When
youfeel that your apartment is too small, that it does not offer what you require or that its location is simply no longer convenient for you, you know that the time has come to think about a move. The same goes for plants. The pot is like the home of your plant, it contains the substrate from which it obtains water and minerals to synthesize its nutrients and protects the roots; But there are times when this home is no longer enough, so it becomes essential to replant. We will teach you how to recognize what are the signs that indicate that it is the ideal time to do it and what is the procedure to do it.
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When to transplant?
Just as moving is difficult and complicated, transplants are traumatic for the plant. It is not a natural process and requires energy to adapt to its new habitat, so it should be done only when necessary and respecting the times of each plant species. You should consider a transplant when:
- The plant has stopped growing and developing.
- The roots peek through the drainage holes in the pot or above the substrate. This means that the pot is already excessively small and it is urgent to move it so that it does not die.
- You've just bought it and the pot looks too small, to the point where it leans because of the weight of the plant.
- It's in an unsuitable substrate.
- The pot has broken or deteriorated.
Tips for Before Repotting
- The type of substrate should be suitable for the specific needs of the plant.
- The plant should not be in full bloom or producing fruit, as replanting could stop flowering.
- The perfect time to replant is at the end of winter, just before the plant wakes up again for spring.
- If you've just bought the plant and it's coming home, you should expect at least a week that it has gotten used to its new environment, light and humidity conditions.
- Choose the right pot. There are plastic and clay or porcelain versions, which offer certain aesthetic and functional advantages over plastic. The most important thing is to choose the size. If it's too small, you'll need to change it after a short time, but if it's too big, it runs the risk of getting waterlogged by too much water.
The size will depend on the type of plant. If you're repotting a plant that grows a lot, such as palms, bamboo, Adam's rib, and more, look for one that's about 5cm wider and longer than the one it had. Cacti and succulents need pots that are wider than they are tall.
How to repot
Choose a shady or covered spot where direct sun won't reach the roots during the process. Gather everything you'll need: substrate, the new pot, the plant, scissors, watering can, and old journals to protect the surface. If your plant has thorns, such as cacti, you should wear protective gloves. Prepare the new pot. It is recommended that you put a layer of gravel before the substrate, as this improves drainage and avoids problems with waterlogging.
Now you need to remove the plant from its old pot. If the roots are poking out of the drainage holes, then you should break the pot with scissors to avoid damaging the roots. You need to be gentle, to prevent the root ball (the soil that covers the roots and is shaped like the pot) from crumbling. This will protect the roots. Start by watering the plant very well, to compact the soil.
Tap the pot on the sides to remove the root ball from the walls. If it's small, grab the plant by placing the palm of your hand covering the mouth of the pot and flip it over, so that the root ball falls completely into your hands. If the plant is very large, you can carefully grab the base of the main trunk or stem of the plant and pull it slightly upwards. It should come out with ease.
Place the root ball inside the new pot to measure if it is at the correct height and how much substrate you should add on the gravel bottom so that it is in the center and at a good height. Once you're ready, add more substrate around the root ball, squeezing gently to give the plant stability and firmness. If you want, you can put pebbles or gravel on the surface.
Once repotted, water your plant very well and place it in a semi-shady place, until you see that it begins to grow. You will be able to re-fertilize it after a month of transplanting it. Remember that every move can be difficult, but a well-made change will always be for the better and your plant will thank you for it.