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Today, I have a viewer request video from Cindy Diorio, who asked if I could create a video about transplanting her new pothos into a bigger pot and managing the root mass during the process. This is a great idea, and I haven’t done a video on repotting pothos, so this is perfect.
Pothos plants like to be repotted on a regular basis, though they don’t need it very frequently—about every two to three years is usually sufficient. However, eventually, they will need repotting. This particular pothos really needs it, so today we’ll be repotting it into a slightly larger pot. As I always mention, you don’t want to use too big of a pot when repotting because excess wet soil can lead to root rot. I have a whole playlist on root rot, as well as on choosing the correct pot size, so feel free to check those out.
Let’s start by tapping the pothos out of its current pot to see how the roots are doing. It’s currently spring, which is a great time for repotting. When you’re turning the plant upside down, make sure you’re ready to catch it as it falls. It’s better than letting it fall flat on its face, so to speak.
Now that I’ve got the pothos out of its pot, you can see that this new pot is definitely larger. It’s about one pot size up, which is typically what you want. Pothos plants do best when they’re not overly pot-bound, but they also don’t like being in a pot that’s too big. If you place a pothos in too large of a pot, it may survive, but it will likely just sit there without growing much, and it could end up with root rot.
As I remove some of the old soil from the roots, it’s important to note that the old soil is often worn out and may have fertilizer buildup, which can be harmful. By taking off the old soil, we’re not only getting rid of potential salt buildup but also stimulating the roots. When you repot, this stimulation helps the roots to grow into the new soil more quickly.
You don’t need to remove all of the old soil, but it’s good to loosen it up a bit and remove some of it. The ideal ratio for repotting is two-thirds root mass to one-third soil mass. This means that two-thirds of the pot should be filled with the root mass, and one-third with soil. This ratio helps prevent root rot by ensuring the plant isn’t sitting in too much wet soil.
Now that the root ball is prepared, I’m going to place some soil at the bottom of the new pot. You want to ensure there’s at least an inch or two of soil at the bottom so that the roots have somewhere to grow. Depending on the pot’s size, there may be more room for the roots to grow on the sides than at the bottom, which is perfectly fine.
As I settle the plant into the new pot, it’s crucial to make sure all the roots are tucked in before adding soil. Adjusting the plant as needed is essential, especially with sprawling plants like pothos, which can make it difficult to see what’s going on due to their foliage.
After adding soil around the sides, make sure there are no air pockets. Air pockets can cause roots to dry out, which can harm the plant. Firmly pressing the soil helps ensure there are no gaps.
Once the plant is securely in the pot, you’ll want to water it well. The soil I’m using is pre-moistened Pro-Mix BX, which I like to use, along with some pumice and my Green Gourmet Houseplant Food. This mix provides the plant with plenty of nutrients, so it should start to grow happily, especially since it’s spring.
Finally, you want to make sure the plant is stable in its new pot. Pothos and other sprawling plants can become top-heavy, so it’s important to use a pot that’s heavy enough to prevent the plant from tipping over.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Repotting Pothos Plants
How often should I repot my pothos plant?
Pothos plants should be repotted every two to three years, depending on their growth. However, they may eventually need repotting if the roots outgrow the pot.
What size pot should I use when repotting my pothos?
When repotting, choose a pot that is about one size larger than the current one. Avoid using a pot that is too large, as it can hold excess soil and lead to root rot.
How do I prepare the pothos plant for repotting?
Start by gently removing the plant from its current pot. Loosen and remove some of the old soil from the roots, and ensure the root ball is not too tight.
How much soil should I use when repotting a pothos?
The ideal ratio is two-thirds root mass to one-third soil. This helps prevent root rot by avoiding too much wet soil around the roots.
What type of soil should I use for repotting pothos?
Use a well-draining soil mix like Pro-Mix BX, along with additives like pumice and houseplant food to provide nutrients.
How should I position the roots when repotting?
Make sure all the roots are tucked in before adding soil. Ensure there are no air pockets around the roots, and press the soil firmly to avoid gaps.
When should I water the pothos after repotting?
Water the plant thoroughly right after repotting. Then, water again when the top inch of soil has dried out, which may take a week or two.
Why is it important to use a heavy pot for pothos?
Pothos plants can become top-heavy, especially as they grow. Using a heavy pot helps prevent the plant from tipping over, which can damage it.
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Green Gourmet Houseplant Food: https://bit.ly/38owIIl
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