A Pot for every Plant

How do you know when your houseplant needs repotting? Sometimes it’s obvious, as illustrated by this neglected holiday cactus. 

The soil is dry and crusty and the plant is stressed. Other signs you need to repot your houseplants? You find you have to water more frequently and when you do water, it runs right through the pot, into the saucer. When you turn the pot over, you discover roots growing out of the drain hole. Your plant looks stressed, all growth has stopped and leaves look droopy. All or any of these symptoms indicate that it’s time to repot. 

The first step toward successful repotting your houseplant is to choose the right size container. 

The new container should be no more than two inches wider at the rim. Why not go larger than one pot size? Too big a container will hold too much water, causing root rot and foliage damage. Once you’ve determined the right size, you need to decide between terra cotta or ceramic containers. Both will work well. 

Terra cotta pots breathe more naturally than glazed ceramic and they tend to beautify with age. 

Ceramic pots on the other hand offer more variety in terms of shape, color and design. Whether you choose terra cotta or ceramic, make sure the pot has a drain hole. No matter how carefully you water, if your pot doesn’t drain, excess water will build up over time, damaging your plants. 

Begin the repotting process by turning the pot on its side and gently removing the plant. 

Next, use your fingers to loosen the root ball. Place a small amount of potting soil in the new pot. With well-draining potting soils, it’s not necessary to add gravel to the bottom of the pot. 

Place the plant in the pot and add potting soil in layers. 

Use your fingers to push the soil in place. This will assure an even distribution of potting soil inside the pot. Water the newly potted plant thoroughly, until water runs out the bottom. Along with consistent watering and regular fertilization, the right size container will help keep your houseplants healthy and beautiful throughout the season.