sure there are a few holes in the bottom for draining excess water.
Repotting Process The best time to repot is from the first warm days of spring until the beginning of hot days of summer. Of course, in emergencies repot any time of the year. Some fast-growing plants like geraniums or begonia do their best if repotted two to three times a year. Replant flowering plants after all the flowers are gone or pinch off all the buds. Before starting make sure you have everything you need: • A new pot • Dry drainage • A wooden or plastic spatula • Proper soil
SPRING REPOTTING Why Every houseplant needs to be repotted at some time of its life. A plant needs nutrients and space for developing its root system. When the habitual amount of fertilizer seizes to be sufficient or the space becomes too tight, the plant starts ailing, becomes sluggish, the leaves yellow, and quite often it dies a quick death. It may happen even if you take a very good care of your plants. Another sign that the plant needs repotting is the appearance of roots on the soil surface. Plants purchased in a store always need repotting. Leave it in its original soil for a couple of weeks to allow your new green friend to get used to the new conditions of light, temperature and humidity. After that, repot! The soil used by manufacturers is extremely moisture-absorbent. It is also
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filled to brim with long-lasting fertilizers but as soon as the effect of these comes to an end, the plant starts dying rapidly from the lack of minerals; at this stage it is virtually impossible to save. Young plants need repotting once a year, mature ones, every two to three years and old once – according to circumstances. Even if your plant has not been repotted for a couple of years and seems to be doing OK, repotting into a new soil once in a while won’t hurt.
The Pot The best pots are the ones made of clay – a natural porous material that improves air flow. Before using a clay pot, submerge it in water for a few hours to saturate the clay; otherwise it will absorb water from the soil thus depriving the plant. Let it dry. Make
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Generously water the plant the day before repotting. Take it out of the old pot very carefully. Do not pull the stem to avoid damaging the roots. The best way is to turn the old pot sideways and lightly hit it against the floor, and then use the spatula to free the roots. A pot made of thin plastic can be carefully cut open. Free the roots from old soil, remove all the dry and rotted shoots while carefully avoiding the larger live ones. Apply a layer of charcoal. Try to leave a small amount of the old soil on the roots to supply necessary minerals for the first few days in a new pot. Wear gloves when dealing with poisonous plants. Now, immerse the plant in water and start preparing the new habitation for it. Lay drainage on the bottom of the new pot to the depth of 2 cm to 8 cm, depending on the pot size. Pour about one third of the necessary amount of soil and, carefully holding the plant, lay its roots. The base of the plant that comes out of the soil (its neck) should be 1 to 1.5 cm below the edge of the pot. Pour the soil in layers until it reaches the neck of the plant. Plants with a delicate root system need light soil. After the repotting is done, place the plant away from direct daylight and keep sprinkling it with water. Timely and patient care will result in healthy and durable plants that will bring you joy for many years.
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