Top-Dressing-What it is and Why it’s Important

Find out what topdressing means and how it can help your houseplants. A quick explanation of this method of adding to plant soil. This method is useful when you aren’t able to repot or pot up a plant. 

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Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening and the great indoors. If you’d like to support our show, please use our Amazon affiliate link below.

Today, I have another houseplant term for you: the term is “top dress.” Top dressing refers to adding more soil or amendments onto the top of the soil in a pot. I have a video on how to do this and more about why to do this.

But, just very quickly, the reason you do this oftentimes is when you can’t repot the whole plant for some reason. It could be that the plant is too large to move, or it could be the wrong time of year. For example, if it is wintertime where you live, it might not be a good idea to repot until spring.

So instead, you add soil and/or amendments, such as worm compost and a little bit of fertilizer, onto the top of the soil. Generally, it will be soil and a very mild fertilizer amendment, like worm compost, that you would put on top.

So, that is what top dressing is. Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video. Also, please check the bell to be notified when new videos are released.

Frequently Asked Questions about Top Dressing for Houseplants

What is top dressing?

Top dressing is the process of adding soil or amendments, like worm compost or mild fertilizer, onto the top of the soil in a pot without repotting the plant.

Why would I use top dressing instead of repotting?

Top dressing is a useful alternative to repotting if the plant is too large to move or if it’s the wrong season for repotting, such as winter.

What amendments can I use for top dressing?

For top dressing, you can use soil and mild fertilizers, such as worm compost, which provide nutrients without overwhelming the plant.

Is top dressing suitable for all houseplants?

Yes, top dressing can be beneficial for most houseplants, especially when repotting isn’t practical. It provides essential nutrients without disturbing the roots.

When is the best time to top dress a plant?

Top dressing can be done at any time, but it is especially useful in winter when repotting might stress the plant. It’s an effective way to add nutrients during off-seasons.

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