Before you start repotting your potted flowers, make sure you plan ahead. Check what rules should be followed to make sure that repotting works out well for your plants.
The best time to repot most potted plants is in spring. Newly purchased plants are an exception to this rule – they should be repotted immediately after purchase, regardless of the time of year. Plants are sold in pots filled with peat, without a drainage layer, and it is very easy for them to overflow. In addition, during repotting you have the opportunity to look at the roots of the plant and if there are any problems you can immediately take action.
Caution: It is better not to repot the plants when they are blooming or fruiting, because the plant may shed flowers/fruits.
It depends, but in most cases repotting every year is a mistake. We repot the plant when the substrate in which it grows is already sterile (devoid of nutrients) – this usually happens 2-3 years after the previous change of soil. An exception to this rule are young and fast-growing plants, which consume valuable elements from the substrate faster – in their case it may be necessary to repot every year.
It is worth knowing that the plant itself tells us when it wants to be repotted. It is enough to look at its root ball – if it is compact and crammed in a pot it means it needs to be repotted. The same is true if the roots of the plant grow through holes in the bottom of the pot or stick out over the edge of the pot.
It is better not to pull such plants out of the pot unless the condition of the root ball requires it. A better solution in their case is to remove the top layer of soil and lay down a new one.
When repotting flowers, be sure to untangle twisted roots and trim those that are too long. Be sure to remove dry roots and those that are rotting. Don’t worry – this procedure will stimulate the plant to produce new roots.
We strongly recommend repotting flowers into pots with holes in the bottom. This will allow excess water to drain away. It’s also advisable to choose a pot that is about 4 cm larger than the previous one (2 cm larger for smaller plants). If you are repotting a large plant it is advisable to provide it with a pot that is even 10 cm larger – this way you won’t have to repot the plant again next spring.
It’s best to plan the spring repotting of plants in advance so that you have time to buy the right soil and pots. In gardening stores and markets you will find all-purpose soil which is sufficient for less demanding plants. However, it is worth buying substrates intended for specific plants. The choice is really wide and we can easily find soil for e.g. acid-loving plants, cacti, succulents or orchids. The substrate for a given plant is prepared in such a way as to provide it with nutrients and appropriate permeability. Plants planted in such a medium grow better and are less likely to get sick.
Remember, growing flowers at home is supposed to be fun and reduce stress. Repot with pleasure!
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