Repot Your Well-Loved Plants Like A Pro With These Helpful Tips
By REBECCA WOLKEN
Check Roots
If your plant has grown and you think it needs a bigger pot, gently pull it out and check its roots. If they’re circling the sides of the pot, it’s time to repot.
Alternatively, if your plant is still in its nursery pot or a pot with a drainage hole, check to see if any roots are sticking out. If they are, the plant needs a bigger pot.
Plants make new leaves when they’re healthy. When the growth stops or slows down, it means there’s insufficient soil or the soil is nutrient-deficient and it’s time to repot.
Plants behave differently, so take notice of your plant’s needs. For example, sudden leaf drops, limp leaves, and no new growth for a whole season probably mean it needs repotting.
Your plant must have the type of soil it needs. Generic store-bought houseplant mixes may need to be supplemented with perlite or lava rock to ensure the roots get oxygen.
Also, add fertilizer so your plant gets plenty of nutrients. When repotting, gently loosen up the roots without breaking them, and remove as much old soil as possible.
The new pot must be the right size for your plant and you should only use pots with drainage holes if you use a moisture meter and test the soil before you water it.
The type of material the pot is made of will not affect the plant, so you can choose terracotta, ceramic, concrete, or plastic, depending on your aesthetic needs.