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Revitalise Your Houseplants - Hamilton's Guide to Successful Repotting

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Bringing the garden into your home with houseplants can transform any living space into a lush, green oasis. But, like all living things, these plants require a little TLC to thrive. One essential aspect of houseplant care is repotting. 

Over time, especially during spring, your leafy friends may outgrow their containers as their roots become confined, ultimately leading to stunted growth. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to successfully repot your houseplants, ensuring they continue to flourish in your home.


Selecting the Perfect Container


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Choosing the correct container is crucial when repotting your houseplants. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about the health of your plants. The new container should be slightly larger than the current one to maintain visual balance. Consider the size, colour, and material of the container to complement your plant's size, leaf texture, and colour.


Container Materials - Plastic vs. Ceramic

Regarding container materials, you have options: plastic or ceramic (terra-cotta/clay). Plastic containers are lightweight and easy to move, while ceramic pots offer stability and help prevent tipping, especially with top-heavy plants. 

Ceramic containers absorb excess water and soluble salts, reducing waterlogging and salt buildup. However, ceramic pot plants may need more frequent watering than plastic ones. The choice between plastic and ceramic ultimately depends on your preference.


Ensuring Proper Drainage

Regardless of the container material you choose, a container with drainage holes is essential. These holes allow excess water to escape, preventing soggy potting mix that can lead to disease. If your decorative container lacks drainage holes, you can still use it as a cover for a pot with drainage. Make sure there's space between the pot's bottom and the decorative container to allow proper drainage.


Assessing Pot-Bound Plants


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The best time to repot your houseplants is in the spring when their roots are actively growing. But how do you know when it's time? Look out for these signs:

  • Stunted growth or a significant decrease in growth rate.
  • Roots grow through the drainage holes, appearing crowded and thick.
  • Potting mix drying out quickly, slumping in the pot.
  • Water pooling on top of the potting mix and not being absorbed.
  • Expired fertiliser (check the potting mix packaging for details)

If you observe any of these signs, it's likely time to repot.


Options for Pot-Bound Plants

Once you've determined your plant needs repotting, you have two options. First, consider whether you want the plant to grow larger or if you're satisfied with its current size. If you don't want it to grow larger, remove the outer section of roots, repot the rootball with fresh potting mix, and trim some of the top growth. If your goal is to encourage growth, get ready to repot your plant.


Choosing the Right Potting Mix

Using garden soil in indoor plant containers can lead to disease and pest issues. Instead, opt for a potting mix designed for potted plants. These mixes often contain composted soil or peat with added nutrients. A peat-based combination is lighter but can be more challenging to wet once it dries out. You can refer to the below homemade potting media guide to create your mix.

See more here: Getbusygardening


The Repotting Process


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Now, let's delve into the repotting procedure:


Step 1: Gather Your Tools 

Before repotting, ensure your plant is well-hydrated by watering it a few days in advance. Gather the following tools:

  • A clean pot with proper drainage.
  • Suitable potting mix.
  • A hand trowel.
  • Scissors, secateurs, or a sharp knife for potential root trimming.
  • Protective gloves and a dust mask.


Step 2: Opt for the Right Pot 

Select a new pot with adequate drainage that's just slightly larger (about 25mm) than the current one. If you're reusing old pots, thorough cleaning is imperative.


Step 3: Begin with a Solid Base

Start by placing a thin layer of your chosen potting mix at the bottom of the new pot or over a bed of drainage pebbles. Compact it gently to eliminate any trapped air.


Step 4: Carefully Uproot

  • Gently disentangle the plant's roots before carefully lifting it from the old pot. If the roots are tightly packed, tap the old pot gently on a sturdy surface while covering the top of the potting mix with your hand.
  • Loosen the plant's root ball and eliminate any remnants of the old potting mix without excessively disturbing the roots.
  • Trim any damaged, dried, or tangled roots, and disinfect your cutting tool with rubbing alcohol between each cut.
  • Place the plant at the centre of the new pot, aiming to maintain a similar depth to its previous pot.


Step 5: Fill with Fresh Mix 

Fill the pot with fresh potting mix, leaving approximately 20-30mm of space from the top. Give the pot a gentle tap to settle the mix around the roots, eliminating any lingering air pockets.


Step 6: Welcome Your Plant to Its New Home 

Following repotting, it's crucial to give your plant a generous watering. This helps it acclimate to its new environment. Keep a watchful eye on your plant as it adjusts, adapting your watering regimen as necessary.

For professional assistance, here's a list of nurseries in your area


Nurseries in Cape Town


Nurseries in the Garden Route

Nurseries in the Eastern Cape

Nurseries in Johannesburg


Read our previous article here

Contact one of our offices below; we look forward to hearing from you:
Gauteng: 011 463 0155
Cape Town: 021 418 0328 
Garden Route: 044 050 3295
Eastern Cape: 076 927 7787
Winelands: 021 863 0551
Mauritius: +230 5723 0369
Email: reception@hamiltons.co.za

Hamilton's Property Portfolio holds a Fidelity Fund Certificate issued by the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority.

Author: Bryce Anderson

Submitted 13 Sep 23 / Views 3028