How To Repot An Indoor Tree

How to repot an indoor tree

The growing season, early spring through late summer, is usually the best time to repot your plants. Because your plants are actively growing during this time, they'll get the most out of additional space and fresh nutrients!

What soil do you use to repot houseplants?

You can buy houseplant compost, but multipurpose compost with some grit or bark mulch to aid drainage works just as well. Don't add broken crocks to the bottom of the pot – it's a myth that they improve drainage. If you need to repot indoors, lay down a plastic sheet first.

Should you break up roots when repotting?

The roots also need to spread in the pot to absorb proper nutrients from the soil. Teasing roots apart is a best practice for all plants, but it is crucial for plants that are pot bound.

Should you remove old soil when repotting?

It's generally fine to reuse potting soil if whatever you were growing in it was healthy. If you did notice pests or diseases on your plants, it's best to sterilize the mix to avoid infecting next year's plants. First, remove any roots, grubs, leaves, and other debris from the old potting soil.

Is it better to repot a plant wet or dry?

Question: Do you repot when the soil is dry or damp? Answer: It is best, and easiest, to repot from moist soil into moist (but not soggy) soil. "Moist" meaning the plant hasn't just been watered, nor does it need to be immediately watered--it will need watering in another day or two.

Should you water a tree after repotting?

The rule of thumb is that you should continue providing water for a newly planted tree until its roots are established. That period depends on the size of the tree. The bigger the tree at transplant, the longer it will take to establish a root system and the more water it needs each watering.

Do indoor plant pots need a hole in the bottom?

Drainage holes in pots serve one essential function - they allow excess water to 'drain' out, thus helping to prevent the potting media becoming soggy and causing root rot. Plants will only draw up as much water as they require, and any excess water will either remain in the potting mix or drain away.

What should I add to my soil when repotting?

Potting soil is the best choice for repotting plants. Potting soil, rather than gardening soil, contains the nutrients to revive a plant. It also contains a mixture of ingredients like peat moss and pine bark to retain moisture and perlite to allow for easier drainage.

What is the difference between repotting and potting up?

Potting = potting a new plant into a nice pot with drainage holes at the bottom. Repotting = potting a plant that has out grown its current pot with drainage holes at the bottom onto a bigger pot with drainage holes at the bottom.

Should you break up the root ball when planting a tree?

Breaking up the root ball with hands or a knife prior to setting the plant into the hole helps to encourage root growth into the surrounding soil. Failure to do so usually causes the plant to continue to be root-bound (most plants are to some degree when they are purchased in containers).

Should you water plants before repotting?

“Water your plants a day or two ahead of time so the roots are well-hydrated to avoid root shock,” she said. “Never repot if a plant is wilted due to underwatering. First hydrate, then repot.” Plants absorb a lot of nutrients as they grow, so they need fresh soil from time to time.

What is the best time of day to repot plants?

Best time of day to transplant is early in the morning, late in the afternoon or on a cloudy day. This will allow the plants to settle in out of direct sunlight.

What should you not do when repotting?

Mistakes to Avoid When Repotting Houseplants

Mistake 1: Inappropriate Pot Size.
Mistake 2: Ignoring the Importance of Drainage. ...
Mistake 3: Breaking the Rootball Completely. ...
Mistake 4: Wrong Selection of Soil. ...
Mistake 5: Re-Potting in Cold Weather. ...
Mistake 6: Re-Potting a Flowering Plant.

What can you not do after repotting?

Plants may appear wilted and thirsty, but take care to refrain from watering until about a week after re-potting to ensure that any roots damaged during re-potting have healed.

Can you put new soil on top of old soil?

Top it off: If the level of soil has dropped, add fresh planting mix also known as potting mix. Ideally, the soil comes to within an inch or so of the rim of the planter or raised bed. Use a fork or hand tool to blend the new soil into the old soil. Blend new soil into the old soil.

Do plants go into shock when you repot them?

A plant which is newly dug up and shifted to another place may show signs of wilting leaves, dying branches or it might die altogether. It is called transplant shock. The transplant shock is caused by harm to the plant roots during the transplanting process.

Should you water indoor plants after repotting?

Water thoroughly after repotting to help the soil settle around your plant's roots. Plenty of moisture will also help your plant recover from the move better. If you have a saucer under the pot, make sure to empty it, so your plant doesn't get too soggy.

How do you repot without hurting the plant?

Pour a layer of fresh, pre-moistened mix in the planter you're potting into, and pack it down.

Remove the plant from the current pot.
Loosen and prune the roots. ...
Gently unbind any loose roots. ...
Set plant in new planter. ...
Add mix. ...
Even it out. ...
You're all set!

How long does it take a tree to recover from transplant shock?

Be patient: If you treat your tree well, the tree should recover from shock and establish itself. It can take up to 3 years for a tree with transplant shock to fully recover.

Should I fertilize indoor plants after repotting?

Recently potted or repotted plants will not benefit from fertilizer. Their fresh potting mix is packed with nutrients they have yet to use! To avoid potentially damaging recently repotted plants, wait 2–3 months after freshly repotting before fertilizing actively growing plants during the growing season.