Top Reasons for Repotting New Houseplants

Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. If you’d like to support our show, please use our Amazon affiliate link below. Today, I’m going to be talking about why you want to repot houseplants soon after you get them, or as soon after you get them as possible. I’ll also be repotting this beautiful Monstera deliciosa, which has appeared in a couple of videos before, and you can find the links below for those as well.

This plant looks nice and healthy, so you might wonder why you need to repot it if it’s doing well. There are a variety of reasons for repotting. One reason is that the plant was most likely grown chemically, and there may still be some chemical fertilizer in the soil that is sustaining it. However, this will eventually run out, and the plant may start to decline. You may not realize that, and if you don’t fertilize the plant enough, it could go downhill.

Another reason to repot is to get the plant out of the current soil because you don’t know what’s in it. It’s better to get the plant into an organic soil. I’ll provide a link below for some organic soils that I like. Today, I’ll be using Pro-Mix to repot this plant.

Additionally, the plant might be in the wrong size pot. I have a Fiddle Leaf Fig that I’m in the process of reviving because it was sold in a pot that was too big for it. Growers sometimes put plants into larger pots than necessary because they sell by pot size—the bigger the pot, the more money they get for the plant. However, this can harm the plant, as it might develop root rot if the pot is too big. We managed to save the Fiddle Leaf Fig from this issue.

This Monstera deliciosa is not in the wrong size pot, but I want to get it into organic soil and start treating it with an organic diet, including my Green Gourmet Houseplant Food, which has many great organic ingredients. I also want to ensure that the plant is draining well, so I’ll be adding some pumice from my pumice product. If you have perlite, that works too. Good drainage is essential, so using the right soil is important.

Another reason to repot is that you have more control over the soil and what’s in it. A lot of growers use ground-up bark or barky soil, which can dry out quickly because it doesn’t retain moisture. If your plant is in such soil, it’s better to get it into a well-draining soil mix. You also get to inspect the roots when you repot. Sometimes, growers use root rot inhibitors that wear off over time, leading to root rot later on. Repotting allows you to check for potential issues and address them before they worsen.

Now that I’ve explained why repotting is important, let’s move on to the actual repotting process. I’m repotting this Monstera into a new pot that’s a perfect size for it. The pot has a drainage hole, which is essential for preventing root rot. I’m using drywall tape as a screen to prevent soil from escaping through the drainage hole. You can also use screens made specifically for this purpose.

I’m using Pro-Mix BX, which I’ve pre-moistened. It’s important to pre-moisten the soil because dry soil can cause the plant to sink in the pot, resulting in an incorrect planting level. I’ll also be adding some Green Gourmet Houseplant Food and some worm compost, which adds valuable micronutrients for heavy feeders like Monstera.

I’ve filled the pot with a couple of inches of soil, ensuring that the plant sits at the correct height. When repotting, it’s crucial to keep the two-thirds plant to one-third pot ratio. I’ve also broken up the roots a bit to encourage new growth into the fresh soil.

The roots of this Monstera are healthy—firm and white, with no signs of root rot. After repotting, it’s important to water the plant thoroughly to help it settle into its new pot. You shouldn’t water again until the soil approaches dryness, with the top inch of soil drying out before you water again.

That’s it for today’s tutorial on why repotting is crucial soon after bringing a plant home. As you can see, the plant looks great in its new pot, which is much more attractive than the original. 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. Don’t forget to click the bell if you’d like to be notified when new videos are released.

Why Repot Houseplants Soon After Purchase?

Why is it important to repot houseplants soon after purchase?

Repotting houseplants soon after purchase is crucial because most plants are grown with chemical fertilizers, which eventually run out. Repotting ensures the plant transitions to a more sustainable, organic soil that promotes long-term health.

Can I use any soil when repotting?

It’s best to use organic soil when repotting. Many growers use soils that may contain unknown or potentially harmful components. Organic soil provides better control and healthier nutrients for your plant.

What is the importance of the pot size when repotting?

Using the correct pot size is essential. A pot that’s too big can lead to root rot, while a pot that’s too small may restrict growth. Repotting allows you to choose a properly sized pot for the plant’s current needs.

How does repotting help with drainage?

Repotting allows you to check if the pot has proper drainage. Good drainage prevents water from accumulating in the soil, which can lead to root rot. Adding materials like pumice or perlite helps with drainage.

What are the benefits of inspecting the roots during repotting?

When repotting, you can inspect the roots for any issues like root rot. Some plants may have been treated with root rot inhibitors that wear off over time, so checking the roots ensures early intervention if problems arise.

How should I prepare the soil for repotting?

Pre-moistening the soil before repotting is essential to avoid the plant sinking into the pot. This helps maintain the correct planting level and ensures the plant is positioned correctly.

How often should I water after repotting?

After repotting, thoroughly water the plant to help it settle. Wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again to avoid overwatering and potential root issues.

Patreon:   / healthyhouseplants  

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

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

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may earn commissions for purchases made through the links below.

Espoma organic houseplant food: https://amzn.to/40U51xe

Full-spectrum Light Bulb-Large: https://amzn.to/3yR6VBu