Determine Need To Repot
A sure method to check if a plant needs to be repotted is to turn it out of its current pot and examine the roots. If fresh root tips are showing over the surface of the root ball, if root ball has advanced to being a dense mat of roots, or if a thick spiral root has formed a base, then it is time to repot.
When To Repot
The ideal time to repot a plant is at the beginning of its growing season. A plant needs to be repotted during active growing so that roots can quickly find their way into the fresh potting mixture thus keeping the soil from becoming waterlogged and unhealthy.
How To Repot
- Plant should be moist — not wet or dry.
- Choose a container that is only 1 to 3 sizes larger than current pot. An excessive amount of new potting mixture can easily become waterlogged and unhealthy. In most cases, there should be 1″ of new soil between the wall of the container and the root ball.
- To begin potting, place drainage material in the bottom of a new pot. It is not necessary to use gravel, as this adds weight to the container. Use a piece of clay pottery, fine netting, or screen to keep soil from washing out of the pot.
- Set finished soil level. Place soil level ½” to 1″ below pot rim to allow for watering. To set plant at desired level, form a base of soil for root ball. To produce base, pour and firmly pack soil.
*NOTE: Make sure that the surface level of the root ball remains as it was. Place additional soil on top only to cover exposed roots. - Before placing plant in new pot, score side of root ball and gently mash root ball to loosen the roots.
- Place plant with gently loosened root ball firmly on soil base. Pack soil mixture gently (with fingers to remove air pockets between root ball and container wall, being careful not to apply pressure to the root ball.
- We recommend using our SUPERthrive™ vitamin-hormone supplement as a safeguard against transplant shock. It’s a great equalizer for over or under watering. Use along with your favorite fertilizer. Add 1 drop/gallon of water.
