Repot indoor plants: five mistakes to avoid

Created: 06/20/2022, 08:00

By: Ines Alms

Indoor plants stop growing or roots grow out of the pot?

Then it's high time to repot.

But you should note a few things.

Munich – Weak leaves and flowers that burst the pot with their joy of growth or soil that no longer absorbs water can be indications that you should repot.

You can make mistakes when it comes to the time, the choice of soil or the pot size, which should be avoided.

Repot houseplants: Mistake #1 – The wrong time

When repotting indoor plants, the new container must not be too large.

(Iconic image) © Westend61/Imago

In a pinch, indoor plants can be repotted at any time of the year, but spring is the best time.

Then the plant recharges its batteries, sprouts freshly and is also better equipped to withstand injuries or the stress of repotting.

You should particularly avoid winter, as most plants are in a dormant phase.

Repot houseplants: Mistake #2 - The wrong soil

Do not use poor quality soil, it often contains mold spores or fungus gnat larvae.

In addition, some plants have special needs: orchids, cacti or azaleas need special substrates that provide them with all the nutrients they need.

Incidentally, you do not have to be as careful with orchids when repotting as with other flowers.

Repotting indoor plants: Mistake #3 – The wrong pot size

The new planter should be one or two sizes larger, i.e. have about two to three centimeters more circumference.

If the pot is too big, the roots will grow luxuriantly, but not so much the flowers or leaves.

In addition, there is a greater risk of waterlogging, which you should definitely avoid.

You can find even more exciting gardening topics in our free newsletter, which you can subscribe to here.

Repot houseplants: Mistake #4 – Fertilizing too early

With the new soil or the new substrate, the plant is initially supplied with enough nutrients for about four to six weeks.

In the case of a soil with long-term fertilizer, fertilizing is only necessary again after about six months.

If you fertilize too much, too many leaves will form, very light shoots or brown spots on the leaf edges.

Repot houseplants: Mistake #5 - Don't repot at all

That sounds banal, but not repotting at all will sooner or later lead to the plant dying.

You should generally repot your flowers every two to four years – depending on their age, type and growth habit.

The best way to do this is to check the condition of the soil and the extent of root growth on the underside of the pot.

You can usually take your time with older plants than with young ones, which grow even faster.