Repotting a green plant is necessary as soon as its growth slows down, its leaves turn pale or its flowering is less generous. Here’s how to repot in the best conditions.
When to repot your green plant?
Repotting your green plant is necessary when:
- plants grow little and their new leaves or flowers become smaller. Despite regular fertilization, the growing medium for your houseplants does get depleted with watering. At the same time, the substrate gradually crumbles into dust, which impedes the circulation of air and water.
- the volume of the roots occupies all the space available in the pot. The roots can therefore get tight and often come out of the drainage hole. Repotting is then welcome to restore some space and food.
- the volume of the aerial parts is disproportionate to that of the roots.
What is the best period?
Early spring (March) is the best time to repot. Most green plants come out of a period of winter rest and resume their growth. At this time of year, the roots restart their activities and settle more easily in a new growing medium.
Repotting is often possible as early as February, as soon as a start of recovery is actually observed, for example the formation of young shoots at the nodes or the ends of the stems.
For plants that restart later, be aware that repotting can be done until May or June, before taking your green plant out into the garden.
Should you repot a green plant every year?
Annual repotting is helpful in getting your green plant to grow evenly. However, some slower-growing or older houseplants may be content with more frequent pot changes.
In their case, a new container every 2 or 3 years, sometimes more, is sufficient.
What culture support should you plan for?
Most green plants like to grow on a somewhat consistent growing medium, that is to say, 2/3 consisting of soil for green plants (rather light) but cut with 1/3 of good soil. garden that will retain humidity a little longer. The soils used pure, without mixing them with the earth, are a disaster. They dry out far too quickly.
One exception: plants that are easy to maintain, such as succulents and cacti, require a light and above all very well drained growing medium. Little or no land. Instead, when repotting, prepare potting soil mixed with sand or a large quantity of pozzolana.
What to replace peat with?
Peat reserves are running out
The use of blond or brown peat in potting soil is increasingly raising questions. It is true that these potting mixes are light and that they retain water well. The peat acts like a sponge that soaks up water and gradually releases it to the roots of the plants.
But peat is also a fossil material formed by the accumulation, compaction and decomposition of plants. This slow process of formation lasts between 1,000 and 2,500 years: this is to say that this is an inherently low-renewable resource.
Alternatives to the use of peat
For all your repotting, you can replace a potting soil containing peat with topsoil mixed for half with:
- a soil of dead leaves
- coconut fiber
- maritime pine bark potting soil for the plants that support it (acidophiles)
- a soil based on wood fibers: its water storage qualities are similar to those of peat.
Can I repot in a plastic pot?
A plastic pot is ugly and really bad for the health of your houseplant! Plastic is indeed waterproof and therefore blocks the gaseous exchange of the roots with the air. It also prevents water evaporation from the side walls. You must have a light hand when watering so as not to risk excess water, especially in winter.
Nothing actually beats a terracotta pot. If you find it ugly, you can simply line it with a stylish colorful flowerpot.
How to repot a green plant, step by step?
Before you start, gather the necessary tools and materials: the new pot, gravel for drainage, all the elements to mix to make the new growing medium (depending on the plants: potting soil, garden soil, heather soil or plant, compost, sand, pozzolana, etc.), a watering can and a transplanter.
If you are doing this indoors, consider protecting your table with an old tablecloth. Here are all the steps for a good repotting:
- Start by preparing the plant by removing any yellow or dry leaves and dead branches.
- Then remove it by holding it by the base of the rod.
- Place a few gravel, shards of pottery or clay balls on the bottom of the new pot to prevent the hole, which is useful for draining excess water from water, from being quickly clogged with soil or roots.
- Pour a few inches of new substrate on the gravel bed.
- Place the root ball in the middle of the pot and adjust its final position by wedging it with a little substrate.
- Fill the empty spaces with the mixture, keeping the root ball and the plant upright. Make sure there are no gaps and that the growing medium is evenly distributed all around the plant.
- Tamp with your fingers all around the root ball. Remember to leave the level of substrate only a few inches from the rim of the pot to facilitate watering.
- Finish with copious watering to eliminate air bubbles that may interfere with the activity of small roots.
Where to install your green plant after repotting?
As close as possible to a window facing north or west. With a few rare exceptions, avoid direct sunlight to limit leaf scorch. Install sails on the windows to filter out the sun if you have no other choice.
Consider grouping green plants on a piece of furniture or a shelf so that a more favorable climate is created around them: they like to live in community! And to keep them healthy, remember to remove dust from the leaves very regularly.