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How to repot a pothos plant?
Here are 5 simple steps for how to repot a pothos plant:
- Choose a pot that’s one size up from the current pot, but not too big that it will take a long time to fill with roots. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from building up and causing root rot.
- Fill the pot with fresh potting soil. You can make your own potting soil by mixing together equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
- Gently loosen the soil around the edges of the pot with your fingers or a small trowel. Then, turn the pot upside down and gently tap the bottom to loosen the root ball from the pot. Once the plant is loose, carefully lift it out of the pot, being sure not to damage the roots.
- Place your pothos in the center of the new pot, making sure it’s level and centered. Fill in the gaps around the root ball with fresh potting soil, pressing down gently to remove any air pockets. Be sure to leave about an inch of space at the top of the pot to make room for watering.
- Water your pothos immediately after repotting to help settle the soil. Keep your pothos out of direct sunlight for a few days to avoid stressing it out. Wait a few weeks before fertilizing to give your pothos time to adjust to its new pot.
Hey there plant lovers, today we are talking about one of the most popular and low-maintenance houseplants out there, the pothos! Pothos are loved for their attractive foliage, ease of care, and ability to purify the air in your home. However, like all plants, they will eventually outgrow their container and need to be repotted.
Repotting can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to plant care. But fear not! In this comprehensive guide, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about repotting pothos. I’ll be covering when to repot, signs that your pothos needs repotting, how to repot your pothos plant, caring for your pothos after repotting, and finally, whether pothos are sensitive to repotting.
Why Repot Your Pothos?
You should repot your pothos when you notice signs that it’s outgrowing its current pot, such as yellowing leaves, a root-bound plant, stunted growth, or mold/fungus on the soil surface. As a general rule of thumb, you should repot your pothos every two years, but you may need to do it more frequently if your plant is growing rapidly or has become root-bound.
Signs that Your Pothos Needs Repotting
First things first, how do you know when it’s time to repot your pothos? Here are some signs to look out for:
Yellowing Leaves
One of the most obvious signs that your pothos needs repotting is yellowing leaves. If your pothos is turning yellow, it could be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or root rot, all of which can be caused by a lack of space in its current container. Yellowing leaves can also be a sign of other plant problems, so it’s important to check for other signs of needing a new pot as well.
Root-Bound Plant
Another clear sign that your pothos needs a bigger pot is if it’s become root-bound. If you notice roots growing out of the bottom of the pot or circling around the inside of the pot, it’s time to repot. A root-bound plant can lead to stunted growth and a lack of nutrients and water reaching the plant’s roots.
Stunted Growth
If your pothos isn’t growing as quickly as it used to or has stopped growing altogether, it may be time to repot. A lack of space can stunt the growth of your plant and prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Mold or Fungus on Soil Surface
If you notice mold or fungus growing on the surface of your pothos’ soil, it may be a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Repotting into fresh soil and a well-draining pot can help prevent this from happening again.
When to Repot Your Pothos
Now that you know the signs that your pothos needs repotting, let’s talk about when to repot.
Best Time of Year to Repot
The best time to repot your pothos is in the spring or early summer when it’s actively growing. Repotting during this time gives your plant the best chance of adapting to its new pot and growing bigger and stronger. Avoid repotting during the winter or fall when your plant is in its dormant phase.
How Often to Repot
How often you should repot your pothos depends on how quickly it’s growing and how big it is. A good rule of thumb is to repot every two years, but you may need to do it more frequently if your plant is growing rapidly or has become root-bound.
Signs that it’s Time to Repot
As I mentioned earlier, signs that your pothos needs repotting include yellowing leaves, a root-bound plant, stunted growth, and mold or fungus on the soil surface. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to repot your plant.
Do Pothos Enjoy Being Root Bound?
While pothos can tolerate being root-bound, they do not enjoy it. When a pothos plant becomes root-bound, its roots become tightly packed and have nowhere else to grow, leading to stunted growth, a lack of nutrients and water reaching the plant’s roots, and a susceptibility to disease. Repotting your pothos when it outgrows its current pot is essential to keep it healthy and thriving.
Is it Okay to Repot Pothos?
Yes, it is absolutely okay to repot pothos! In fact, repotting is essential to keep your pothos healthy and thriving. Pothos can outgrow their pots quickly, and repotting allows them to get the nutrients and space they need to continue growing. Just be sure to follow the tips and guidelines outlined in this post to minimize stress and ensure a successful transition for your plant.
How to Repot Your Pothos
Now that you know when and why to repot your pothos, let’s get into how to actually do it.
Choosing the Right Pot Size and Type
The first step in repotting your pothos is choosing the right pot. You’ll want to choose a pot that’s one size up from its current pot, but not too big that it will take a long time to fill with roots. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from building up and causing root rot.
Do Pothos Like Wide or Deep Pots?
Pothos prefer wider rather than deeper pots, as their roots grow horizontally rather than vertically. A wider pot also allows the plant to spread out more, giving it more room to grow and thrive. Be sure to choose a pot that’s one size up from its current pot, but not too big that it will take a long time to fill with roots.
Preparing the Pot and Soil
Before repotting, it’s important to prepare the pot and soil. Start by filling the bottom of the pot with a layer of gravel or rocks to aid in drainage. Then, fill the pot with fresh potting soil. You can make your own potting soil by mixing together equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
Removing the Plant from its Current Pot
To remove your pothos from its current pot, gently loosen the soil around the edges of the pot with your fingers or a small trowel. Then, turn the pot upside down and gently tap the bottom to loosen the root ball from the pot. Once the plant is loose, carefully lift it out of the pot, being sure not to damage the roots.
Planting the Pothos in the New Pot
Next, place your pothos in the center of the new pot, making sure it’s level and centered. Fill in the gaps around the root ball with fresh potting soil, pressing down gently to remove any air pockets. Be sure to leave about an inch of space at the top of the pot to make room for watering.
Caring for Your Pothos After Repotting
After repotting, your pothos will need some extra care to help it adjust to its new environment. Here are some tips for caring for your pothos after repotting:
- Water your pothos immediately after repotting to help settle the soil.
- Keep your pothos out of direct sunlight for a few days to avoid stressing it out.
- Wait a few weeks before fertilizing to give your pothos time to adjust to its new pot.
- Check the soil moisture level regularly and water as needed, but be careful not to overwater.
Tips for Reducing Transplant Shock
Transplant shock is common when repotting plants, but there are a few things you can do to help reduce its effects on your pothos:
- Choose a pot that’s not too much bigger than the current pot to help reduce shock.
- Water your plant thoroughly before repotting to help reduce stress.
- Trim any damaged or yellowing leaves before repotting.
Monitoring Your Plant’s Growth and Health
After repotting, it’s important to monitor your pothos’ growth and health to ensure it’s adjusting well to its new pot. Keep an eye out for new growth, healthy foliage, and signs of stress like yellowing leaves or wilting.
Are Pothos Sensitive to Repotting?
Finally, let’s answer the question on everyone’s mind – are pothos sensitive to repotting?
Discussion of the Pothos Plant’s Resilience to Repotting
Overall, pothos are relatively resilient when it comes to repotting. As long as you’re gentle with the roots and give your plant some extra care after repotting, it should adjust well to its new pot.
Factors that Can Affect a Pothos Plant’s Sensitivity to Repotting
That being said, there are some factors that can affect a
pothos plant’s sensitivity to repotting. If your plant is already stressed or struggling with other issues, repotting can add to that stress and make it more difficult for your plant to recover. Additionally, using the wrong soil or pot size can also make repotting more stressful for your plant.
Tips for Minimizing Stress During the Repotting Process
To minimize stress during the repotting process, be sure to follow the tips and guidelines outlined earlier in this post. Choose the right pot size and type, use fresh potting soil, and be gentle when removing your plant from its current pot. Additionally, giving your plant some extra care and attention after repotting can help it adjust more easily to its new environment.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about repotting pothos:
Why is My Pothos Not Doing Well After Repotting?
If your pothos isn’t doing well after repotting, there are a few possible reasons. One is that the plant is suffering from transplant shock, which is common after repotting. This can cause the plant to wilt, droop, or even lose some leaves. To help your plant recover from transplant shock, follow the tips outlined in the post, such as watering immediately after repotting and avoiding direct sunlight for a few days.
Another possible reason is that the plant is not getting the right amount of water or nutrients. Be sure to check the soil moisture regularly and water as needed, but avoid overwatering. Also, wait a few weeks before fertilizing to give your plant time to adjust to its new pot.
How Do You Repot Pothos Without Killing Them?
To repot pothos without killing them, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, choose the right pot size and type. You’ll want to choose a pot that’s one size up from its current pot, but not too big that it will take a long time to fill with roots. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from building up and causing root rot.
Second, be gentle when removing your pothos from its current pot. Loosen the soil around the edges of the pot with your fingers or a small trowel, and be careful not to damage the roots.
Finally, give your pothos some extra care and attention after repotting to help it adjust to its new environment. Water it immediately after repotting to help settle the soil, keep it out of direct sunlight for a few days, and avoid fertilizing for a few weeks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, repotting your pothos is an important part of plant care that can help keep it healthy and thriving. Knowing the signs that your pothos needs repotting, when to repot, and how to do it can help ensure a successful transition for your plant. And while pothos are relatively resilient when it comes to repotting, there are some factors that can affect their sensitivity. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this post, you can help minimize stress and ensure a successful repotting process for your pothos. Happy planting!
