Indoor & Container Gardening
Repot Your Plants
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Repotting Plants Can Restore Vigor and Life
Potted plants try to do what other plants do, only with less soil. They want to grow, but they hit a wall. They draw nutrients out, but there's only so much soil. So they can look a little tired. Also, you might want to gaze at a new pot for a change. So put some life back into your potted plants by changing pots, and you'll get more enjoyment from them.
Project Steps
Know When to Repot
You want to look for compacted roots. Just tilt the plant on its side and loosen the root ball by knocking the rim of the pot against a table. You should be able to pull the plant out just enough to see if the roots are compacted.
Go Up 2 Sizes When You Repot
If you put your plant into a new pot that's too big, you could over-water it. Your aim is to give the plants a little extra room to grow, but not too much. A pot that's two sizes bigger than your current one should do the trick. Be sure to check for a drainage hole; if there isn't one, you can drill a few holes in the bottom. Wash out the old one with soap and water before you store it, to get rid of harmful bacteria.
Remove the Plant
After you've loosened the plant, gently pull it out of the pot. Shake off the old potting soil, and check for insects. If the roots are tightly bunched up, slice the roots in several places with a garden knife.
Plant
Start off by filling your new pot a third of the way with SuperSoil® Potting Soil. Put the plant in, then fill in the sides with more potting soil. Press lightly. You want your plant to be about the same height as it was in the old pot, with at least one inch of space between the top of the soil and the lip of the pot.
Water
Once the plant is in, soak it and let it drain.
