Maya Ellison
Repotting a plant can be a tricky task, but with the right preparation, it can be done successfully. Plants are usually bought in plastic pots, and while it is fine to keep your plant in its plastic home for a while, you will eventually need to transfer it to a larger pot to allow room for growth. This guide will cover the steps to take when transferring a plant from a plastic pot to a new one, including how to remove the plant from its current pot, preparing the new pot, and how to care for your plant after repotting.
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What You'll Learn
- Preparing the new pot: Choose a pot with drainage holes, slightly larger than the current one
- Removing the plant: Squeeze the plastic pot to loosen the soil, then turn it on its side and gently work the plant out
- Pruning the roots: Remove some of the old root ball to expose fresh roots to the new soil
- Adding new soil: Place the plant in the new pot and add fresh soil, ensuring it's secure and there are no air pockets
- Watering and settling: Water the plant and gently tap the bottom of the pot on a hard surface to help settle the soil
Preparing the new pot: Choose a pot with drainage holes, slightly larger than the current one
When preparing a new pot for your plant, it is important to select one with drainage holes. Drainage holes are crucial as they allow excess water to drain out, preventing the plant from drowning or developing root rot. If your new pot does not have drainage holes, you can create a similar effect by lining the bottom with a thin layer of pebbles, rocks, gravel, lava rocks, or a piece of plastic mesh. This will create crevices for the water to pool away from the roots.
It is recommended that the new pot be slightly larger than the current one, typically 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter and 1 to 2 inches deeper. This allows room for the roots to grow into the new pot before the plant starts growing upward. If the new pot is significantly larger, the plant may struggle to grow initially. For tabletop planters, a maximum increase of 2 inches in diameter is generally recommended, while floor planters can go up to 4 inches larger.
Before adding your plant, clean and disinfect the new pot, especially if it's been used before. Old pots can accumulate minerals and debris that can be detrimental to plant growth. To disinfect, soak the pot in a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water for at least ten minutes, then rinse thoroughly. For steel pots, use steel wool or a wire brush to remove any stubborn mineral deposits. Plastic pots only need a good scrub with a regular scrubbing pad.
Once your pot is clean and dry, it's time to add a layer of fresh potting soil. Fill the pot about a third of the way, then place your plant in the centre, adjusting the soil underneath so that the base of the stem is about 1/4" to 1/2" below the top of the pot. Add more soil around the plant, ensuring it's secure and stable. Don't overfill the pot—leave about 1" of space between the soil and the top of the pot. Gently pat down the soil to firm the plant into place and lightly tap the bottom of the pot on a table or floor to help settle the soil.
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Removing the plant: Squeeze the plastic pot to loosen the soil, then turn it on its side and gently work the plant out
Removing a plant from its plastic pot is much easier than from harder pots such as ceramic or terracotta. To start, grab the plastic pot with both hands and press in on the sides to loosen the soil around the edges. If your plant is root-bound, you may need to spend a little more time massaging the sides and bottom of the pot to loosen it. If your plant is in a thin plastic nursery pot, or is very large or root-bound, you may need to cut the plant out of its pot. This can be done with a pair of strong scissors or shears, cutting from the top to the bottom of the pot.
Once the soil has been loosened, turn the pot on its side and push down on the bottom of the pot with one hand while holding the plant with the other. The plant should slide out easily. If it doesn't, try compressing and twisting the pot. Lay the pot on its side and press inward on its sides with a firm squeezing motion. As you compress one area, twist the pot back and forth. Rotate the pot and repeat this process until the root ball is dislodged.
If the plant still won't budge, try slicing along the inside edges of the pot with a sharp knife. Run the knife around the perimeter to separate any roots clinging to the pot. You can also try placing the plant on its side and hitting the bottom of the pot with your hand to release the root ball, then pulling the pot off. Alternatively, turn the pot upside down, carefully supporting the plant with one hand, and give it a hard tap against a table edge to knock the root ball free.
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Pruning the roots: Remove some of the old root ball to expose fresh roots to the new soil
When repotting a plant, it is important to prune the roots to encourage new growth. This can be done by removing some of the old root balls to expose fresh roots to the new soil. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Gently ease the plant out of its current pot to check its root condition. If the roots are poking out of the bottom or you see more roots than soil, it is time to prune and repot.
- Loosen the soil around the edges by holding the pot in both hands and pressing in on the sides. You can also gently squeeze the sides of the pot or use a small shovel or butter knife to help loosen the soil further.
- Once the plant is out of the pot, gently grasp the base of the plant to steady it.
- Start pruning the roots by making long vertical cuts down the sides of the root ball with a sharp knife. The number of cuts will depend on the size of the plant and its roots. These cuts will allow for new root growth at the cut sites.
- Remove the thick mat of tangled roots that has formed at the bottom of the root ball. Gently stretch open the centre of the root ball to ensure it is not densely tangled.
- Untangle the roots with your fingers or a small shovel/knife. You can also use your thumbs to gently massage the roots and loosen them further.
- Fill the bottom of your new pot with fresh potting soil. Place the plant in the pot, adjusting the soil underneath to ensure the base of the stem is at the correct height.
- Add more soil around the plant, patting it down gently to firm it into place. Leave enough space at the top of the pot to avoid overflow when watering.
- Newly transplanted plants need ample water right away, so be sure to give your plant a good drink.
Remember that repotting can be stressful for plants, so it is recommended to give them time to adjust to their new environment before transplanting. Additionally, always work gently when pruning roots, as you want to encourage growth rather than cause damage.
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Adding new soil: Place the plant in the new pot and add fresh soil, ensuring it's secure and there are no air pockets
When transferring a plant from plastic to a new pot, it is important to add new soil to provide fresh nutrients for the plant. Here is a detailed guide on adding new soil during the repotting process:
Choosing the Right Soil
Before placing the plant in the new pot, it is essential to select the appropriate soil. The type of soil you choose should be suitable for the specific plant you are repotting. Consider the nutritional needs and preferences of the plant. For example, cacti and succulents typically require well-drained, cactus soil mix.
Preparing the New Pot
Start by filling the bottom third of the new pot with fresh potting soil. The amount of soil added initially will depend on the size of the pot and the plant. Ensure you leave enough space for the plant's roots to comfortably fit in the pot without overcrowding.
Placing the Plant
Gently hold the plant and place it in the centre of the new pot. Adjust the amount of soil underneath the plant to achieve the correct height. The base of the stem should be approximately 1/4" to 1/2" below the top of the pot. This ensures the plant is securely positioned and allows for proper root development.
Adding More Soil
Once the plant is centred and at the right height, continue adding shovelfuls or handfuls of new potting soil around the plant. Fill in all the empty spaces in the pot with soil, gently patting it down as you go. Be careful not to pack the soil too tightly, as this can restrict root growth and ventilation. The goal is to create a stable environment for the plant while allowing the roots to breathe.
Final Adjustments
After filling the pot with soil, gently tap the bottom of the pot on a table or floor to help settle the soil and remove any air pockets. This step is crucial for ensuring the plant's stability and promoting healthy root growth.
Soil Placement Around Transplant Holes
When using plastic mulches, consider placing soil around the transplant holes. This practice can protect tender plants from heat, water, and potential damage caused by contact with the plastic. It is important to select the right type of soil for this purpose, such as clean, washed sand or fumigated field soil, to avoid introducing diseases or disturbing herbicide distribution.
Remember, when transferring a plant to a new pot, choose an appropriately sized pot, typically no more than 2" larger in diameter for tabletop planters and no more than 4" larger for floor planters. This ensures you don't accidentally overwhelm the plant with too much soil and water.
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Watering and settling: Water the plant and gently tap the bottom of the pot on a hard surface to help settle the soil
Watering your plants correctly is one of the trickiest aspects of plant care. Every plant is different, and each has its own preferences. For example, cacti and succulents like to dry out almost completely between waterings, while spider plants like the top few inches to dry out. It takes a little time to see what your plant prefers. Feeling the soil and the weight of the pot can help you determine when to water your plant. As the soil dries out, a pot begins to feel lighter. If a pot still feels really heavy, even if the surface of the soil appears slightly dry, it's probably not yet time to water.
Once you have repotted your plant, it's important to give it ample water. Newly transplanted plants are suffering from a bit of stress, and they need plenty of water right away. Watering your plant after repotting is a crucial step in the process.
Before you begin the repotting process, it's a good idea to prepare a potting mix. Multi-ingredient potting mixes can settle during transport, with the finer ingredients usually ending up at the bottom. To avoid this, pour out the amount of potting mix you'll need and give it a water or spray until it's lightly moist. Water helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring an even distribution throughout the pot.
After filling the bottom third of your new pot with fresh potting soil, place the plant in the pot, holding it gently so the base of the stem is about 1/4"-1/2" below the top of the pot. Add or remove soil from underneath the plant until it's at the right height. Now, add shovelfuls or handfuls of new potting soil around the plant, holding it in place. Make sure the soil fills all the empty spaces in the pot. When the pot is full, gently pat down the soil to firm the plant into place.
Finally, tap the bottom of the pot on a hard surface, such as a table or floor, to help settle the soil. This step is crucial in ensuring that your plant is securely settled into its new pot.
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Frequently asked questions
Removing plants from a plastic pot is much easier than harder pots like terra cotta or ceramic. Hold the pot in both hands and press in on the sides of the pot, 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. If the plant doesn't budge, you may have a rootbound plant that needs a little more massaging on the sides and bottom of the pot before it comes out.
It is important to disinfect old pots before reusing them as they can accumulate minerals or other debris that are detrimental to plant growth. To disinfect your pot, soak it in a solution containing one part bleach and nine parts water for at least ten minutes. Place it in a solution of water and dish detergent and then rinse.
Choose a pot that is 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter and 1 to 2 inches deeper than the plant's current pot. If you choose a pot that has larger dimensions, the roots will need to grow into the pot before the plant itself can begin to grow.
Fill the bottom third of your new pot with fresh potting soil, then place the plant in the pot, gently holding it up so the base of the stem is about 1/4"-1/2" below the top of the pot. Add or remove soil from underneath the plant to adjust until it's at the right height. Now add shovelfuls or handfuls of new potting soil around the plant while you hold it in place.
If your new planter doesn't have a drainage hole, layer the bottom with lava rocks, gravel, or similar materials before adding the potting mix. The goal is to create crevices for the extra water to pool into, away from your plant's roots.
