So, you’ve got a beautiful Pothos plant gracing your living space, and you’re wondering if it’s time to give it a new home. Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’re going to delve into the world of repotting Pothos plants and how it can work wonders for your leafy friend. Whether your Pothos is looking a bit cramped, or it’s showing signs of distress, we’ve got you covered with our Step-by-Step Guide on How to Repot Pothos Plants!
Why You Need to Repot Pothos plants
Repotting for Healthy Growth
Imagine wearing the same pair of shoes since you were a kid – uncomfortable, right? Well, Pothos plants feel the same way when their roots outgrow their pot. When the roots get all tangled up, it’s like a traffic jam for water and nutrients. As time goes by, the soil in your pot can get all squished and packed, making it hard for those roots to stretch out and grab water and nutrients.
Root wrapping occurs when the roots grow around the pot’s interior, becoming tangled and compacted due to limited space. Repotting gives your Pothos room to stretch its legs, grow bigger, and make more lush, green leaves.
To keep your Pothos and other speedy-growing plant pals in tip-top shape, aim to give them a new home about once a year.
Repotting as a Treatment
Sometimes, your Pothos might not be looking its best. Yellowing leaves, wilting, or slow growth could all be signs of distress. And guess what? Repotting can be the remedy! If your Pothos is suffering from overcrowded roots, it might struggle to take up nutrients. Repotting can rejuvenate it, giving it a fresh start and a chance to thrive.
In many cases of root rot, you can mitigate the issue by cutting back on watering frequency and using a Root Supplement to aid in root recovery. However, sometimes root rot is a result of compacted soil, and the most effective course of action is repotting. Repotting allows for a thorough root inspection, removal of affected portions, and placement of the plant into fresh, well-draining soil.
How to Repot Pothos Plants
The tools you need
Before we jump into the repotting process, let’s gather our gardening gear. For Pothos repotting, you don’t need a fancy shed full of tools; just a few essentials:
- A larger pot: Choose a pot that’s 2-3 inches bigger in diameter than the current one.
- Potting mix: Go for a well-draining mix, and you can even make your own by mixing potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark. Or you can buy this one from Amazon.
- Pruning shears: These will help you trim any unruly roots or dead foliage if needed. Remember! Only prune roots that are definitely dead and rotten. Your plant can go into transplant shock if you hurt healthy roots.
- Gloves: Keep your hands clean and protected.
- Some newspaper: It is always a go-to for an easy cleanup job.
Repotting Step-by-Step
- Choose the Right Time: Don’t rush into repotting; pick a time when your Pothos is in its growing season, typically spring or early summer. That’s when it’s ready to stretch its roots. If the temps are too high (above 90F), wait with the repotting.
- Prepare the New Pot: Take your larger pot and fill it about a third full with fresh potting mix. Make sure the new pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
- Gently Remove Your Pothos: Ease your Pothos out of its old pot. Be gentle; we don’t want to traumatize our leafy buddy. You might need to give the pot a few taps to loosen the plant if it’s stuck.
- Inspect the Roots: Now, take a look at those roots. If they’re all twisted and circling around the root ball, it’s time for some root therapy. Gently untangle the roots with your fingers or use pruning shears to trim any that are dead.
- Repot Your Pothos: Place your Pothos into the new pot with the fresh potting mix. Position it so it’s at the same depth as in the old pot. Fill in the gaps with more potting mix, making sure not to bury the plant too deep. Leave some space at the top for watering.
- Water and Settle In: Give your Pothos a good drink of water to help the soil settle around the roots. Be careful not to overwater; Pothos likes its soil to be slightly damp, not soggy.
- Find the Perfect Spot: Put your repotted Pothos in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. It’ll thank you by growing lush and green.
Aftercare
The most important thing to pay attention to after repotting your Pothos is to give it enough water and put it back to the location it was before. This will help your plant to avoid going into shock. Pothos usually don’t have too much problem after repotting, but pay attention to the basics.
Pruning is also essential for healthy Pothos plants, so check out our full guide on it!
To sum it up
And there you have it – your Pothos has a new lease on life! Repotting is like a breath of fresh air for your plant, promoting growth and reviving its spirits. Remember, it’s not just about giving your Pothos more room; it’s also about showing it some love and care.
So, whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a newbie with a green dream, don’t shy away from repotting your Pothos. With the right tools, a little patience, and some TLC, you’ll have a thriving, happy Pothos that’ll make your home even cozier. Happy gardening!
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a good practice to repot your pothos at least once every two to three years to ensure its continued health and growth. You should consider repotting when the plant’s roots have completely fills its current container.
How do I prevent transplant shock when repotting my pothos?
Pothos plants typically handle transplanting well, and you can further ease the process by taking care not to damage their roots and returning the plant to its original location. This helps minimize stress and promotes a smoother transition for your pothos.
Do pothos like to be root bound?
Your pothos doesn’t thrive when root-bound. This plant requires adequate space for healthy growth, and being confined in a small pot can cause stress. Signs of this unhappiness may include yellowing leaves and leggy stems as the plant struggles to reach for light.
Do pothos like coffee water?
Yes, coffee water can help your Pothos plenty in its healthy growth, plus it also helps keeping those pesky pests away.
