Repotting gives the plant a proportion of fresh compost to root into and this will provide water and nutrients to promote new growth. As a rule, choose a pot that is just a little larger than the one it was growing in before. Choose a container with holes in the base that is larger than the one in which the plant is growing, or one that is large enough to accommodate the roots.
You Will Need
- Flowerpot
- Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
- Watering can
- Plants
Step 1
Thoroughly soak the roots of the plants to be repotted by placing it in a bucket of water. Cover the drainage holes at the base of the new container with pieces of broken clay pot. Add a 2cm – 3cm layer of pebbles or gravel to the base of the pot to allow for good drainage.
Step 2
Add compost to the bottom of the container, using the plant in its existing pot as a guide to the depth to add, ensuring that the top of the root ball ends up just slightly below the rim of the new pot.
Step 3
Knock the plant from its pot and gently tease the roots apart to encourage them to root into the fresh compost. Use your fingers to lightly firm the compost in the base of the new pot and set the plant in position.
Step 4
Fill the gap between the rootball and the sides of the new pot with more compost, adding it in layers and pushing it down with your fingers. Continue until level with the top of the rootball. Water thoroughly using a watering can or hosepipe.
Keep newly potted plants well watered, particularly during hot weather.
