Repotting plants is essential for their growth and health. Often, plants come in nursery pots, but it's beneficial to transfer them to a standard plant pot. This pot is typically just a bit wider than the nursery ones. Why? Growers tend to use slightly smaller pots to reduce transportation costs. As your plants grow, you may find yourself needing to repot them for various reasons, especially due to their growth.
Why repot plants?
There are multiple advantages to repotting your plant, including:
- More nutrients: With a larger pot, your plant gets more potting soil, allowing it to intake more nutrients.
- Larger water buffer: A bigger pot means more water capacity, translating to less frequent watering. This is especially true for certain air-purifying plants and edible plants which require a consistent water supply.
- Prevents suffocation: The roots of your plants need air to grow. In a tiny pot, the soil can become too compact, depriving roots of air. However, with a larger pot filled with new soil, there's better aeration for the roots.
As a result, you'll have a more radiant and healthier plant.
What is the best time to repot your plant?
After a period of dormancy in winter, your plants come back to life in spring. New leaves grow and your plant gets back to work underground as well. Spring is therefore a good time to repot your plants. Giving your plant extra space and nutrients will give it a good boost for growth.
But that doesn't mean you can't repot your plants during other seasons. If necessary, it can also be done in summer or autumn. It's better not to repot in winter, because it will be harder for your plant to recover if you damage the roots.
What kind of pot should you choose?
Select a pot approximately 20% larger than the previous one. For optimal results, choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent overwatering. A plastic inner pot can be housed inside a decorative pot for aesthetics. Alternatively, terracotta pots with a drainage hole are an excellent choice.
If you're using a pot without holes, remember to add a layer of Hydroton (Expanded Clay Pebbles) at the base to soak up extra moisture. When repotting, ensure the fresh soil's level matches that in the old pot.
Good luck with repotting your plants! Be sure to check out our other posts for plant care tips and advice, such as how to water your houseplants. Don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions - we're always happy to help!