Written by Elina Tons, 07/28/24
So you just went to the garden center and found the most perfect plant for your home but it’s stuck in that flimsy nursery pot. Your house has a carefully curated vibe and that just won’t do! While it is perfectly safe to keep your houseplant in its existing nursery pot and then set it inside of a decorative pot or basket, sometimes you just want to plant it in its permanent home. . Lucky for you, this guide will help you make sure that plant is happy, healthy, and *aesthetic*!
When not to repot your plant
Sometimes we get a little overzealous when it comes to our plants and want to move them around before they are ready. Working with plants can be more of an art form than an exact science which can add a new level of complexity when figuring out what your plant needs. Most tropical house plants like to be on the drier side and a little rootbound, so they don’t need as much attention as your outdoor bedding plants. Here are a few instances when you could wait on repotting your plant:
- 1) houseplants that like to stay on the drier side
- 2) plants that prefer to be rootbound
- 3) young plants that may not be fully rooted out
- 4) large houseplants that will become more cumbersome to move if potted into a heavy deco. pot (in this case you can re-pot into another plastic pot and place in your deco. pot)
*As always, consult with a Perino’s professional if you have any questions about repotting your plant!*
Step 1: Choose a Pot!
Choosing a pot can make you feel a lot like Goldilocks, this one’s too big, that one’s too small, not the right shape, color, etc. What’s most important is considering your plants’ specific needs when picking a pot. Did you get a house plant that likes a lot of water but you’re not great with a watering schedule? A self-watering pot can be a lifesaver! Did you get some succulents that need a lot of drainage? Perhaps opting for a shallow terracotta bowl will keep them happy!
- Make sure the pot has a hole for drainage. Even self-watering pots have a runoff spout that allows for excess water to drain so you don’t end up with root rot.
- Pot should be neither too big nor too small; roughly 2″ larger in diameter than the plant is preferable. This gives the plant room to grow and allows just enough soil that it can dry out without causing root rot.
- Place a pot chip or rocks above the drainage hole to prevent clogging, the curved part of a broken terracotta pot works well enough for your plant to drain without issue.
- While plastic pots can be affordable and glazed pottery can look cute, they don’t always allow for the best airflow and can cause issues for you in the long run. Terracotta or unglazed ceramic allow your plant to breath and air out properly so try to pick those if you can.
- Be mindful of where you are placing your plant! If you are keeping it indoors, be sure to put a drip tray or some kind of dish beneath it so that it doesn’t damage your floors or furniture. Note that If you’re using a terracotta saucer, water can still leak through because they are porous.
Step 2: Plant your plant!
Now that you’ve found your perfect pot, time for the messy (and fun) part! A few things you’re going to need to pot up your plant are:
- Your new plant
- Your new pot
- A good quality, well-drained potting soil. Try our Perino’s blend that we mix in house!
- Something to add for drainage. Broken pot pieces or small to medium sized rocks will do nicely.
- A small shovel or trowel (you can also use a large spoon or your hands if you don’t mind getting a little dirty!)
- A spray bottle or watering can filled with water
- A clear space big enough for you to work
First, you are going to place your rocks or pot chips at the bottom of your pot. If you have a curved piece of a pot chip, like from the rim of a broken pot, you can place it over the drainage hole with the curved part facing up like a small bridge. This will keep the hole from clogging.
Next, you are going to start with a layer of potting soil. If you bought new soil for this project it should be pretty moist, but if you are using old soil you’ll want to moisten it with a spray bottle. You can also use a hose or a watering can but if the soil is too dry it might clump together.
Once your soil is in the pot, make some space in the center for your plant. Since your soil should be damp it will stick together as you pack it in the side of your pot. You can also use your nursery pot as a guide for how much soil you’ll need to fill your pot. When you have your space prepped, place your plant in the center.
Warning! Do not plant too deep! Make sure that the top of the root ball is exposed, free from excess soil and/or mulch.
Step 3: Fertilize!
A great universal fertilizer, like our Harrel’s Super Green or Nutricote, are fantastic for a variety of uses. However, we also have a variety of specialized fertilizers for all your plant needs as well. When in doubt, you can always ask one of our specialists for help!
When using Super Green, you are going to sprinkle it on top of your soil. This is known as “top dressing” and works best for slow release fertilizers. As you water your plant, the nutrients will dissolve over time and give your plant an extra boost! Be careful not to over fertilize because you can end up burning the plant, always water thoroughly when fertilizing.
Step 4: Water!
Watering your new plant is arguably the most important step! After fertilizing, water your plant thoroughly till water runs out of the pot. This ensures that water has reached the bottom and the pot can’t hold any more. Water your plant as needed. There’s no answer for exactly how often to water your plant; it depends on the type of plant and the conditions of your plant’s location.
If you’re able to lift your plant, you can check to see if it needs water by weight. When it’s dry, it will feel light and airy, and when it’s damp it will have some heft to it. If you have a heavier pot or large plant, you can tell if your plant needs water is to test it like a batch of brownies; stick a chopstick in your pot about 2 inches down. When you remove it and soil is stuck to it, your plant is good to go. If the chopstick comes up clean, your soil is dry and your plant is thirsty!
Remember! Indoor plants tend to dry out faster than outdoor plants do to the AC or heat running. Be sure to check them once a week or so, and if you see soil has come away from the side of the pot, your plant needs water ASAP!!
Happy Planting!!
