Find out what tamping means and why it’s important when you repot your houseplants. Tamping refers to pressing down soil firmly so that there are no air pockets in the soil, which can cause root dieback.
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Today, I have another installment of houseplant terminology, where I cover various houseplant horticultural terms so that you know what they mean when you read them or hear about them, especially when you’re watching a video that mentions those terms. Knowing these terms also makes you look pretty smart with other houseplant growers when you’re talking about your plants.
So, today’s term is “tamping.” What is tamping? If you read about tamping or hear about it, this refers to firming the top of the soil after you’re done repotting the plant. You do this for a variety of reasons. One reason is to ensure that you have put enough potting soil in the pot. When you tamp down, you will find that roots are still exposed sometimes if you haven’t added enough soil.
I have this plant here just to show you. When you tamp, what you want to do is press down gently but firmly. You want to get the soil nice and snug over the roots, but you don’t want to be beating down on it. Tamping is the final step when you are repotting.
As mentioned, when you tamp, you may find that you still have roots exposed. At that point, you would want to put more soil on top. Tamping also ensures that there are no air pockets within the soil. You may have noticed sometimes when you’re repotting that you’re pressing, and all of a sudden there is a big hole. That means that there was an air pocket there before you tamped, and you will want to put more soil on top to ensure that the area is filled in.
You do want some air exchange at the root zone, and I talk about that in another video. That can be accomplished by adding things like pumice, but you don’t want too big of air pockets down there, as the roots will dry out in those areas and may die back, which can lead to plant failure and even eventually root rot.
To tamp down, as mentioned, you can use your fingers. If it’s a bigger pot, you can use the palm of your hand, but generally, for smaller pots, you tamp down with your fingers. You want to make sure that the soil is nice and even around the whole rim, so you have about a quarter of an inch around the inside of the rim. This is important so that when you water the plant, the water doesn’t flow over the edges, which not only makes a mess but also means that you aren’t getting water to the root zone where you really want it.
Tamping down will also show you if you have the plant too deep in the pot. I have another video on that and why you don’t want to have the plant too deep in a pot; I will link that below as well.
When you’re done tamping, if you find that you’re about half an inch down, that is not good. This means you’ll need to bring the plant up a bit and add some more soil to ensure you have that quarter inch, but no more than half an inch, inside the rim.
So there you have it! Tamping is essentially pressing soil down after you’ve finished potting up a plant. It’s a good term to know.
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FAQ – How to Help Houseplants Survive Winter
Why is winter challenging for houseplants?
Most houseplants are tropical and originate from warm jungle floors. They are not accustomed to colder temperatures, so they can struggle when the environment cools down during winter.How can I keep my houseplants warm during winter?
Place your plants in warmer areas of your home and use a hygrometer to measure both temperature and humidity. Avoid placing them directly under vents, as this can dry out their leaves and cause stress.What temperature is ideal for tropical houseplants in winter?
Aim to keep tropical houseplants in the mid-60s to 70s°F. Avoid letting temperatures drop into the 50s, as this can stress plants, causing faded color or drooping.How often should I water my houseplants in winter?
Water sparingly in winter, as plants drink less during this time. Use a moisture meter and water when the meter reads around 4, which is approaching dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot in the cold, wet soil.Why should I use warm or tepid water for houseplants in winter?
Cold water can shock plants, causing root dieback, which may lead to root rot. Tepid or warm water keeps roots healthy and prevents leaf spotting diseases.Is fertilizing necessary for houseplants in winter?
No, avoid fertilizing during winter. Since plants grow slowly in winter, fertilizing can stress them. Wait until late winter or early spring to resume feeding.Should I repot houseplants in winter?
It’s best to avoid repotting in winter unless absolutely necessary, as it can shock the plant. Repotting is better suited for early spring when the plant is ready to grow again.Can cold windows harm houseplants in winter?
Yes, avoid placing houseplants close to cold windows. In their search for light, plants may press against cold glass, risking frostburn. Consider full-spectrum lighting to provide adequate indoor light.What is a plant heating mat, and how can it help in winter?
A plant heating mat, or seedling mat, provides warmth to the roots, which is especially beneficial during winter. This warmth can help plants stay healthy despite colder ambient temperatures.Patreon: 
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