How to Re-Pot Your House Plants
Pothos
House plant are a great looking addition to any home and they can have some added health benefits as well. They can help reduce stress by creating a relaxing atmosphere for in our homes as well as aid in the removal of some air born toxins. If have some healthy plants growing in your home the day will come when it will be necessary to re-pot them when they have become root bound. One sure sign that this has happened is when the pots dry out quickly after watering. You may even notice some of the roots at the soils surface. Re-potting is not difficult task and if done carefully will result in little or no effect on the plants.
1.) Before you begin, you will need to have some additional pots at least an inch or two larger than the one plant is currently in. Put at least one to two inches of good potting soil in the bottom of the new pot and lightly pack it down. To do not pack it tight because this will reduce the soils ability to drain properly.
2.) Next place your hand at the base of the plant so that you can help contain the soil and tip the pot over. Tap on the bottom and sides until the plant pops out. If the plant has been in the pot for a very long time some pressure may have to be applied to free the plant. Be careful though. If the plant won’t budge with some modest pressure it may be better to cut away the old pot rather than risk damaging the plant. Try to keep the root ball intact if possible so as to minimize any damage to the roots.
3.) Once it is out place it in its new pot and fill around the sides with the new potting soil. Gently packing it down as you go. If the roots are exposed because the soil fell away carefully spread them out in the new pot and fill in around them. When you are finished you can water it thoroughly and this will help reveal any spots where additional soil may be needed.
4.) If moving the plant to a larger pot is not an option you can carefully prune the roots and place the plant back into its original pot with some new soil added. If the plant is a hardy fern or Pothos for example you can use a sharp knife and prune the root ball without any ill effects on the plant.
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