Repotting

     When do you repot?

A newly purchased plant does not always need repotting.  A common mistake is potting directly into a decorative pot. The plant should be left in the grower pot with a plastic saucer or dish inside the decorative pot to catch drainage water.  This avoids transplant shock, you can water plants in the pot or take them to the sink or tub to water or clean them and it enables you to put the plant outside in the shade on occasion when the weather permits.  

     There are a few signs that your plant needs repotting, Soil dries out quickly, roots are growing out of the bottom of the pot or stems and leaves grow very slowly.

        Repotting Guidelines- Soil should be moist in the pot and around the plant to be repotted.  Turn the pot over and gently slide the soil ball out.  Repot into a clean pot that is somewhat larger than the old pot. Do not pot a small plant in a large container. Place gravel or broken pieces of a clay pot in the bottom of the new pot to aid in drainage. Be sure the new pot has a drainage hole. Place soil over the gravel. Place the soil ball into the pot and fill the pot with soil around the soil ball.  Do not plant the repotted plant deeper in the new container than it was in the old.  Keep the soil ball at the same level it was in the old pot.  Water well and allow the pot to drain.         

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Last modified: 11/17/09