In their natural habitat, most plants grow directly into the soil, giving their roots unlimited space to grow freely. This allows them to maximize their energy to feed their stems and leaves. In a pot, however, the restricted space forces the roots to coil, forming a dense mound of soil and roots.
To ensure optimal growth and good health, it is recommended to repot your plants every two years, preferably in spring, when they come out of their winter dormancy period.
How to repot correctly
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Choosing a new suitable pot
- Opt for a slightly larger pot, ideally with double the volume.
- Add a layer of new potting soil to the bottom, place the plant, then fill the space between the root ball and the sides of the pot with fresh potting soil.
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Stabilize the plant
- Lightly tamp down the soil to anchor the plant well. Many people hesitate to press down for fear of damaging the roots, but this step is essential to ensure its stability.
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Leave a watering collar
- Avoid filling the pot to the brim. Leave a space of about 3 cm between the surface of the potting soil and the rim of the pot to facilitate watering.
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Use suitable potting soil
- Choose a potting soil specially designed for indoor plants, available in specialist shops. Do not use black soil or unsuitable mixtures.
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Water before repotting
- Water your plant at least an hour before repotting to avoid shock and make the roots easier to handle.
Top dressing: an alternative for mature plants
For established plants, you can avoid repotting them entirely by simply replacing the top few inches of potting soil with fresh potting soil. This technique, called top dressing, can also be done every two years.
Knowing when to repot
Here are some signs that it's time to repot your plant:
- Roots emerge through drainage holes or are flush with the surface.
- The plant appears unbalanced or too large for its pot.
- The pot is overrun with shoots that need their own space.
- When you remove the plant from the pot, you will notice that the roots are dominating the soil, forming a spiral (spiralization).
In the latter case, lightly prune the roots by making vertical incisions to encourage their development in the new soil.
Pay attention to the particularities of plants
Some plants, such as philodendrons, pothos or orchids, have aerial roots. These roots visible above ground do not require repotting, as they are part of their natural functioning.
Repotting is about preserving the health of your plants
Proper repotting ensures a healthy environment for your plants and allows them to draw the nutrients they need to thrive. Pay attention to their needs and give them the right care so that they continue to enhance your interior.
