Repot That Plant!

Our houseplants provide us with many health benefits while they enhance and beautify our environments. Repotting them provides fresh nutrients and encourages their growth.

When a plant becomes root bound, it becomes unhealthy. Unless it is repotted, it will eventually wither away. Keeping your houseplants healthy will let you enjoy them for years to come.

When To Repot Your Houseplants

The easiest way to tell if it's time to repot your houseplants is to take a look at the bottom of the plant pot. If the roots are sprouting through the drain holes, it's time to repot that plant!

How to Repot Your Houseplants

Plant containers come in a great variety of colors and sizes. The important thing is to choose a container that will accommodate your plant. The new pot should be larger than the container your houseplant currently resides in. Once you've decided on a new container, it's time to repot:

Remove the plant from its pot by turning it upside down and tapping the bottom of the container. Most plants will dislodge easily, but if this proves difficult, run a butter knife along the inside of the pot and try again.

When the plant has been removed from the old container, gently tap the loose soil from the root ball. When the excess soil is removed, loosen the roots with your fingers.

Place a layer of small pebbles at the bottom of the new pot and begin adding new soil. When you've added enough, hold your plant in the center of the new pot and continue adding soil until the container is full. Water your newly potted plant. If holes appear, simply add a bit more soil.

Remember that repotting your houseplants is a necessary and beneficial task. But it is also a traumatic event for your plant. Give your newly potted plant time to recover and keep it away from direct sunlight and cool breezes. After a day or two, your plant will have recovered and you can display it in it's lovely new container.