When Is The Ideal Time To Move Indoor Plants?

The best time to repot houseplants is between May and September, which is approximately 68°F. Tropical houseplants typically begin growth in spring and summer, making it an ideal time for a change. Repotting is a simple process of moving or transplanting a plant from one container to another, and most plants can live in the same container for several years.

Repotting is easier than you might think, as it allows plants to adapt to their new environment. Plants don’t stay little for long, especially if they like the living situation in your home. The growing season, early spring through late summer, is the best time to repot plants, as they get the most out of additional space and fresh nutrients. Wait until spring when the plant and roots start pushing.

Repotting encourages new growth, so it is best to repot in late winter just as the natural light level is increasing and the plants are awakening. The best time to repot a plant is in the spring so that actively growing roots have enough time to grow into newly added potting mix.

For most tropical houseplants, it’s time to repot when roots begin peeking out of the drain holes at the bottom of the container. Fall is also a good time for transplanting. Spring through early summer is the best time, as growth usually improves as days get longer and sunlight is more intense.

Should I cut roots when repotting?

Root pruning is a simple process that can help plants grow by removing dead or dead-looking roots. Most plants tolerate simple root pruning, but it is important to focus on the thread roots, not the tap roots. Cut the tap roots apart, removing no more than one-third of the thread roots. Trim the thread roots using clippers and avoid shortening the tap roots. Root pruning is essential for repotting plants, as it keeps the plant smaller and longer in a smaller pot. Rootbound plants may eventually die, so if you notice yellowing leaves or wilting plants, you may need to perform root pruning to help them survive.

When cutting roots, be careful as it can injure sick or unhealthy plants. If you need to repot plants, do it selectively and carefully. Pruning roots is a normal part of houseplants’ growth, but be cautious when handling the root structure and provide plenty of water and fertilizer as recommended in the plant instructions. Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter to receive a free download of our DIY eBook “Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter”.

Is it better to transplant when soil is wet or dry?

To ensure healthy transplanting, ensure the soil in the new pot is damp and water it again after transplanting. If moving to a new spot, fill the new hole with water and let it soak in. Succulents should be watered during transplanting, but too much water can be stressful. Plants are less stressed when moved in cooler, shady weather, so transplant on cloudy days or early mornings or evenings. Hot midday sun on exposed roots and stressed leaves can cause stress, especially for small seedlings that dry out quickly.

Is it okay to repot houseplants in winter?

Winter is an ideal time to repot houseplants as they grow and require larger containers for better soil nourishment. Overwintering can prevent root-bound plants from dying, which can be a concern for avid gardeners. Signs of plant needing repotting include roots on the surface of the pots, roots growing out of drainage holes at the bottom, slow growth, coiling roots around the outside of the pot, or spiraling roots around the rootball.

Repotting plants is recommended before the new growing season, as many indoor plants prefer it before the spring season. Meadows Farms and the Great Big Greenhouse stock pottery from around the globe, receiving early shipments in winter, allowing them to have a wide selection at its peak. Repotting plants in the winter allows gardeners to keep their thumbs green instead of frostbite.

Can I repot houseplants in summer?

It is recommended that houseplants be repotted between March and May, but only if necessary, and only into a pot of the next size. It is advisable to refrain from attempting this procedure at other times of the year. Furthermore, the use of compost should be limited to instances where it is truly necessary. It is advisable to refrain from accessing the bag of compost unless it is required.

What month to repot indoor plants?

Repotting your houseplant during spring and summer is optimal, and it is recommended to do it at least three to four weeks before bringing the plant indoors for winter. To repot, gently remove the plant from its pot and check its roots for tangles or missing soil. Choose a pot that is about an inch or two wider than the one your plant is growing in.

Choose the right pot: Clay (terra-cotta) pots are porous and ideal for plants that prefer quick drainage, while plastic pots hold soil moisture longer and are suitable for tropical houseplants. It is essential to ensure the pot has a hole in the bottom to allow excess water to drain away. Use a pot that is about 2 inches wider than the one your plant is currently growing in.

What to avoid when repotting a plant?

Avoid repotting a plant with incorrect soil and pot size, pots without drainage holes, over- or underwatering the plant, placing the plant in low light or direct sunlight, fertilizing the soil without allowing roots to adjust, and repotting at the wrong time of year or too soon. Repotting a plant is essential for its health and optimal growth, but incorrect repotting can harm or even kill it. This how-to guide will teach you how to repot your indoor plant easily, from selecting the right pot to handling the plant’s roots carefully.

How to tell if a plant needs repotting?

Repotting plants is necessary when they dry out between waterings, top-heavy plants fall over, produce small leaves with little new growth, or if a salty crust is seen on the soil surface. Repotting is best in late winter, when natural light levels increase and plants are awakening from winter doldrums. Most plants grow as large as their root system allows, so larger pots lead to larger root masses and larger plants. However, large plants require more room inside the home and are more difficult to move outside during summer.

It is generally okay to let some plants get rootbound, as it keeps them smaller and easier to manage. Pot size should be gradually increased, starting with small pots and gradually increasing as the plant grows.

What should you not do when repotting?

The process of repotting plants requires meticulous attention to detail, including the selection of an appropriate container, the avoidance of under-sizing the plant, the incorporation of air into the soil, the postponement of fertilization, the timing of repotting (which should be in the spring or summer), the use of a container that is either the same or slightly larger in size, the possibility of separation if necessary, and the use of fresh potting soil.

Should you remove old soil when repotting?

To repotted a plant, pour fresh potting mix into an empty planter, removing air pockets and creating crevices for extra water to pool. Place the plant on top of the mix, ensuring it is centered, and add more potting mix around it until secure. Avoid packing too much soil, as roots need space to breathe. Even out the potting soil on top and water well. A freshly repotted plant does not need to be fed fertilizer. This process ensures the plant’s health and growth.

Should soil be wet or dry when repotting?

To repot tropical houseplants, thoroughly water the soil and let it drain completely before starting the repotting process. If the soil is already wet, skip this step. If the soil is very dry, lightly wet it to ensure it is just damp. Too much extra water can cause additional problems for the plant.

After preparing the pot and plant, remove the plant from its old container and inspect the root ball. Gently loosen tightly packed roots and straighten out any circling ones. Trim away dead or unhealthy roots at this time.

Set the plant in the new pot, add new, moistened soil to the bottom, and fill in with soil around the root ball. Gently jiggling the pot helps the soil settle into air pockets. Use a thin dowel to poke around in the soil to fill in any empty spaces.

Continue adding new soil until the new soil level is even with the old one, as too much can cause stem rot and plant collapse.