Repotting
When should you think about repotting ?
The flower pot or window box are limited spaces which quickly become too small for plants which grow normally. Signs of plants suffering from lack of space are:
- the plant stops growing
- it catches disease easily
- its leaves become yellow
- the roots try to escape the pot
It may also be the fact that the pot is too small for the plant (it topples easily).
When to replant ?
Spring is the best time as it is then that the plant starts to grow again. You should avoid doing so in Winter as this is when the plant rests. Repotting may also start the plant growing again.
Which pot to use ?
You should choose the pot according to the plant – it should be proportional to the leaves. Don't put a big fig plant in a small pot. Once potted, the plant shouldn't wobble with the least bit of wind either. A clay pot will give better stability than a plastic one.
Choose a pot which is 4 or 5 centimeters wider than the previous one. It is best to use a new or cleaned and disinfected pot. In order to avoid water stagnation, check that the holes at the bottom of the pot aren't blocked. If needed, make new holes.
Which compost to chose ?
Chose your compost in accordance with your plant. An orchid will have different needs than a green interior plant or a cactus. Ready-made compost can be found in specialized shops.
How to repot ?
- Take the clod of soil out of the old pot. Be careful not to damage the roots – break the pot if necesary. Remove the soil on the surface of the clod.
- Cover the holes of the new pot with bits of pot ot with stones to avoid the clay escaping. You could also place 2 or 3 centimeters of stones at the bottom to improve drainage.
- Position your plant in the centre of the new pot.
- Add the new compost between the clod and the walls of the pot with the help of a bit of wood, for example, in order to make it penetrate to the bottom of the pot and to compound it.
- Finish the repotting by a good watering. This will compound the soil and will integrate the clod better.
- Once this is done, put the plant where you want it.
Should you repot a newly acquired plant ?
Yes, because plants bought in garden centres or in DIY stores are often grown in mixtures containing pure or almost pure turf and are thus lacking in nutritive elements. More often than not they are sold in pots which are not big enough.