Maya Ellison
Plastic pots are a popular choice for plants due to their low cost, durability, and convenience. They are lightweight, flexible, and suitable for a variety of plants, both indoors and outdoors. However, one of the most significant challenges for plant enthusiasts is repotting plants from plastic containers. Repotting is necessary when a plant outgrows its current pot or when the soil needs replenishment. The process involves carefully removing the plant from its plastic pot, loosening the roots, and placing it in a new container with fresh soil and proper drainage. It is essential to ensure that the new pot is not significantly larger than the previous one to avoid overwatering and root decay. With the right techniques and considerations, repotting a plant from a plastic container can be a successful and rewarding experience.
How to properly pot a plant from a plastic container
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to repot | Every 12 to 18 months, or when the plant is overgrown |
| Container size | 2" larger in diameter for tabletop planters, 4" for floor planters, or 1" for small plants |
| Container material | Plastic is inexpensive, lightweight, and durable, but may need to be replaced every 3-5 years |
| Drainage | Drainage holes are important to avoid root rot; use plastic mesh, pebbles, or rocks to cover the hole |
| Soil moisture | Soil should be moist enough to hold its shape when removing and replanting |
| Root management | Loosen roots gently, prune threadlike roots, and unbind root-bound plants |
| Soil replenishment | Remove about 1/3 of the old potting mix and add fresh soil with new nutrients |
| Watering | Water well after repotting, but be careful not to drown the plant |
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What You'll Learn
How to remove a plant from a plastic pot
Removing a plant from a plastic pot is much easier than removing it from harder pots such as those made from terracotta or ceramic. To start, water the plant thoroughly—this will act as a lubricant, making the roots and potting soil more malleable and facilitating removal. Next, if there are any roots coming out of the drainage holes, clip them off with pruning shears. Now, hold the pot in both hands and press in on the sides, loosening the soil around the edges. Then, flip the pot on its side or with the opening facing down. Hold the plant and pot with one hand and push down on the bottom of the pot with the other hand. The plant should now come out of the pot easily. If the plant doesn't budge, it may be rootbound, in which case you may need to massage the sides and bottom of the pot to loosen the soil further.
If the plant is still stuck, try compressing the pot with your hand in two or three places, turning the pot to free the root ball on all sides. You can also try running a knife around the inside of the pot to free the root ball. If the pot is particularly stubborn, you may need to cut it off with a pair of metal shears. Alternatively, hold the pot upside down and tap it downwards on a table, allowing the pot to overhang the edge of the table without hitting the plant. The force of the tap should be enough to dislodge the plant, so be sure to hold it as it falls out.
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Choosing the right size pot
The distance between the walls of the pot and the roots should ideally be about 2-3 cm to allow the plant to grow comfortably. This spacing also ensures proper ventilation and water flow at the bottom of the pot. It is worth noting that some plants, such as succulents, have shallow root systems and slower growth rates, so they may only require a new planter that is an inch larger. For tabletop planters, a good rule of thumb is to choose a pot that is no more than 2 inches larger in diameter, while floor planters can accommodate a size increase of up to 4 inches.
When repotting, it is also essential to consider the type of plant and its growth habits. Some plants, like vines, grasses, or trees, may not need frequent repotting and can remain in the same pot for years with occasional soil replenishment. However, other plants with more active growth may require repotting every 12 to 18 months. Spring, before the start of the growth season, is usually the best time to repot your plants.
Additionally, the shape and material of the pot are also important considerations. Plastic planters are a popular choice due to their durability, flexibility, lightweight nature, and affordability. They are also convenient for large plants as they won't be too heavy. However, for plants with delicate roots, plastic pots may not be ideal as they can retain excess water, potentially leading to root rot. In such cases, a ceramic or terra cotta pot with a drainage hole might be preferable, ensuring proper water evacuation.
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Preparing the new pot
Firstly, select an appropriately sized pot. When choosing a new pot, it is important to consider the size of your plant, especially its root system. The distance between the walls of the pot and the roots should be about 2-3 cm to allow the plant to grow comfortably. If you are only changing the soil, you can keep the same planter or choose a new one that is slightly larger, typically no more than 2" bigger in diameter for tabletop planters and no more than 4" bigger for floor planters. Avoid choosing a pot that is excessively large, as it can lead to root decay due to excess soil and moisture.
Next, prepare the bottom of the new pot. Drainage holes are essential to allow excess water to escape and prevent root rot. If your new pot has drainage holes, you can cover them with a piece of plastic mesh, a coffee filter, or a thin layer of pebbles to prevent soil from escaping while still allowing water to drain. If your pot does not have drainage holes, you can create a similar effect by lining the bottom with lava rocks, gravel, or similar materials before adding the potting mix. This helps to create crevices for excess water to pool away from the roots.
Now, you can add the potting mix. Pour a layer of fresh potting soil into the prepared planter and pack it down, removing any air pockets. Make sure not to fill the planter to the brim, as you want to leave some space for the roots to breathe. Centre your plant in the new pot, ensuring that it is positioned correctly.
Finally, water your newly potted plant thoroughly. Even out the potting soil on top and water it well. Enjoy the process and the satisfaction of providing your plant with fresh nutrients and room to grow!
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Removing old soil and loosening roots
When repotting a plant, the first step is to remove it from its current pot. To do this, place one hand on the soil at the base of the plant and use the other hand to gently tip the pot up and slide the plant out. If the plant is stuck, try using a skewer or butter knife to loosen the soil from the edges of the pot. You can also tap the bottom of the pot with one hand while supporting the plant and pot with the other. If you are still struggling to remove the plant, use your fingers or a small shovel or spoon to gently dig it out.
Once the plant is out of the pot, it's time to loosen the roots. Do this gently with your hands, being careful not to damage them. If your plant is root-bound—meaning the roots are growing in tight circles around the base—you will need to carefully unbind the roots and give them a trim. Remove any thread-like roots that are extra long, but be sure to leave the thicker roots at the base of the foliage.
If you are repotting a succulent, it is a good idea to remove extra soil or peat from the roots to give them the best chance to establish themselves in the new soil. Succulents have shallow root systems and grow more slowly than other plants. For vine, grass, or tree-type plants, you can mostly leave the roots alone, only shaking away excess soil or slightly loosening the root ball if the plant was root-bound.
Before adding your plant to its new pot, remove about one-third or more of the old potting mix surrounding the plant. This will give the roots more room to grow and access fresh soil with new nutrients.
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Adding the plant and new soil
Once you have removed the plant from its plastic container, you can begin adding it to its new pot. If you are reusing the same pot, simply add a fresh layer of soil to the existing pot before placing the plant on top. If you are using a new pot, start by pouring a layer of fresh potting soil into the planter and packing it down, removing any air pockets.
If your new planter does not have a drainage hole, you should add a layer of lava rocks, gravel, pebbles, or something similar to the bottom of the pot before adding the potting mix. This will create crevices for excess water to pool into, protecting the plant's roots. If your planter does have a drainage hole, you can use a piece of plastic mesh, a thin layer of rocks, or a coffee filter to cover the hole and prevent soil from escaping.
After preparing your planter, place the plant that you have removed from its plastic container on top of the fresh layer of soil in the new planter, ensuring that it is centred. Then, add more potting mix around the plant until it is secure. Be careful not to pack too much soil into the planter, as you want the roots to breathe.
Finally, water your newly potted plant and even out the potting soil on top.
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Frequently asked questions
Turn the plant sideways and hold it by the stems or leaves. Tap the bottom of the pot until the plant slides out. If the plant is stuck, use your fingers or a small shovel to gently dig it out.
Loosen the roots gently with your hands. Prune off any thread-like roots that are extra long, but make sure to leave the thicker roots at the base. If the plant is root-bound, unbind the roots and trim them.
Consider the size of your plant, especially its root system. The distance between the walls of the pot and the roots should be about 2-3 cm. If you are changing planters, try to keep the size no more than 2" larger in diameter for tabletop planters and no more than 4" larger for floor planters.
