How to Replace the Soil of a Potted Plant Without Disturbing It

Most of my plants don't undergo soil changes; instead, we keep them 'fertile' with liquefied fertilizer and top them with organic material. Sometimes, repotting a plant is necessary. However, if the pot is too small, the process can be quite delicate. Here’s a step-by-step guide to replacing the soil without disturbing the plant too much.

When Do You Need to Repot?

Are you 're-potting' the plant into a larger pot or completely replacing ALL the existing soil? While repotting every year is common advice, it’s not always necessary. Often, plants thrive just fine without regular soil changes. Professional experience suggests that repotting is rarely necessary unless a pot has broken or a plant is so large it’s falling over. If you feel compelled to repot, keep the following tips in mind.

Step-by-Step Guide to Soil Replacement

1. Remove Part of the Existing Potting Mix: Remove about a third of the existing potting mix along with any clumps or remaining plant roots. Sprinkle a few handfuls of perlite over the old mix. Perlite allows air to move freely through the container. Add a healthy layer of fresh compost. Sprinkle a little slow-release fertilizer over the mix. Top off the container with fresh high-quality potting mix. Mix the fresh materials into the old mix with a trowel.

2. Choose the Right Tools: You will need a trowel, a new pot one size larger than the current one, and some perlite and compost. Professional experience suggests avoiding potting soil with moisture-managing ingredients and added fertilizer.

Repotting Techniques

1. For Small Plants: If the pot is small enough, gently turn it upside down and place one hand on the soil surface. Gently push the pot to loosen the soil. If the roots are sparse, the soil may crumble, and the main root might break. In such cases, it’s better to let it be. Some biodegradable plastic bags may be repotted along with them.

2. For Larger Plants: Larger plants, such as those with a 40cm height, are too cumbersome to tip out. Carefully drag the plant out of the pot sideways. Inspect and cut any rotten roots and remove pests. Replace the plant in the pot and water well.

3. For Irresistible Repotting: If you insist on repotting, follow these steps: - Place your hand over the soil between your fingers to tip the plant out. - Run a sharp knife around the inside of the pot to remove it. - Add fresh soil to the bottom of the new pot to raise the plant within an inch of the top. Set the root ball gently in place. Don’t use gravel for drainage; it’s an old myth. - Pour fresh soil around the root ball and water plentifully. Let the pot sit in water for 30 minutes to hydrate thoroughly.

Advanced Techniques for Large Plants

For large plants that are too big to tip out, use a knife with a long blade to make vertical slices in the soil. Pour fresh soil into these slices and on top of the root ball.

Conclusion

The key to successful soil replacement is minimal disturbance to the plant’s roots. By following these steps, you can ensure your potted plants remain healthy and thriving without the need for frequent repotting. If you have more questions or need further advice, referring to a compostable households e-book may provide additional insights.