Root Mass Matters when Repotting Houseplants (Part 1)/The 1/3-2/3 combo

Discover how the root mass of the plant dictates what size pot your plant should be in. It’s important that the roots fill up 2/3 of the pot. You don’t want too much wet soil and too little roots in the pot, as this can lead to root rot. See a plant potted into the correct size pot according to the size of the root mass.

Welcome to healthyhouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. Today’s video is sponsored by our Amazon affiliate link, which you’ll see in the description below, along with links to videos mentioned in this content.

Today, I’m going to talk about why it’s generally a good idea to repot houseplants once you bring them home. While you don’t necessarily have to do it right away, repotting within two to four months can greatly benefit your plants.

There are several reasons why repotting is important. First, growers often use pots that are too large for the plants to increase their selling price. This can lead to root rot if not addressed. Another reason is that nursery plants may have been sitting in the same soil for too long, resulting in compacted or depleted soil.

Growers often use chemical fertilizers and growth hormones, which act like steroids for plants. While this makes the plants look good in the store, it can lead to problems once you bring them home. The plants become dependent on these chemicals, and when they don’t receive them, they may start to decline rapidly.

To address these issues, repot your plants using a high-quality organic potting soil like Pro-Mix BX. Use organic fertilizers, such as my Green Gourmet House Plant Food, which contains natural growth hormones like alfalfa meal. This helps transition the plants from chemical “steroids” to a natural, healthy diet.

Good drainage is crucial, so make sure your new potting mix allows for proper water flow. Many quality soils also contain beneficial additives like mycorrhizal fungi, which help plants absorb more nutrients and water.

When repotting, aim for a two-thirds plant to one-third pot ratio. This ensures the plant has enough room to grow without being overwhelmed by excess soil. Add worm castings to your soil for additional micronutrients and benefits.

Remember, as an indoor gardener, you are creating the entire environment for your plants. The healthier the soil, the better off your plants will be. While you can wait a little while to repot, don’t wait too long, especially if the plant is in the wrong size pot or sitting too low in its current container.

By switching to an organic regimen and repotting properly, you’re setting your houseplants up for success. They’ll likely grow faster and more beautifully than they would have otherwise.

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