When to Repot Your Houseplant: A Nashville Plant People Green Thumb Guide
Have you ever wanted to know when you should repot your houseplant?
I get this question a lot from my friend’s who I have turned into plant people, so now I’ll have a guide to direct them to. I hope you find this helpful too. As a proud plant parent, watching our leafy companions thrive and grow is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding aspects of collecting and keeping houseplants in our homes. However, just like us, houseplants have their own needs and preferences, and one of the critical factors in their well-being is knowing when and how to repot them.
Repotting Basics: A Welcome Transition
The question of when to repot your houseplant often raises the debate: should you repot as soon as you bring your new plant baby home, or should you wait until it starts visibly outgrowing its current pot? The answer lies in finding a balance. When you first acquire a plant, it's a good practice not to rush into repotting. Plants often experience a bit of stress due to the transition, and giving them time to acclimate to their new environment is crucial. Unless the plant appears root-bound or comes quite obviously in need of some plant care, let it settle in for a few weeks before considering repotting.
On the other hand, if you notice roots poking out from the drainage holes, the plant becoming top-heavy, or the soil drying out more quickly than usual, it might be time for a new pot. Keep an eye out for these signs; they are your plant's way of asking for a little more space. You also want to keep in mind the soil that your plant comes home in. Many times your new plant is in moisture retaining soil that is good for a hot greenhouse. If you consider the fact that the environment inside of your home doesn’t match a hot and humid greenhouse, that tells you that you may need to repot your plant in more a conducive soil for your normal, temperature controlled home. Check your soil to see if it has a lot of peat moss in it. Peat moss retains a lot of water, so indoors, that soil can cause root rot. It’s ok to give it some time before you repot it even if it is in that soil still, just be mindful that your plant will thrive in better soil and many of our local plant shops will repot a plant for you for a small fee or even for free if you buy your pot or plant with them. Just another reason shopping small and local has become what most “plant people” do.
*Quick Reminder* On Saturday, August 26th at 2pm you can watch our LIVE Virtual Workshop on creating the perfect, well-draining soil mix for your aroid houseplants. You can RSVP here. It’s FREE.
Upgrading Pots: The 2-Inch Rule
When the time comes to repot, it's important not to overwhelm your plant by giving it a pot that's too spacious. A good rule of (green) thumb is to only go up in pot size by about 2 inches in diameter. This gradual transition allows the plant to adjust to its new home without experiencing excessive stress. So, if your plant is currently in a 6-inch pot, consider moving it to an 8-inch one. Remember, comfort is key, and you want your plant's roots to fill the new pot over time, not be lost in a vast expanse of soil which can also cause root rot.
This is Lauren at Earth First Plant Co. repotting a plant at their in-store plant bar.
Check out Earth First’s full repotting menu here.
Soil Matters: A Lesson in Potting Mixes
Ah, the soil – a crucial element in your plant's life. While it might be tempting to use the soil your plant came with, the reality is that nursery pot soil isn't always the best fit for indoor pots like I mentioned above. Nursery pot soil is often optimized for outdoor or greenhouse conditions and might not provide the drainage and aeration necessary for indoor plants. Opt for a high-quality indoor potting mix that's well-draining and specifically formulated for container plants. Or like many of our community members do, create your own perfect potting mix. These mixes often contain ingredients like perlite or vermiculite to improve aeration and drainage, helping prevent overwatering and root rot. The soil ingredient listed for our workshop is perfect for aroids, which most, not all, but most of our houseplants are aroids. Common aroids are Philodendrons, Pothos, Anthuriums, Alocasias and more.
Best Types of Pots for Houseplants:
Terracotta Pots: These classic clay pots provide excellent breathability for plants, helping to prevent overwatering. They develop a charming patina over time too. I feel like my houseplants do best in these, but they may not be your vibe when it comes to style. But you can find some fun new styles, which have become a lot more popular these days.
Ceramic Pots: Stylish and versatile, ceramic pots come in a wide range of colors and patterns. They retain moisture better than terracotta but still offer good drainage if there is a drainage hole. Ideal for plants that prefer consistent moisture or you can use a ceramic pot as a cachepot. Learn more about cachepots from Floragrubb.com here.
Plastic Pots: Lightweight and affordable, plastic pots are easy to find and come in various sizes and colors. They retain moisture well and are a great option for plants that like more consistent watering. Ferns can tolerate staying moist more than many of our other houseplants. If you use a plastic pot be prepared to water your houseplant less often than those in terracotta pots.
Ready to go plant pot shopping? Checkout Earth First Plant Co. Mention “Nashville Plant People” and save 15% on your purchase until the end of August.
all images in this blog are owned and copyrighted by Lindsey Gregory, Nashville Plant People and Lucid Linds Photography
Where to Buy Pots for Your Houseplants:
Local Garden Centers/Nurseries: Visit your local garden centers or nurseries to explore a variety of pots in person and receive personalized advice. Here are a few of our favorites.
Home Improvement Stores: Stores like Home Depot, Lowe's, and similar outlets offer a wide selection of pots, from plastic to ceramic and more.
Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Etsy, and Wayfair have a vast range of pots available in various styles, sizes, and materials.
Nashville Local Plant Shops: Supporting local is supporting someone’s dream. Our local plant shops often carry a curated selection of stylish pots that complement your plant collection. Like Earth First Plant Co.
IKEA: A popular option for affordable and modern plant pots that cater to various aesthetics.
Local Artisan Markets: Check out local artisan markets or craft fairs for unique and handmade pots that add character to your plants.
Thrift Stores: Thrift stores can be hidden gems for finding vintage or unconventional pots that add a touch of whimsy to your plant display. This is a go to for me. I love to repurpose discarded items, everything should have a plant in it right? Ha!
Remember, the type of pot you choose should align with the level of attention you give your houseplants and certain houseplants do better in certain pots. Consider factors like drainage, material, and size to ensure your plant thrives in its new home. Happy pot hunting! 🌱
Go see Lauren and Emma at Earth First Plant Co. in Gallatin, Tn.
In Conclusion:
While it's essential to provide your plants with the right conditions for growth, remember that not all plants need frequent repotting. Many are comfortable being a bit root-bound. The key is to listen to your plants, pay attention to their growth patterns, and provide them with a potting mix and pot size that aligns with their needs.
So, the next time you see those roots peeking out or your plant starts to look sad, know that it might be time for a repot. One other thing to note is that if your plant hasn’t been in its pot very long, but it looks sad, root bound is not the problem then, it may be something else. If you can’t determine what the problem is with your plant ask our group! Your plants will thank you for helping them out.
I would also like to thank Earth First Plant Co. for offering our members a discount. Here are a few more pics of what you can find at Earth First Plant Co. (which is also home to Earth First Vintage). Learn more about Earth First Services <—
Happy repotting, my plant-y friends,
Lindsey
Nashville Plant People 🪴