How To Repot a Plant

Select a potting container

Terracotta pots are always a happy home for plants because they absorb moisture and breathe with the plant.  However, if the pot you choose is metal, plastic or ceramic glazed, ensure it has a hole at the bottom for proper drainage.

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If your pot does not have a hole, you can easily drill one to allow water to drain properly and prevent roots from rotting or fungus and disease from developing.  Use a drill bit that is appropriate for the material of your pot.  Masonry bit for ceramic or terracotta. Metal bit for metal. Glass bit for glass. Acrylic or wood bit for plastic or resin. If you have to drill a hole in your pot:

• Find and mark the center point of your pot’s bottom. Place a couple of pieces of painter’s tape where you intend to drill to prevent chipping or cracking, especially in glass or ceramic.
• Drill through the bottom or turn it upside down and drill downward.  Either way, ensure you have a sacrificial piece of wood supporting where you will drill through to prevent the drill from blowing out the material and creating any further damage to the pot.
• When drilling through glass, ceramics, terracotta, or plaster, add water to cool the bit and prevent the powder of the material from becoming airborne. If you are drilling through metal, a couple of drops of oil will do the same to lubricate the bit and material.

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Start with landscape fabric

Place a small piece of landscape fabric over the drainage hole to prevent pebbles and dirt from coming out the bottom when you water.

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Place drainage layer at the bottom

Place one to two inches of small pebbles over the landscape fabric. This will help drain the water away from the roots and prevent them from being saturated or sitting in water.

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Fill with potting soil

Fill the pot about 3/4-full with potting soil, allowing room to place your plant.

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Remove plant from old pot

Gently remove the plant from its old pot. Aerate the roots by shaking the compacted dirt around them to free them up and allow them to easily grow into their new dirt. Feel free to cut back some of the roots along the outer part of the root ball. Try not to get too close to the center. Believe it or not, cutting away some of the roots will promote growth. This will also make fitting the plant in its new pot easier.

Plant in pot

In your new pot of soil, create a center depression in the dirt to make room for the plant and its roots.  You want the root ball to be about one inch below the surface of the soil line. Compress the potting soil around the roots, being careful not to crush them.

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Water after repotting

For the first watering, water the plant generously to ensure all the dirt is saturated.  A good watering will release air pockets, settle the dirt and give your roots a running start to flourish in their new home.

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Tips for repotting a plant

• Keep the newly repotted plant out of direct sunlight for the first few days. Even if the plant likes sun exposure, it needs a few days to adjust to its new home and will do better in filtered or indirect light.
• Sprinkle cinnamon liberally on the top layer of the soil to prevent fungus and plant diseases and repel insects. Cinnamon is a chemical-free way to help your plants be happy.
• After a few waterings, you may want to add more dirt. As plants are watered, air is released from the layers of dirt, compacting it and lowering the dirt level. Add enough dirt to cover the root ball fully, with about one inch to the top of the soil line.

FAQs

How often should I water my plants?

When it comes to watering your plants, every plant is different.  Your plant’s pot and the amount of light it receives will also influence how water dissipates and how much water it needs to thrive.  Watering frequency will also vary according to the season.  When planting or transplanting, be sure to water generously to allow the roots time to settle in. Generally speaking, plants must be watered every five to seven days.  Pay close attention to the recommended watering schedule for the plant. Plants give you signals if they aren’t happy— dropping leaves, brown or black spots, and dried-out leaves are all signs your plant wants attention.

How do I know when my plant needs a new pot?

Plants are constantly growing. With plant growth comes bigger roots going deeper and filling a pot.  When the root ball starts to pop up from the top of the dirt line, it might be time to give your plant more room.  Another way to check if your plant wants a bigger pot is to check just below the dirt line and along the outer edge of the pot.  If you feel the roots have filled out the pot it is time to change the pot. Roots can also start growing from the pot’s bottom through the drain holes.  If your plant is top-heavy, leaning over and overpowering the pot, this also means it is time to repot the plant.

Do grow lights work?

Yes, grow lights do work well for indoor plants. There are many options for grow lights. Some grow lamps have a timer, allowing you to choose how many hours of light exposure your plants receive. Other grow lights also allow you to choose red lights, blue lights or both, which support growth and flowering. There is nothing better than seeing plants flower under a grow light when, outside your window, there are inches of snow.