How to Repot a Rootbound Plant - Easy Instructions
Re-potting a rootbound plant is a fairly simple process, yet it is a very necessary part of ensuring the health and robustness of your potted house plants.
Simple as the process is, though, there are a few intricacies to it.
In this article I will tell you how to re-pot a houseplant and share some tips and tricks that will bring out the best result.
The right pot First you need to select the larger pot that you will upgrade your plant to.
The diameter of this new pot should be at least one but not more than three inches wider than your plant's current pot.
Having a pot that is bigger than this can be risky, since the extra soil around the roots can retain excess water, causing rotting.
If the pot is not much bigger than the original one, you will obviously have to re-pot again before too long.
Removing the plant Next you want to get the plant out of its current pot.
Chances are it will come out easily since there is little soil to restrict it.
You will probably find a solid clump of roots molded into the shape of the pot and almost no loose soil will be visible.
Since the roots have woven themselves into a tangled mass, you need to use your hands to loosen up the really tight parts.
Don't overdo this, but make sure that there is no longer a tight pot-shaped clump when you are done.
Also, if there are lots of roots you may want to trim them back ab bit to promote new growth.
Re-potting Now you need to fill your new pot partially with soil, potting mix, or a mixture of the two.
Generally this reflects about a third to a half of the pot full, but you should average it by bearing in mind that the top of the plants roots should be about two inches from the top of the pot.
Make a small hallow in the middle for the roots to rest.
Now place the plant in and hold it in the middle while you fill the pot the rest of the way.
Stop when the soil reaches just about half an inch above the top of the roots.
Using both of your hands, firmly press the soil around the base of the plant to ensure that it is secure.
Finishing touches Now all you need to do is water the re-potted plant thoroughly and remove any unhealthy leaves and you're done.
Congratulations, you have just successfully re-potted a struggling rootbound plant.
In a few weeks with some tender loving care, your plant will be revived and lush looking again.
I hope these instructions have helped you solve this common plant problem.
Simple as the process is, though, there are a few intricacies to it.
In this article I will tell you how to re-pot a houseplant and share some tips and tricks that will bring out the best result.
The right pot First you need to select the larger pot that you will upgrade your plant to.
The diameter of this new pot should be at least one but not more than three inches wider than your plant's current pot.
Having a pot that is bigger than this can be risky, since the extra soil around the roots can retain excess water, causing rotting.
If the pot is not much bigger than the original one, you will obviously have to re-pot again before too long.
Removing the plant Next you want to get the plant out of its current pot.
Chances are it will come out easily since there is little soil to restrict it.
You will probably find a solid clump of roots molded into the shape of the pot and almost no loose soil will be visible.
Since the roots have woven themselves into a tangled mass, you need to use your hands to loosen up the really tight parts.
Don't overdo this, but make sure that there is no longer a tight pot-shaped clump when you are done.
Also, if there are lots of roots you may want to trim them back ab bit to promote new growth.
Re-potting Now you need to fill your new pot partially with soil, potting mix, or a mixture of the two.
Generally this reflects about a third to a half of the pot full, but you should average it by bearing in mind that the top of the plants roots should be about two inches from the top of the pot.
Make a small hallow in the middle for the roots to rest.
Now place the plant in and hold it in the middle while you fill the pot the rest of the way.
Stop when the soil reaches just about half an inch above the top of the roots.
Using both of your hands, firmly press the soil around the base of the plant to ensure that it is secure.
Finishing touches Now all you need to do is water the re-potted plant thoroughly and remove any unhealthy leaves and you're done.
Congratulations, you have just successfully re-potted a struggling rootbound plant.
In a few weeks with some tender loving care, your plant will be revived and lush looking again.
I hope these instructions have helped you solve this common plant problem.
Source...