repotting solves all three problems. It looks more daunting than it is, and with a little preparation it is one of the most satisfying jobs in plant care.
Signs that it is time
Look for roots growing out of the drainage hole or circling the surface of the soil. Other signs are a plant that dries out within a day or two of watering, growth that has stalled in the warm season, or a pot that tips over because the plant is top heavy. Most houseplants need repotting every 12 to 18 months. Slow growers such as snake plants and ZZ plants can wait two to three years.
Pick the right moment
The best time is the start of the growing season, from February to April, or just after the monsoon in September and early October. Avoid repotting a plant that is in flower, newly delivered or stressed by heat.
What you need
Choose a pot 2 to 5 cm wider than the current one, with a drainage hole. Have fresh potting mix ready, plus a trowel, clean shears and a sheet of newspaper to work on. Water the plant the day before so the root ball slides out cleanly.
Step by step
Turn the pot on its side, support the base of the stems and ease the plant out. Gently loosen the outer roots with your fingers. Trim any that are black, soft or badly tangled. Put a layer of fresh mix in the new pot, set the plant so that the top of the root ball sits 2 cm below the rim, and fill around the sides. Firm the soil lightly. Do not pack it down.
Aftercare
Water thoroughly until it drains from the base, then place the plant in bright shade for a week. Hold off on plant food for a month, since fresh mix already contains nutrients. A little drooping in the first few days is normal.
If you would prefer not to
Large floor plants can be awkward to handle alone. Bring yours to the repotting bar at any Verdelle nursery, or add the repotting and soil top-up service to your order and we will do it before your plant ships.
