Here’s a simple fact: if it’s alive, it’ll eventually outgrow something. Kid’s shoes stretch, puppies need new beds, adults move on, and plants outgrow their pots.
And that’s a good sign. So hard and ardently have you loved your plant that is not only bloomed but flourished. Now it’s itching to stretch its roots and graduate to a more roomy container.
Or, maybe you’re just tired of staring at the same pot – perhaps your fresh friend deserves a change of scenery and home.
But much like moving house, moving pot can be a tricky business.
As you know, some plants can be delicate while others are robust. However, when it comes to the procedure of uprooting and planting them again, both types can struggle equally.
Signs your repotted plant is wilting:
- Yellow or discolored leaves.
- Browning on leave’s rim.
- Dropping leaves.
- Flower buds drop off or shrivel upon formation.
- Roots jutting from soil or drainage holes.
- Plant/soil incapable of retaining water.
Add to the list whatever makes your particular plant look particularly unwell.
Why did my repotted plant wilt?
Don’t worry, it happens to everyone. Transplanting plants has a relatively high failure rate, especially in the days following the procedure. All you can do is leave the guilt behind and look towards your gardening future – green thumbs don’t judge.
So, how can I report my plant successfully?
Time it right
Plants are most susceptible to shock just before they bloom. So be sure to give your plant sufficient time to grow before making the move. Also, research shows Spring is the best time to cover any repotting duties.
Choose your pot carefully
If you’re just looking to change aesthetic – perfect – the same size as before will do. However, if your plant has grown, aim to find a pot that’s 2 inches wider in diameter. Anything larger, and you risk overwatering or root rot.
The right soil
When it comes to soil, it’s best to use potting soil due to its high nutrient content. If possible, use soil the plant is accustomed to. Fill the pot up a third of the way with soil initially to allow room for new roots to grow.
Tend to the roots
Once you’ve removed your plant from its previous home, be sure to gently untangle its roots without pulling or tearing.
Repotting
It’s best to be fast about the repotting stage, as the longer the roots are exposed to air, the more likely they are to fail. Hold the plant inside the pot and carefully fill in the soil around it. Pat the soil down gently to remove any trapped air without crushing the roots. You can use a repotting mat.
How can I take care of my repotted plant?
What if I see signs of wilting? Treating repotted plants. If you can catch your failing plant on time, you can revive it with a little TLC and attention. Here’s how:
Placement
While it’s best practice to keep your repotted plant in an area it’s used to, sometimes, especially after the stress of moving, they may need a little extra sun or shade. A sign your plant is overexposed to sunlight is darkening leaves. In contrast, a telltale sign of underexposure is a lack of budding/flowering. Test out different windows in your home or shaded/non-shaded surfaces in your garden.
Drain
Does your new pot have sufficient drainage holes? If it doesn’t, try drilling a hole or two while the plant is still potted to avoid moving the plant unnecessarily.
Trim
Using small pair of scissors or pruning shears, cut back any dead or shriveling leaves, branches, and stems. Trim a little at a time; even while a stem or branch may look dead on the outside, it could still be green (alive) on the inside.
Note: Be sure to leave buds intact even if they don’t look entirely healthy; there’s always hope they’ll grow.
Water
Humidity and moisture content are a huge deciding factor in your plant’s alive and no-so-alive balance. So a few days before repotting (if you’re not remedying root rot), be sure to keep your plant well hydrated.
Once repotted, add enough water to moisten the soil without waterlogging. The roots can be extra sensitive and temporarily non-functional following a transplant, so it’s best not to overdo it. If you notice your plant isn’t reacting well to routine watering, it may be time to check the humidity of your room.
Feed
Sometimes, all your plant is craving is a good feed after such a rough move – something to kick it back into action. Consider purchasing some water-soluble, all-purpose plant food that you can spread over its topsoil. Even placing a few used tea bags on top of the soil on top of the soil can prove nutritive for your hungry plant.
Key Takeaway
Repotting plants can feel like undertaking surgery. In the aftermath, you may witness ups and downs as your plant adapts to its new environment/pot. But there’s no need to sweat; preparation is key. To reduce chances of failure, it’s best to tend to your plant beforehand, plan your repotting strategy, and indulge in plenty of pampering afterward – your plants will thank you later.
Repotting Equipments:
- Pruning Shears and Plant Repotting Mat
- Potting Mat
- All-purpose good potting mix.
- Liquid fertilizer
- Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food
