instagram link patreon link youtube link

Best Low Light Houseplants

See the best low light houseplants for your indoor garden. These eye-catching houseplants thrive when the lighting isn’t bright. 

#healthyhouseplants #plantcare #repottingplants #indoorplants #houseplantcare #gardeningtips #planttips #planthealth #houseplanthelp #repotting

Welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com! Today, we’re going to talk about whether you should repot your houseplant.

Just because your houseplant has been in the same pot for many years doesn’t mean it’s time to repot. What you really want to look for are various signs indicating it’s time for a change.

One important thing to look for is the plant-to-pot ratio. Ideally, the ratio should be two-thirds plant and one-third pot. Once your plant starts to outgrow that ratio, as this plant has done, it’s time to repot. This plant is no longer two-thirds plant and one-third pot; it’s more like three-quarters plant and one-quarter pot, so it’s definitely time for a bigger container.

Another sign is roots coming out of the drainage hole. As you can see here, there are roots coming out, trying to find more soil and moisture. This is another strong indication that it’s time to repot.

If your plant starts to ail, that’s another reason to consider repotting. This plant, for example, was recently repotted and is now in a good two-thirds plant, one-third pot ratio. Since being repotted, it has really taken off, with new, healthier foliage that’s much shinier compared to the old, dried-out leaves. The old foliage is a clear sign that it was time for a new pot, and as you can see, the plant is doing much better now. In a few months, it will likely outgrow its pot again.

African violets also need to be repotted when the stem starts to come out of the soil. This one is a perfect example—it’s time for a new pot.

Another sign is when your plant’s soil dries out too quickly. For instance, this plant was watered earlier today, and it’s already dry again. That’s a strong indication that the plant needs more room and should be repotted.

You should also look out for salt marks on the soil surface. While salt marks don’t necessarily mean the plant needs a bigger pot, they do indicate a buildup of salts in the soil, which can cause salt burn and damage the roots. In this case, repotting in the same size pot with fresh soil might be necessary.

If you see roots coming out of the top of the plant, like this one, it’s another sign that repotting is needed. However, if you’re not quite ready to repot, you can add some soil on top as an interim solution, as soil levels naturally go down over time.

When choosing a new pot, remember the two-thirds plant to one-third pot ratio. This pot is probably the next size up for this plant, and it looks like a good fit. Choosing the right size pot is key to your plant’s health.

Thank you for watching! Please leave any comments about other indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. And don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Repotting Houseplants

How do I know if it’s time to repot my houseplant?

Just because your houseplant has been in the same pot for many years doesn’t mean it’s time to repot. Look for signs such as the plant-to-pot ratio being off, roots coming out of the drainage hole, or if the plant starts to ail.

What is the ideal plant-to-pot ratio?

The ideal ratio is two-thirds plant and one-third pot. Once the plant outgrows this ratio, it’s time to repot.

What does it mean if roots are coming out of the drainage hole?

If you see roots coming out of the drainage hole, the plant is trying to find more soil and moisture, which is a strong indication that it’s time to repot.

Can repotting improve the health of my plant?

Yes, repotting can help a struggling plant recover. Once repotted, plants often produce healthier, shinier foliage, as seen with this recently repotted plant example.

When should African violets be repotted?

African violets need repotting when their stems start to rise out of the soil. This is a sign that they need more space to grow.

What if the soil dries out too quickly after watering?

If your plant’s soil dries out quickly, even after watering, this is a sign that the plant needs more space and should be repotted.

What do salt marks on the soil indicate?

Salt marks on the soil surface indicate a buildup of salts, which can harm the plant. In such cases, repotting with fresh soil, possibly in the same pot size, is recommended.

What should I do if roots are coming out of the top of the plant?

If roots are showing at the top of the plant, it’s a sign to repot. As an interim solution, you can add soil to the top, as soil levels tend to lower over time.

How do I choose the right pot size for repotting?

Choose a pot that maintains the two-thirds plant to one-third pot ratio. Selecting the correct pot size is key to your plant’s health.

Patreon:   / healthyhouseplants  

One-time donation: https://ko-fi.com/healthyhouseplants

Sign up for my monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/g1PCSH