Just like we say monsoons are the best time to plant new saplings, I know many of you have a standard practice of repotting during the monsoons. Or other times when we see a plant is not growing, or it is seeming like it has lost its charm and nothing seems to work – training, pruning or fertilizer application, it is time to change its environment. Let us go a bit deeper and have a look at certain signs that indicate – it’s time to repot our plants.
Time
So you got new plants from nursery and you are super excited to have them in your house. You also bring some attractive pots to place your plants in and once you are done, they remain in the same pot in the same soil for many years to come. What I want to say is that repot your plants in 12 to 18 months. Make it a habit to change the potting mix after 1 to 1.5 years.
When you see the roots peeking out
After a certain time, the plants grow out of the pot and roots start to spread out from drainage holes. In such a case you shouldn’t just change the potting mix, but also take a bigger size pot and repot it.
Plant is looking dull or yellowish
If you plant start to lose color or is seeming relatively dull even after adding fertilizers or any other supplements, then it is time to repot. The texture of soil is disrupted after some time and it is unable to support any plant growth. This can be cured by providing those plants with brand new soil.
Plants are falling sick again and again
If your plants are suffering with diseases or pest infestations regularly and even after using some chemicals, they are falling sick again and again, the soil is the main culprit here. Pests or microbes can leave their spores and eggs in soil which may lead to reinfections. This can be overcome by repotting.
A lot of leaves are falling off
When your plants are losing a lot of leaves, especially young or newly formed ones, then it is time to repot them.
Plant has become larger than the pot
There are times when the roots won’t come out of the bottom but the plant is growing up very fast and it seems like the pot is not able to harbor the plant comfortably, then it is better to get a new, larger pot and repot the plant.
High salt accumulation
As we irrigate our house plants with water usually from the tap, a lot of salts and minerals accumulate in the bottom of the pot. Natural soils and lands have their own drainage system in which these salts leach down automatically, but soil in pots cannot leach down salts. With time, they accumulate in soil and prevents proper aeration and block absorption of certain essential nutrients. In such a case, it is better to repot your plant immediately. So, look out for these signs which your plants are trying to indicate and act accordingly. Repotting regularly will keep your plants happy and healthy and full of life. You would also definitely love to have shining and cheerful plants around your home which will be super soothing to look at.
Happy Gardening!
Written by
Antra Thada
Reema's Garden 