How To "Pot-On" House Plants
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How To "Pot-On" House Plants
Many of your house plants will start to struggle if they do not have the space to grow, and this is why "potting on" is so important. If your house plants are becoming pot bound, then free them from their constraints with this simple re-potting technique.
Step 1: When to 'pot-on'
Most house plants thrive if regularly potted on into larger pots, although the likes of Bromeliads, African Violets, and succulents prefer to have their roots left undisturbed.
Pot on if the roots are pot bound. This is signified by the roots running around the root ball, or coming out the bottom of the pot. Try to pot-on in spring as new growth begins.
Step 2: Pot Types
Clay pots are highly recommended as air passes laterally through them due to their porous nature, providing good aeration.
Wide shallow pots will provide the right depth and drainage for any alpine plants.
Plastic or glazed pots only serve to hold water and restrict air flow.
If re-using old pots, always wash, scrub, and rinse to remove any bacteria.
Ensure all your pots have drainage holes.
Step 3: Potting on
Choose a pot that is one or two inches larger than the current one, and half fill it with multi purpose compost. Place the old pot into the new one so that the rims are flush, then fill the edges with soil. This creates the perfect hole size.
Tease the roots by squeezing the root ball and gently fingering them outwards. Place in the hole, and add a little more soil, firming in with your fingers. The compost should sit about 1cm below the rim.
Don't forget to thoroughly water in.