Late winter is an excellent time to repot houseplants. At this time of the year, plants are growing less and it is a less stressful time for them to be moved to a new pot.
You'll know your houseplant needs to be repotted if:
Its roots are coming out of the bottom of the current pot's drainage hole
Its roots are filling up the pot
The soil is not draining out of the pot (healthy soil will easily move water through it and you'll have water puddle in a saucer right after you deeply water your houseplant, assuming there is a drainage hole in the pot)
The plant is too big or too small for the plant's size
The plant stops growing, even with fertilizing and the correct sunlight/ water conditions
All plants eventually need to be repotted or transplanted. If a plant becomes pot-bound with compacted roots, it will restrict the growth of the plant and could even bring on death.
Follow these simple steps to help ensure the health of your plant:
When selecting a new pot, bigger is not always better. The new pot needs to be slightly larger than the one the plant is in now. A plant transplanted into a much larger pot will suddenly receive too much water, which will cause root rot.
If using an old pot, clean it out by using a solution made from 20% bleach mixed with water. Then rinse with plain water. This step is important to avoid transferring pathogens and insects.
Drainage holes are very important, especially with ceramic and metal containers. These types of pots do not allow for air movement, so drainage is crucial. If the drainage hole is large, place a broken piece of pottery or gravel over it to prevent potting soil from draining out.
Don’t leave the plant’s roots exposed to the open air.
Potting soil, or rather, the type of potting soil, is the key to success for a healthy houseplant. Cheaper is not better. Invest in a good, balanced potting soil that is recommended for houseplants. Never use topsoil as it drains quickly and will keep your plants dry and thirsty.
Loosen or tease the roots to induce new root growth.
Press the plant down firmly in the soil to remove any gaps of air. Only place enough new soil on top of the plant’s root system to hold it firmly in place. If the plant is potted too deep, it will drown or suffocate.
Take extra care to avoid over-watering your plant until it has regained its vigor and hold back on fertilizer for 2-4 weeks after transplanting. A root stimulator (this is a product that is designed to enhance the growth and development of a plant’s roots) used at the time of transplanting will help to prevent transplant shock and stimulate root growth.