How to Repot Your Houseplants to Keep Them Happy

Indoor plants should be replanted every few years and spring is the time to do so. When you think of plants that cover the lush forest floor, it is easy to imagine their roots sliding through the ground, beginning their heroic search for water and nutrients.

When we take these plants and put them in pots, their roots often don't know exactly how to meet the new limits. They keep growing and growing, twisting into a tangle until the plant takes root.

At that point, growth is inhibited and the plant begins to suffer.

The solution, of course, is to give them a new home. Some plants are well acceptable for tight spots (such as chives, peace lilies, and ficus), but for most of them, they need to be replanted every few years, and according to Washington Post gardening columnist Adrian Higgens, the time is right suitable.

Doing this is spring, because that's when the plants want to grow.

You can tell if a plant is attached to the root when its root begins to seep through the drainage holes; or when you remove the plant and the roots appear to be clumped and compacted. Another sign is when the plant does not grow despite favorable conditions.

The actual work of replanting a plant is fairly simple, but since it requires some tender manipulation of the roots, it may seem a bit overwhelming to the uninitiated, but here's the gist:

How to renew an indoor plant

As for supplies, you will need a pot 1 to 2 inches larger than the original, potting soil, scissors, or a knife.

1.Water the plant well the day before; This will decrease stress on the plant and make the perch more flexible.

2. Remove the plant from the pot. Higgens says that if it's really rooted, you may need to break the pot. I never had to do this and would hate to spoil a good pot.

3. After releasing the plant, it is necessary to release the compressed roots. I only used my fingers to gently pull and untangle, but Higgens says you might need tools. The idea is that the roots deviate from their vase-shaped tangle. If necessary, you can prune up to 25% of them. Higgens writes:

4. Add some potting soil to the bottom of the larger pot, enough so that when you place the plant on top, the top is level with the old pot. Holding the plant straight with one hand, remove the new soil with the other.

5. To eliminate air pockets, tap the pot along the way, press down on the top or water to help the soil settle, and cover with more soil if necessary.

6. Water and allow the plant to recover from direct sunlight for a few days. Water again when the top looks dry and resume your regular watering schedule. Don't add fertilizer until new growth appears, which can take a few weeks

Enjoy This Video Tutorial About How to Repot Your Houseplants to Keep Them Happy

Source:Harli G

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