Maya Ellison
Plastic pots are a popular choice for plant lovers as they are lightweight, inexpensive, and convenient for large plants. They are also flexible, durable, and come in a variety of shapes and colours. When it comes to replanting a pot in a plastic pot, there are several steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to choose a pot that is slightly larger, typically 1-2 inches, to allow room for growth. The pot should also have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can be covered with a porous material like a coffee filter. Next, remove the plant from its current pot by gently tapping the bottom and loosening the soil. Prune the roots to encourage outward growth and remove old potting mix. Add a layer of fresh potting soil to the new plastic pot, place the plant inside, and secure it with additional soil. Finally, water the plant and enjoy!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pot size | Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter and 1-2 inches deeper than the plant's current pot. For tabletop planters, the new pot should be no more than 2 inches larger in diameter, and for floor planters, no more than 4 inches larger. |
| Pot material | Plastic pots are lightweight, inexpensive, and convenient for large plants. They are also flexible, durable, and come in various shapes, colors, and designs. However, some growers believe plastic is harmful to the soil and roots of the plant. |
| Drainage holes | Drainage holes are important to allow excess water to drain and prevent root rot. If the pot doesn't have drainage holes, layer the bottom with rocks or similar materials before adding the potting mix. Alternatively, you can create drainage holes in the plastic pot using a skewer or knife. |
| Soil preparation | Fill the bottom of the new pot with fresh potting soil, leaving a few inches at the top. Remove about one-third of the old potting mix from the plant and loosen the roots gently with your hands. Prune any extra-long thread-like roots and untangle the remaining roots to encourage outward growth. |
| Planting | Nestle the plant into the new pot, adding soil around the edges of the roots and pressing down lightly. Ensure the plant stands upright and strong, but don't overfill the pot, leaving space for the roots to breathe. |
| Watering | After repotting, water the plant well. A freshly repotted plant does not need fertilizer. |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a slightly larger pot
When repotting a plant, it is important to choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one. The new pot should be 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter and 1 to 2 inches deeper than the plant's current pot. This allows the plant to have room to grow, as the roots will need to grow into the new pot before the plant itself can start growing upwards.
It is important to consider the size of your plant, especially its root system. If the pot is too large, the roots will receive too much soil and moisture, which can lead to decay. Similarly, if the pot is too small, the roots will not have enough space to grow. The distance between the walls of the pot and the roots should be about 2-3 cm for the plant to grow comfortably.
For tabletop planters, a good rule of thumb is to choose a pot that is no more than 2 inches larger in diameter. For floor planters, the pot can be up to 4 inches larger in diameter. If you are repotting a very small plant, the new planter may only need to be an inch larger.
It is also important to choose a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to drain and prevent root rot. You can cover the drainage holes with a porous material, such as a coffee filter, to slow down the drainage process and allow the water to soak into the soil.
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Drainage holes
If you are drilling your own drainage holes, it is important to note that the size of the holes and the number of holes can impact drainage. For example, holes that are too small may not allow enough water to drain out, while holes that are too large may cause soil to seep out when watering. Additionally, having multiple holes does not necessarily make a pot drain faster.
The placement of the drainage holes is also important. Holes should be placed at the bottom of the pot or at the sidewall, with the bottom of the hole tangent to the bottom of the pot. Holes placed only on the sides of the pot and above the bottom will trap water at the bottom, creating issues.
If you are using a pot without drainage holes, it is recommended to layer the bottom of the pot with lava rocks, gravel, or a similar material before adding the potting mix. This creates crevices for the extra water to pool into, away from the plant's roots. Alternatively, you can use a thin layer of pebbles or a piece of plastic mesh to cover the drainage holes and prevent soil seepage.
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Loosen the roots
Loosening the roots of a plant before repotting it can be beneficial, as it helps the plant adapt to its new environment. However, some people believe that gardeners should avoid doing this, as they think that it will stress the plant. While this makes sense, it is not a reason to avoid correcting a poor root bundle. In fact, recent studies have shown that pruning and loosening roots before planting will help them in the long run.
When loosening the roots, you can use your hands or a small shovel or spoon to gently dig the plant out of the pot. Removing plants from a plastic pot is usually easier than removing them from harder pots like terra cotta or ceramic. If the plant is very large or root-bound, you may need to cut it out of its pot. This can be less stressful for the plant and less damaging to the roots.
Once the roots are properly loosened, you can place your plant in the new pot. Start by layering your soil mixture at the bottom of the pot and inserting your plant on top. Then, fill the edges with care and give your plant a good watering.
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Add new potting mix
When adding new potting mix, it's important to first check the health of the existing mix. If the old mix is infested with pests or diseased, it's best to discard it and start fresh. To sterilise diseased soil, you can solarise it by placing it in a lidded bucket or a black plastic bag and leaving it in the sun for at least four weeks. Alternatively, you can wrap the soil in foil and bake it in the oven at 180-200°F for 30 minutes.
If your old mix is healthy, you can revitalise it by mixing in new ingredients. First, remove the plant from its current pot and set it aside. Next, tip out the old potting mix onto a tarp or plastic sheet. It's a good idea to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and a mask, for this step. Use a large sieve to remove any stones, roots or drainage gravel from the old mix. Allow the aerated mix to fall into a bucket or back onto the tarp.
Now you can start adding new ingredients to the old mix. If the old mix is compacted, break it up with a shovel before adding fresh soil. This will help the roots of your plant to breathe and improve water drainage. Add a layer of fresh potting soil to the old mix and remove any air pockets. If your plant is root-bound, you can prune off any thread-like roots and give the thicker roots a trim.
Once you've added fresh soil, you can add other ingredients such as compost, fertiliser pellets or perlite for extra anchorage and improved airflow. Mix the new ingredients into the old mix with a trowel. Now you're ready to add your plant back into the pot and secure it with more potting mix. Be sure not to pack too much soil into the planter, as you want the roots to breathe. Finally, water your plant well and enjoy!
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Disinfect the pot
Disinfecting a pot is a simple process, but it is important to do it thoroughly to ensure your plants remain healthy. Firstly, check the pot for mineral deposits, which can often be found around the upper inside rim of the pot, near the soil line. You can remove these deposits with a scouring pad, and for tougher areas, use a knife to gently scrape away the residue. If you are reusing a terracotta or clay pot, you may find mineral deposits all over the container, so use steel wool or a wire-bristle brush to remove these.
Rinse the pot with water, and then you have a few options for disinfecting. You can use a 10% bleach solution, but this is not recommended due to the high levels of bleach required. The fumes can be strong, and it is not an efficient method for a single container. You could instead use household disinfectants like surface wipes, cleaners, and sprays (Lysol, Pin-Sol, Clorox wipes, and Microban are some examples). These are safer and easier to use, and they are very effective at killing bacteria and pathogens.
If you are concerned about the effectiveness of household cleaners, you could opt for a gardening-specific disinfectant. However, be aware that some products, such as TSP cleaners, are not suitable for disinfecting plant pots. Always read the label and follow the instructions when using any type of disinfectant.
After disinfecting, give the pot a final rinse with water and allow it to dry completely before replanting. This will ensure that any disinfectant residue is removed and will not affect your plant's growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Turn the plant sideways, hold it gently by the stems or leaves, and tap the bottom of the pot until the plant slides out. You may need to loosen the soil from the edges with a skewer or butter knife first.
Loosen the roots gently with your hands. Prune off any thread-like roots that are extra long, leaving the thicker roots at the base. If your plant is root-bound, carefully unbind the roots and trim them.
Choose a new pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter and 1-2 inches deeper than the plant's current pot. Make sure the new pot has drainage holes. Before filling the new pot with soil, cover the drainage holes with something like paper towel or plastic mesh to prevent soil from escaping.
Pour a layer of fresh potting soil into the new pot and pack it down, removing any air pockets. Place the plant in the centre of the new pot and add potting mix around it until it is secure. Be careful not to pack too much soil into the pot, as you want the roots to breathe.
