How to Repot a Plant? 5 Easy Simple Steps to Learn

How to Repot a Plant in 5 Simple Steps: Are you planning to repot your plant? But don’t have a clue where to start? If you own plants, you will often need to change the pot or the potting mix. And there can be multiple reasons behind it. However, if it’s your first time, you may not have a clear idea of how to repot a plant. Therefore, in this article, we’ll explain the process in 5 easy steps.

Repotting a plant isn’t as easy as it seems. Besides, if it’s not done carefully, you may end up killing your plant. That’s why you need to have a clear idea about the process. Succulents, Cactus, Snake-plant, money tree, aloe vera are some of the most popular house plants. But it doesn’t matter which plant you own. The method explained here applies to every kind of plant.

When Should You Repot Your Plant?

Before you decide to repot your plant, you should know if it’s the right time because it’s always not necessary to change the pot. And sometimes even it can hurt your plant if you try to repot without any reason. If you have noticed one or more of the following signs, you should consider repotting your plant:

• The roots of the tree are growing out through the drainage holes.
• The leaves are dying faster than usual.
• The plant seems too big for the pot.
• There are lots of bugs and insects in the soil.
• It’s been more than a year since your last repotting. Usually, you should repot in every 12-18 months.
• The soil is not absorbing enough water, and the pot is getting flooded whenever you try to water it.

Things You Need Repot Your Plant

Once you have decided to repot your plant, you need to ensure that you have the following things ready:

• A new pot (if necessary).
• Fresh potting soil.
• Scissor or Knife.
• Gloves (to avoid your hands being dirty).
• Absorbent material (To cover drainage holes).
• A Trowel to mix the soil well.
• Water.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Repot a Plant

 

Now that you have prepared everything get them in one place. To make it easy for you to repot, we’ve explained the procedure step by step. So, follow the steps carefully and repot plants without killing them. However, for the more straightforward cleaning process at the end, you can gather everything on an obsolete sheet or a newspaper. Then start the process.

Step 1: Pull Out the Plant from the Old Pot

First, you need to take out the plant from the old pot. However, don’t just try to pull it out. Or else you’ll hurt the plant. Therefore, turn the pot upside down and hold the plant with a hand. Then lightly hit the pot from a different side. And after that, try to pull out the plant. Again, please don’t force it. The plant should come out quickly. Also, you can use the knife for a bit of help.

Read more about How to Propagate Succulents?

Step 2: Trim Unnecessary Roots

Now, if there’s any root that seems outgrown, you should cut them. And it won’t hurt the life of the plant. However, ensure that you don’t cut the rootball.

Step 3: Cover the Drainage Holes with Absorbent Material

Though some pots don’t include drainage holes, you should choose the one which has them. Because if you pour extra water in the plant, they need to be drained. Otherwise, the root of the plant will rot. However, to block the soil from getting out through the holes, you need to cover them. Use some kind of absorbent thin cloth. Water will easily pass through while the soil will not.

Step 4: Create a Layer of Soil at the Bottom of the New Pot

After you have placed the cloth, create a layer of soil. This layer will give the place to root to grow. Nonetheless, the exact depth depends on the size of the pot. You should cover at least one-quarter of the pot with potting mix.

Step 5: Put the Plant in the Pot

Finally, it’s time to lay the plant in the pot. If the roots seem too mixed, uncombine them. Then put it into the pot. After that, get the soil into the pot, then firmly push it. Now water it, so the soil gets settled. And then place the pot in a nice location.

Final Words: How to report a plant?

Read thoroughly the instructions on how to repot a plant. And then you can repot your plant easily. Everything has been explained simply. So, you won’t need help from anywhere else. Also, it will help you to do the process without harming the plant.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s)

 

• Can you Kill a plant by Repotting?

Repotting a plant is a simple process. If you do it carefully, nothing will happen to the plant. However, repotting into an unsuitable potting mix may cause trouble.

• Should You Water Plants Before Repotting Them?

Of course, you should. Try to water the plant regularly, primarily the prior 2-3 days of the repotting. Doing this will help the plant to stay hydrated. Also, it will be easier for you to pull it out from the old pot.

Read more about How to pot Succulents? 

• Do Plants Need Bigger Pots?

It entirely depends on the circumstances. If the roots grow out of the drainage holes and the plant’s size seems larger than the plot, you should get a bigger pot.

• Should You Remove Old Soil When Repotting?

Plants consume nutrition from the soil. And the nutrition of soil in a pot is limited. So, if you’re replotting after a long time, then you should remove most of the old soil.