This video explains the importance of watering houseplants before repotting. Why you want to water houseplants before repotting, and how long before repotting you should water houseplants.
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Hello and 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. You’ll also find links to any videos I mention in this video.
So today, I’m going to talk to you about why it’s a good idea to water a houseplant—and other plants, too—before repotting them. It is very important to do that, especially if the plant is pretty dry. The reason you want to do this is that when you repot a plant—this guy is going to be a really pretty plant that’s going to be repotted very soon here—it’s getting to the point of having more upper growth than can be sustained by the pot itself. But it still has a little bit of time, so I’m using this pretty plant as a model here.
What happens when you repot a plant is that it goes into shock—a mild shock. When a plant goes into mild shock, it shuts down its systems for the most part. That means it doesn’t take up water for a while or it takes up very little water. So, if the plant is in a drought state before you repot it and it’s going to stay in that drought state after you repot it, that is not a good state to be in to become established in a new pot. It could end up that the plant won’t make it, so you want the plant to be well hydrated. You want it to have some nice lukewarm or warm water; you want the leaves to be turgid and full of moisture so that it will be ready for its new journey into its new pot.
You will know that a plant has become established after repotting when it shows new growth—that’s a good sign for you. I do have a playlist on step-by-step repotting, so you can see the link below there.
As mentioned, the plant does need to be hydrated prior to repotting. The best scenario is if you can water the plant 24 hours in advance. Okay, that’s not always possible, right? You might think, “I wonder, am I ready to repot this plant? Today is my day off. I’m going to do it. Oh shoot, I forgot to water it last night or yesterday. Now what?”
Well, do water it! Water it at least an hour before you repot. If you can do something else for two, three, or four hours prior, that’s even better. The plant does take some time to cycle the water and absorb it, so watering right before isn’t ideal. It’s not impossible, but it’s better if you can give it two, three, or four hours—minimum of one hour—prior to repotting. Really, what you’re doing is giving the plant the best possible scenario for having a good repotting experience and then acclimating to its pot and starting to grow again as quickly as possible. This way, the plant becomes even more beautiful, has more foliage, and really does a good job of decorating your home.
So, that is why you want to water your plants prior to potting them up. Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave any comments about any indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video, and do check the bell if you’d like to be notified when new videos are released.
Frequently Asked Questions about Watering Houseplants Before Repotting
Why is it important to water a houseplant before repotting?
It is important to water a houseplant before repotting because it helps prevent shock. A well-hydrated plant is more likely to adapt to its new pot and continue growing effectively. If the plant is dry, it may not absorb water properly after repotting, which can lead to its decline.
How should I water my houseplant before repotting?
You should water your houseplant with lukewarm or warm water to ensure that the leaves become turgid and full of moisture. This prepares the plant for its new journey into the new pot.
When is the best time to water my plant before repotting?
The best scenario is to water your plant 24 hours in advance. If that is not possible, water it at least one hour before repotting. Ideally, if you can water it two to four hours prior, that would be even better, as the plant needs time to absorb the water.
What signs indicate that a plant has become established after repotting?
A good sign that a plant has become established after repotting is when it shows new growth. This indicates that the plant has acclimated to its new pot and is thriving.
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