Spring lies in your hands

Sponsored by Fiskars

Learn how to repot your plants this spring with Fiskars.

Repotting provides your plants with fresh, nutrient-rich soil and improves water retention around the roots.

Spring is the ideal time for repotting because the plants start the new growth season with a lot of energy and can cope well with the changes.

Signs that it is time to replant houseplants:

Your plant has stopped growing
Your plant looks weak or is wilting
Plant roots are visible on the soil surface
Plant roots are protruding from the base
The soil has turned white due to the accumulation of water and fertilisers in the soil

Why should you repot your plants

Newly purchased plants usually come in nursery pots – compact containers that are not intended to be permanent. Repotting new plants, those that have outgrown their pots, or plants with depleted soil gives them a fresh start and the room they need to thrive and grow.

Fresh, nutrient-rich potting soil can re-energise your plants, especially new houseplants that have plenty of strength to grow. Older plants can also benefit from repotting, but don’t require it as often as younger plants.

Repotting plants

1. Water the plant one day before repotting
A well-watered plant handles repotting better, as the moist soil stays intact, helping it endure the transition and recover more easily from any root damage.

2. Prepare a new pot
The preparation depends on the material of the new pot:
– Unglazed clay: Soak in water for a few hours before repotting to prevent the clay from absorbing moisture from the soil.
– Pot without drainage holes: Place a 2–4cm thick layer of small stones or similar on the bottom of the pot.
– Pots with drainage holes: Cover with a filter cloth, coffee filter or piece of paper towel to prevent soil from falling out.

3. Add the first layer of soil
Fill the bottom of the new pot with soil and carefully place the plant in the new pot.

4. Spread soil around the new plant
Fill any empty spaces with new soil and tamp the soil down.

5. Water the plant
Water your freshly repotted plant generously.

Top tips for repotting

Repot young plants every spring while they still have the energy to grow.

If the plant is dropping due to thick foliage or the roots are sticking out of the ground, it is time for a new pot.
Choose a new pot that is about 1cm larger.

Fully grown and large plants only need to be repotted every 3–4 years.