Do you need to repot a houseplant? And when? You repot a houseplant immediately after purchase and if the plant needs a larger pot. The best time to repot is in the spring. The plant then has enough energy to repair the roots that were damaged during repotting. The new pot should be bigger than the old one so that the plant has room to grow. The remaining space can be filled with good potting soil. New potting soil contains enough nutrients for the first six weeks.
Why do you need to repot a houseplant?
A houseplant needs to be repotted from time to time to encourage growth. This gives the roots more space and allows them to develop better. Fill up the remaining space with new, good potting soil. Good potting soil contains nutrients that a plant needs to grow. The plant uses the roots to extract nutrients from the soil. This makes it stronger and has a better resistance to diseases and pests. The plant will also look better.
From cultivation pot to decorative pot
Growers sell houseplants in a nursery pot. This pot is actually too small for the root ball, but it makes a difference in transport costs. After purchase, the cultivation pot can be removed and you can put the plant in a larger decorative pot. To do this, take a pot that is one to two centimeters larger. The plant then has enough space to grow and fresh potting soil can be added (new nutrients).
Repot older houseplants
Young and fast-growing plants need a new pot every year. Older houseplants can be repotted every year or every two years, depending on the growth rate. Slow growing plants and large plants can take a little longer with the same pot. These plants need a larger pot once every two to three years. For plants that have been sick it is also better to refresh the potting soil.
How can you tell that the plant needs a larger pot?
The plant needs a larger pot when the growth stagnates and the leaves turn ugly. It can therefore be seen in the root ball. The roots emerge above the pot, or they grow through the drainage holes. If the roots have too little space they can suffocate. Not enough air is added.
When is the best time to repot?
Early spring is the best time to repot a houseplant. The temperature rises and it gets lighter for longer. This gives the plant new energy and the formation of new roots is faster. You repot flowering plants after the flowering period. Repotting can shorten the flowering period. Plants that you purchase in the winter period can be repotted immediately. Do this as gently as possible without damaging the roots.
Decorative pots with drainage holes
The excess water can drain from decorative pots with drainage holes. The roots of the plant are less likely to rot because they do not remain in the water. With a saucer or container under the pot you collect the water that has run off. Before you put the plant in the pot, put potsherds on the drainage holes. This will prevent the holes from getting clogged.
Decorative pots without drainage holes
Pots without drainage holes have a higher ornamental value. They also fit better in a modern interior. Because the water cannot run away, the watering must be properly adjusted to the needs of the plant. But you can also put the plant in a larger pot. Fill the remaining space with potting compost. This absorbs the remaining water, so that the roots do not remain in the water.
Decorative pots with a water meter
With decorative pots without drainage holes, but with a water meter you can place a layer of filler castrat on the bottom of the pot. This material absorbs water and slowly releases it back to the roots. Due to the coarse structure, the soil does not silt up, it remains airy. The roots receive enough oxygen. Place the water meter in the pot before adding any other material. The water meter must be flush with the edge of the ornamental pot.
Repotting a houseplant
It is useful to have everything you need ready before you start. Then you can repot the plant.
- Take a decorative pot that is one size larger than the previous one.
- Thoroughly wet the root ball of the plant. You can then better remove the root ball from the pot.
- Carefully remove as much old soil from the root ball as possible.
- Place a layer of potting compost in the decorative pot.
- Place the root ball in the center of the pot. The root ball should remain one to two inches below the rim of the pot.
- Fill in the remaining space with potting soil. The potting soil should stay slightly below the edge to prevent the water from running over the edge.
- Press the potting soil slightly all around.
- Immediately give a generous amount of water.
What is good potting soil?
Do not cut back on good potting soil. Good potting soil is airy, permeable, resilient and does not clog. Potting soil acquires these properties when the raw materials used are in balance. Potting soil consists mainly of garden peat or peat litter to which fertilizers, clay, lava stones, water crystals, cocoa shells or lime are added. If you want to be sure that the potting soil is of good quality, choose soil with the RHP Consumer quality mark. The quality of the raw materials is then first checked. That is why this potting soil does not contain weeds and diseases. It is also produced sustainably.
The nutrients in potting soil
Good potting soil contains all the nutrients a plant needs. Most plants grow well in universal potting soil, which is available at all garden centers. Good potting soil contains enough nutrients for the first six weeks. After that, extra plant food or fresh potting soil is needed. Plants such as orchids and cacti need special potting soil.
Hydro granules improve drainage and have ornamental value
Hydro grains are baked from clay. They are porous and therefore absorb a lot of moisture. A layer of hydro granules on the bottom of a pot ensures better drainage. The granules also have an ornamental value when they are placed on top of the potting soil. Moreover, the soil underneath dries out less quickly.