Repotting Houseplants

As your houseplant grows larger and the roots either begin to grow through the drainage holes or become pot-bound, repotting the plant into a larger container may become necessary. After deciding to repot, following a few steps is all that's needed to complete this task successfully. First, though, have fun looking for and choosing a container that will really complement both your houseplant and home décor.

Choosing a Container

A wide variety of containers are available, but the container you eventually select should be based on your preference. There are, however, a few considerations to think about when choosing a container.

The new container should be slightly larger than the current one, as a container that is too large may look out of balance with the overall plant. Containers should not detract from the plant; rather, the size, color, and material chosen should complement the size of the plant, its leaf texture, leaf and flower color, as well as the décor where it will be placed. Before repotting, test prospective containers by placing potted plants inside them. Then place the plant in the location where you'll display it permanently, step back, and look at the entire combination. Ask yourself whether the color and texture of the container complements or detracts from the plant. Is the size of the container appropriate, or is it too small or too big for the plant? If you are not pleased with the look, try another option and give the new combination another critical look.

When choosing a container, there are many options to choose from, including plastic, terra-cotta/clay (available in glazed or unglazed), glazed ceramic, concrete, fiberglass, metal, resin, wood, and even stone. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Terracotta and ceramic break more easily. Wood rots. Plastic and fiberglass are durable. They are also lightweight, a distinct advantage when you must move the pot containing the plant, potting mix, and water. Plastic tends to be less expensive and can be painted. Stone and concrete pots, conversely, are heavier but less likely to tip over when a plant becomes top-heavy, and the potting mix dries out. Stone and concrete are also very durable. Both their durability and weight are beneficial aspects when used outdoors.

Terracotta is heavier than plastic yet not as heavy as stone. Yet, terracotta is natural, as are stone and wood. Another advantage (or disadvantage) of using unglazed clay pots is that they are porous. The clay tends to pull water and soluble salts from the potting mix, reducing waterlogging and salt buildup. For this same reason, plants in clay containers will need to be watered more often than plants in plastic containers. Terracotta is ideal for succulents. Plastic is ideal for plants that like to remain moist.

The decorative aspects of containers are numerous. Containers can be found in different shapes, colors, and designs. There is a container that will fit the décor of your room. In the end, the container you choose is primarily based on your preference.

Another option is to place potted houseplants in a potholder, also called an overpot or cachepot. These usually have no drainage holes. Potholders can be made of metal, wood, wicker, or other decorative materials. They are generally not suitable in which to directly plant a houseplant. Instead, a potted houseplant can be slipped inside the cachepot to achieve the desired look.

A container with drainage holes is necessary for excess water to drain, preventing the potting mix from becoming waterlogged, which may lead to potential disease problems. Drill holes in the bottom of a container, if necessary. Use a drip tray under the container to collect excess water and prevent furniture or surfaces that are not waterproof from becoming damaged. If it is not possible to drill a hole through a decorative container, first repot the plant into a container with a drainage hole and then use the decorative container as a potholder. Make sure that there is space between the drainage hole and the bottom of the decorative container to allow water to drain freely from the potting mix. Add a plastic saucer tray if necessary. Remove excess water from the cachepot after watering the plant.

Deciding if the Plant is Pot-bound

The best time to repot a plant is in the spring when it naturally and actively begins its seasonal growth. The roots will grow into the new potting mix, and the plant will produce new foliage. There are several signs that houseplants can exhibit when they are pot-bound. First, check the frequency with which you are watering the houseplant.

• Do you notice that the potting mix dries out very quickly, even during periods of cooler temperatures?
• Do you notice any roots growing through the drainage holes?
• Does it appear that the foliage and stems have either stopped growing or growth has slowed even when fertilized regularly in spring and summer?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, remove the plant from the container and examine the roots. If the roots are circling around the root ball or are so dense that it is difficult to see any potting mix in the bottom third of the root ball, it's time to repot.

Even after you discover that your houseplant is pot-bound, you have a few questions to answer. First, do you want the plant to continue to grow larger? Are you satisfied with its current size? If you don't want a larger plant, it will be necessary to remove the outer section of the plant roots, return the root ball to the container with some new potting mix, and cut back some of the plant's top growth. The size of the container and root ball restricts the size of the plant, as reflected most clearly with bonsai. If the goal is to let the plant grow larger, prepare to repot it into a slightly larger container.

Choosing the Right Potting Mix

Using garden soil in indoor containers for houseplants could lead to disease and pest problems. Instead, choose a good-quality soilless potting mix created specifically for potted plants. These mixes may include varying proportions of perlite, vermiculite, peat moss, coir, and added fertilizers and minerals. Pay attention to the ingredients. For example, not all plants may need fertilizer. Specialty potting mixes with differing proportions of ingredients are available commercially for African violets, orchids, bonsai, cacti and succulents, and acid-loving plants such as citrus and hydrangeas. To create your own potting mix, refer to Homemade Potting Media.

Always moisten the potting mix prior to repotting houseplants to ensure that the potting mix will absorb water evenly.

Repotting the Plant

After you choose an appropriate container and potting mix, you can begin the repotting process. Water the plant in its original container and let it rest for one hour before proceeding. If the container was used previously, it needs to be cleaned. Wash it thoroughly and sanitize it with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. A new porous container, such as unglazed clay, will require soaking in water overnight. This will prevent the container from soaking up the moisture from the potting mix when the plant is first repotted. Place a small square of screen over the hole at the bottom of the pot. This will allow excess water to drain through the hole but prevent the potting mix from doing so. Next, remove the plant and gently "tease" the roots so that they are no longer densely matted or circling the rootball. Place some potting mix in the container so that when the rootball is placed on top of this soil, the top of the rootball is slightly below the lip of the new pot by about an inch.

Then add more potting mix around the rootball and gently firm the top layer so that the potting mix fills the container. It should not be so compacted that it restricts water and air movement into and through the pot. When filling the container, make sure to leave an inch of space between the potting mix and the top of the container so that there is room for water as well as additional plant growth. Next, thoroughly water the plant with its new potting mix in its new container. Let it drain well. Then place it in its intended location and enjoy.