How to Pot Your Plant
When it comes to plant care, we often focus on watering our plants and giving them the type of light they need. Did you know potting your plant correctly is another major factor in its happiness and growth? Potting your plant in the right size planter with the correct type of soil will help prolong the health of your plant.
Potting step-by-step
1. Before you repot your plant, find the right size planter. Look at your plant's roots, and select a planter that is slightly larger than the root ball to give your plant room to spread out and grow (but not so much room that the soil never dries out).
2. Make sure there are drainage holes in your new planter. (We use a mesh square to cover the hole so large chunks of soil don't fall out).
3. Select the right type of soil for your plant. Different types of plants have different needs when it comes to soil, like nutrient quality, drainage, etc. If you're not sure, ask us what type of soil your plant needs.
4. Gently remove the plant (if you haven't already done so when checking the roots) from its current planter, and massage the root ball to remove some of the old soil.
5. Fill the new planter with just enough soil, so that when you place the plant on top, the top of the root ball sits about an inch below the lip of the pot.
6. Fill in around the roots with more soil, packing the soil down enough to remove any air bubbles.
7. If you're potting a tropical, plant be sure to water it right after you repot!
Glossary
Drainage
Holes at the bottom of your pot, which plants need so their roots don't rot. Can also refer to the amount of drainage your soil has, and how much water the soil will retain. Some plants need better draining soil than others.
Moisture Meter
A probed device used to measure the moisture level at the roots in your pot. Helps keep you from over or under watering your plants.
Rootbound
When a plant's roots have overtaken the entire pot and there's no more room for growth, water typically runs right out of the drainage hole. This means it's time to repot.
Repot
When your plant has outgrown its current planter and is ready for a larger container and new, nutrient dense soil. Click below to learn more about our potting services and make an appointment!
Helpful Tips
Coir Poles
Some plants may require the use of a support pole, or coir pole/moss pole to climb. In nature, there are plants that grow up trees, using their aerial roots to grab ahold and climb toward the light. In our homes, we use coir poles to simulate this and keep these plants happy. We offer made-to-order coir poles in 1 foot increments to fit your plant's height.
Planter Sizing
Each plant likes to be in a planter that fits their roots. While some plants like to be slightly more cozy in their pots, others like just enough room to spread out. We recommend choosing a planter that is about the same size as the current pot your plant is in, sizing up maximum 2" in diameter.