Repotting indoor plants is an important part of maintaining healthy and happy houseplants. This article will provide you with the essential potting tips that you need to get the job done correctly.
The first step is to choose the right container and fill it with the right soil. Make sure that the roots have room to grow and the soil has good drainage.
Choose the Right Container
The wrong pot can make a plant struggle to grow or become root-bound, which can lead to withering and rot. If you’re a renter or a gardener on the go, it’s important to choose lightweight containers that are easy to move.
Almost anything can be used as a container, from old wheelbarrows to wooden wine boxes. Just be sure the container doesn’t contain any toxins or peeling paint and has adequate drainage holes at the base for water to drain out.
When filling a container with soil, make sure you’re using the correct amount of potting mix for the size of your pot. Too much potting soil can smother the roots and prevent them from getting the nutrients they need.
Also, be sure the potting soil you use has proper drainage. This means the water will not collect at the bottom of the container, causing your plants to dry out faster than they should. It can also cause rotten roots or a funky wet-soil smell.
Fill It With the Right Soil
Potting soil needs to be able to support plants, elevate them to the correct height and drain well. It should also be able to contain enough water and nutrients to keep plants healthy.
Adding mineral aggregates such as perlite, vermiculite and sand to potting soil can help it drain better. They create large pores in the soil, allowing excess water to be carried away from roots and away from the soil base.
A potting mix that doesn’t drain well can cause root rot and bacteria growth. It can also contain weed seeds and fungus spores that can be harmful to your plants.
Soil-based potting mixes are heavier than soilless ones, so they tend to retain moisture longer. This may be a benefit in windy areas.
One way to prolong the need to water your container plant is to place a piece of absorbent wicking string or rope at the bottom of the planting hole. The wick should provide water as the soil dries.
Water It Well
Potting plants are a great way to keep flowers and herbs blooming all year round. The key is to water the container well and keep it healthy.
Potted plants need to have a consistent amount of moisture and soil that is able to drain freely. Without proper drainage, water can build up and make it difficult for air to reach the roots, causing them to rot.
Modern potting mixes are designed to have good drainage. Some also contain moisture-retaining gels or chemicals which can help reduce watering needs over the growing season.
When you water your container plant, use a gentle hose and water until the water runs out the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Then wait at least 30 minutes and water again, until the plant’s soil is drenched again.
Keep It Healthy
The first step to keeping your potted plants healthy is making sure the soil and container are clean and hygienic. This includes removing diseased, dead or rotting leaves, weed seeds and unwanted pests from the soil before re-potting.
Then, check the pH levels of the potting mix to ensure it is not too acidic or too alkaline (acidity can cause fungal diseases). Add some slow release pelletized or powdered organic fertiliser with rock minerals (soft rock phosphate or mineral fertiliser) to replenish nutrients for healthy growth.
If the potting mix is too hard, you can mix equal parts of new potting soil and compost, or add a mix of coco coir or peat moss to soften it up. Alternatively, you can add a time-release fertilizer and moisture-retaining polymer crystals to make it water-retentive, which can reduce the amount of re-potting needed in the long term.