Most houseplants will need to be transplanted into a new pot at some point in time. It can take a few weeks, months, or even a couple of years to outgrow their current pot. How do you know when it’s time to transplant into a new container? If it’s starting to lean, if the roots are starting to pop up out of the soil or if the width of the plant is twice the size of the container…it’s time for a new pot.
The plant shown in my top photograph needs to be transplanted. As you can see…it’s now too tall and too wide for that ceramic pot, plus it’s leaning. All signs that it needs to be relocated into a new container.
Tips on Transplanting Indoor Houseplants into a New Pot
1. Water the plant a few hours before you want to move it. This will soften up the dirt and roots.
2. Gently wiggle the plant from side to side to losen it up. Turn the pot on the side and gently remove it. Try to grab ahold of the roots without damaging them. Tap off excess dirt back into the original pot.
3. The new container should contain soil from the previous pot along with new soil that’s made specifically for houseplants. This will give you the best growing results. I like to do half and half.
4. Place the plant into the center of the new container making sure you have the roots planted deep enough. They should be completely covered in soil. Press the soil down to make sure you have it firmly packed.
5. At this time is when I like to add a houseplant food stick. It helps to prevent shock and gives you healthier plants in the long run. Place it down into the soil.
6. Water the plant but don’t over-saturate it. Check on it in a few days to see how it’s doing.
These days you can use all kinds of things around the house as a new houseplant or gardening container. Check out our previous post on some real beauties!
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These are great tips on transplanting an indoor house plant to a new pot. I am definitely going to use this post when I next replant my plant.
I have several plants that are getting pot bound and need bigger pots. Helpful tips to water a few hours prior. That is something I have never tried, and it makes sense that it would make it easier.
plus it’s leaning — this is the first time I have ever read this. When my plant starts to lean to much I usually add some kinda plant brace.
I now iknow I need to go buy some bigger pots thanks for the info
That is great advise. Thank you for reminding me of the steps.