General Potting Tips for the Common Houseplant and Container Garden

Posted on April 11th, 2008 at 11:26 am by admin under Floral

Just like children, plants need room to grow, nutrition, fresh air, and day light–oh, and a big dose of love and attention! Re-potting your house plants or even transplanting garden plants into new containers will give the plants a healthy boost this spring. Water the plant prior to re-potting so it is ready for its new home.

Don’t be afraid to try unusual containers both indoors and out. Low slung watering cans, a chipped but favorite punch bowl, teapots, and old hat boxes all make lovely plant containers. Outside you can use barrels, old tubs, and even a fishing creel to decorate the porch and garden. But please remember to give the plants enough room to grow, with good drainage, and lots of day light.

Start with quality soil. Many brands come pre-mixed with enough fertilizer for three months, and in blends that aid in moisture control… so important for water lovers. Pre-mix enough new soil for the plant with a little water (soil should be moist not wet). This ensures even water intake later on.

Any container with drainage holes is preferred but with holes or not place a loose layer of small rocks in the bottom of the container before you plant. This helps to keep the roots from sitting in water. If using clay, first soak the pot in water, overnight, prior to potting, otherwise the clay will soak up any water meant for the plant!

To recap, take the container and toss in some small rocks, add 1/4 of required pre-moistened soil into container, take the pre-watered plant and gently remove from its existing pot and place in its new home. If the root ball is very tight loosen it it slightly. Fill in around the plant with new soil to an inch of the rim. Do not water again for a few days. The combination of pre-watering the plant and pre-moistening the new soil is enough for the first few days. Plants need to recuperate after their transplant.

Your plants have been resting for most of the winter so don’t forget to fertilize as needed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Remember your plants are alive and need your attention… they’ll love you for it!

Share This

April 11th, 2008