Introduction
When it comes to plants and potting, there are a few signs that can let you know if it’s time for a re-pot. Knowing when your plant needs more room or new soil will keep them healthy, happy and beautiful for years to come!
Your plant is growing quickly.
If your plant is growing rapidly, it may need more space. If it’s not putting on new leaves and branches, then you can use the nutrients in the soil to feed your plant. If your plant isn’t getting enough water, then that would explain why its roots aren’t growing as quickly as the rest of it.
When I see plants like this, I think back to my childhood when my mother would tell me that “a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.” It doesn’t take a rocket scientist (or gardener) to realize that if your plant’s roots are healthy and strong, then they’ll be able to support all those new branches and leaves you want!
Your plant has outgrown its original container.
It’s time to re-pot when you notice your plant is growing out of its container. When this happens, your plant is likely struggling with one or more of the following:
- Not enough water. If the root ball isn’t soaking in enough water, it will start to rot and die before the rest of the plant can catch up. This can happen if you water too infrequently or if you use a soil mixture that doesn’t allow for adequate drainage (more on this below).
- Not enough light and/or air circulation. Plants need access to light in order to photosynthesize food from carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a sugar) that gets converted into energy for growth; without light, plants will eventually wither away just like any other organism does when deprived of oxygen! Make sure there’s plenty of natural sunlight coming through windows or artificial lights if needed; otherwise consider moving them closer so they get more direct sunlight every day throughout their life cycle! Also make sure there’s good airflow around all sides of pots so they don’t get droopy leaves due impeded circulation within tight quarters which would otherwise cause unhealthy conditions where mold might take hold instead…not good!
Your plants are tipping over.
If you notice your plants are tipping over, it’s likely time to re-pot. The reason for this is that plants that are in need of a larger pot will eventually tip over as they grow and add more weight to the bottom of their containers. You may also notice that the base or bottom leaves on your plant are beginning to turn yellow and die off. This can be another sign that it’s time to re-pot!
When determining if your plant needs a bigger container, look at how much space is available in its current container and compare it with what other plants around them have available (if any). If there seems like there could be room for more soil within their current container then you should consider repotting into one with more depth.
Your soil is looking old and depleted.
If your soil looks aged, it’s time to re-pot. This can be a hard thing to happen, especially if you’ve had a plant in the same pot for years and years—it can feel like they’re part of the family! But if you are noticing that the soil around your plant is starting to break down and look old, it might be time to get a fresh start with some new dirt.
Don’t re-use soil from your last potting job.
Don’t re-use soil from your last potting job.
If you’re a little hazy on why this is, here’s the deal:
The soil in pots dries out faster than that in the ground. It also has less volume, and therefore air, which means it doesn’t have as much water to give up when it gets warm out. So if you re-use this low-quality (aka already-dried) dirt for your plants, they’ll suffer from dehydration.
Instead, use a fresh batch of new potting mix for each plant or group of them!
The watering instructions aren’t working as they used to.
The watering instructions aren’t working as they used to.
When you water your plant, the soil should be evenly moist—not too wet or too dry. If the soil is dry, water more frequently; if it’s soggy, water less frequently. And if your plant is wilting at all (and especially if it has yellow leaves or other signs of distress), then this means you need to give them a drink right away!
If you live in a small space, re-potting is a great way to take your plant decor to the next level! By adding beautiful new pots you can make the whole room look more stylish and inviting. Takeaway: It’s easy to figure out whether or not you should re-pot your plants!
If you live in a small space, re-potting is a great way to take your plant decor to the next level! By adding beautiful new pots you can make the whole room look more stylish and inviting. Takeaway: It’s easy to figure out whether or not you should re-pot your plants!
There are a few things that will help you determine whether or not it’s time for your beloved houseplants to move into something bigger and better. If so, follow these steps:
- Make sure the pot is too small for them; plants need ample room for their roots, which should never be squished together or pressed against the sides of their containers. You’ll know if this has happened when they start growing sideways instead of upward—this means their roots have run out of space!
- Feel around with your fingers; if there are any spots where water collects after watering (i.e., “puddles”) then it’s definitely time for an upgrade. This usually happens because soil dries quickly due to lack of oxygenation in smaller containers so they’re less likely than larger ones would be able at retaining moisture over long periods of time.”
Conclusion
We hope that this guide has helped you figure out whether or not it’s time to re-pot your plant. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us in the comments below!