The third installment of plant propagation is on repotting plants. As said in earlier posts, you can “raise” your plants from stem cutting or seeds, “adopt” them from a nursery, or propagate them in various ways. Just as you would bring up children, make sure you give them room to grow and plenty of tender loving care—there’s no harm in talking go to them.
Easy Steps On Repotting Plants
- Water the plant about an hour beforehand to make it easier to remove from the pot.
- Get everything ready to avoid creating a mess. Have a pair of scissors or knife handy in case root trimming is required.
- If the hole at the bottom of the new pot you are using is on the large side, cut a piece of screen to cover it, to prevent dirt from escaping.
- Fill the bottom of the new pot with fresh, moist soil. Leave enough room for the plant and its roots.
- Gently tip the plant upside down into your hand from the old pot. Lay your palm flat against the soil surface and place fingers on either side of the stem. Tap hard on the bottom of the pot to loosen it from the roots.
- If you have trouble getting the plant out, do not pull the stem. Use a knife to scrape around the sides instead.
- Use your thumbs to push up into the dirt and loosen the root structure. This is to encourage the roots to spread out and grow.
- Check for pests and rotten roots and remove them.
- Put the plant into the new pot, add more soil and pack it in properly while adjusting the position of the plant.
- Tap the pot gently on a hard surface so the soil settles into any air pockets.
- Water thoroughly.
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