If you’re scared of moving your plants, you’re not alone.
Learn here exactly how to repot a plant without killing it, according to experts.
Plant doctor and stylistMaryah Greenesays there are two main reasons you want to repot your plants.
This happens because the new roots are being squished by the old roots, she says.
Roots desperately need additional space to stay healthy and grow.
If a plants root system is confined to a container for too long, it can become root bound.
plant expert and founder of Greene Piece
Additionally, the soil may start to change colors.
I often get the question a lot, Do I need to keep reporting my really massive plant?
Supplies youll need:
1.
Sometimes your plants potting mix just needs to be refreshed to provide it with new nutrients.
But if your plant is getting too big for its pot, choose a new one thats only alittlebigger.
You want to verify you find the right size pot for your original plant, says Greene.
Ideally youre finding something with one to two inches in diameter of extra room.
), which is more likely when a plant is swimming in potting mix.
Properplant drainageis also key for keeping your plant healthy.
plant expert and founder of Greene Piece
These conditions attract fungus gnats, pesty flying insects that reproduce rapidly.
Concrete and ceramic are also porous, making them smartmaterial choicesfor your pot.
In a pinch, other materials like plastic work, too.
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That way it has room for all the new roots to grow, says Greene.
While optional, a gardening spade can help you with the depotting process.
Roots can be kind of delicate, so you dont want to pull too much.
The reason were getting rid of soil is because were replacing it with new soil.
Root pruning also helps prevent root binding from happening after your plant has been rehomed.
Pruning roots stimulates new growth, adds Williams, so its always a good idea to do that step.
When adding soil, you want to pat the soil down.
Use two fingers to pat it down.
Roots really enjoy tight, compact soil for them to grow into.
And this is the best time to center your plant, she says.
Once youve repotted your plant and found it a proper spot to stay in, water it lightly.
Commonly asked questions
Should you water plants when you repot them?
You shouldwater your planta few days before you plan to repot them.
Does repotting hurt plants?
This shock triggers when a plants environment changes drastically throughout the depotting and repotting process.
Making sure your plant is properly hydrated days before the repotting process can help prevent this.
Dont oversaturate it, warns Williams.
Toolittlewater is not good, and toomuchwater is not good, he says.
How do you repot a plant without killing it?
Keeping a plant alivecan be tricky foranyoneeven those who have a green thumb.
Why should you break up roots when repotting?
When roots dont have enough space to spread out, they can become what is called root bound.
Pruning roots promotes growth, says Williams.
You would think it would hurt the plants growth, but pruning the roots actually promotes new growth!
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