Pottery Unveiled: A Beginner's Guide To The Art Of How-Pot

How to Pot a Plant

Potting a plant is a simple process that can be done by anyone. It involves repotting a plant into a new container, either to change its soil or potting mix, or to give its roots more room to grow. The first step is to remove the plant from its current pot, which may require cutting the container if the plant is root-bound. Next, the root ball should be loosened and trimmed if necessary. The plant is then placed into its new pot and secured with fresh potting mix. Finally, the plant should be watered and monitored for a few weeks.

Picking the right size pot

Know Your Plant's Needs

The size of your plant is the primary factor in determining the size of the pot you need. A small plant will need a small pot, while a larger plant will need a bigger one. Make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system and allow for growth. Consider the growth rate of your plant as well. If it's a quick-growing plant, you may need to choose a larger pot to accommodate its future growth.

Understand the Impact of Pot Size on Watering Needs

The size of the pot will affect how frequently you need to water your plant. Smaller pots dry out more quickly, requiring more frequent watering. Larger pots hold water for longer and may lead to overwatering and root rot if not careful.

Consider Your Climate

The climate you live in will also influence the size of the pot you choose. In a hot, dry climate, a larger pot can help your plant retain moisture, while a cooler, wetter climate may only require a smaller pot.

Don't Forget Aesthetics

The size of the pot can also impact the overall look of your plant and living space. A plant that is too small for its pot may look out of place, while a plant that is too big for its pot may appear cramped. Choose a pot size that complements your décor and enhances the beauty of your plant.

Measure Like a Pro

When measuring the size of the pot, focus on its diameter, which is the distance across the widest part of the pot. If the pot is round, measure the diameter at its widest point. For square or rectangular pots, measure the length and width and use the average of these measurements as the diameter.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

Be mindful of not choosing a pot that is too small or too large for your plant. A pot that is too small can lead to cramped roots, stunted growth, and poor nutrient uptake. On the other hand, a pot that is too large can result in waterlogged soil and root rot due to excess water retention.

Repotting Tips

When repotting, choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one. If the plant is stuck in its old pot, gently tap the sides or use a knife to loosen the soil. Remove the plant carefully without damaging the roots. Add fresh, high-quality potting soil to the new pot, ensuring there is enough room for root growth.

Preparing the pot

Choosing the Right Pot:

Start by selecting an appropriate container for your plant. The size of the pot will depend on the type of plant you wish to pot. For a mixture of plants, choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide. Annuals typically require a soil depth of 8 inches, while grasses and shrubs may need two to three times that amount. Consider the placement of your pot as well; if you plan to place it on a deck or rooftop, opt for lightweight materials such as metal or composite. Additionally, ensure that your pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging the roots.

Aesthetics and Placement:

The colour and style of your pot can enhance the overall aesthetic of your plant. Muted, neutral colours emphasise the plants, while vivid colours draw attention to the pot itself. If you plan to create a grouping, an odd number of pots usually creates a more visually pleasing arrangement. Consider the placement of your pot in relation to its surroundings. For example, classical urns might look best on stone patios or flanking the front entry of a formal house, while clean-lined geometric shapes often complement modern settings.

It is essential to use a suitable potting mix for your plant. Ordinary garden soil can be too heavy and may introduce diseases, so opt for a bagged planting mix or a soilless mix. Potting soils contain sterilised soil and other ingredients, while soilless mixes consist of peat moss, peat substitutes, compost, and perlite or vermiculite to ensure better drainage. If using a soilless mix, be aware that they tend to dry out faster, but some plants, like succulents, prefer them. You can also create your own mix by combining five parts compost, one part builder's sand, one part vermiculite or perlite, and a quarter part dry organic fertilizer.

Filling the Pot:

Before filling the pot, assemble the plants you wish to pot, creating a well-balanced arrangement. Consider combining showy annuals with ornamental grasses or shrubs that change leaf colour in the fall. Include a mix of colours, textures, and foliage types. Once you have selected your plants, start planting in the centre or with the largest specimen and work outward. Fill the pot with soil, ensuring that the plants are covered with soil to the same level as they were in their original containers, typically 1 to 2 inches below the lip of the pot.

Final Steps:

Give your newly potted plants a thorough watering using a watering can or a soft-spray nozzle on a hose. Check the soil level and add more soil if needed. Regularly water your plants whenever the soil is dry 2 to 3 inches below the surface. With these steps, you will have successfully prepared the pot for healthy and happy plants!

Choosing the right potting mix

• Understand your plant's needs: Different plants have different requirements for their soil composition. Some common types of orchids include Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, and Dendrobium, each with unique characteristics and needs. Consider the specific requirements of your plants in terms of nutrients, water, and soil pH levels.
• Environmental factors: Take into account light, temperature, humidity, and air circulation when selecting a potting mix. Orchids, for example, require the right amount of light, with some species preferring bright, indirect light, while others tolerating direct sunlight.
• Root system requirements: Some plants have unique root systems that require special attention. Orchids, for instance, have aerial roots that grow above the soil surface. Choose a potting mix that allows for good air circulation around the roots and prevents waterlogging.
• Organic and inorganic materials: A good potting mix should consist of both organic and inorganic materials. Organic materials such as bark, coconut husk, sphagnum moss, or compost provide nutrients and help retain moisture. Inorganic materials like perlite, vermiculite, or charcoal improve drainage, prevent waterlogging, and ensure oxygen access for the roots.
• Water retention and drainage: Ensure the potting mix retains enough moisture to keep the roots hydrated while also allowing excess water to drain easily, preventing root rot. Consider using porous materials such as bark, perlite, or coconut husk chips to promote drainage and improve water retention.
• Plant-specific mixes: Certain plants, like orchids, succulents, and cacti, have specific potting mix requirements. Orchid potting mix, for instance, contains bark to improve drainage and airflow, while succulent and cactus mixes include sand for faster drainage.
• Fertilizer considerations: Potting mixes may include a "starter charge" of fertilizer, which is a minimal amount to support the initial growth stage. Alternatively, they may contain slow-release fertilizer, which lasts for a month or so. You will likely need to add additional fertilizer to the mix over time.
• Moisture-retaining treatments: Some potting mixes contain moisture-retaining gels or chemicals, reducing the need for frequent watering. However, be cautious not to overwater, especially in cooler temperatures, as the soil may stay moist for extended periods.
• Avoid common garden centre confusions: When buying potting mix from a garden centre, look for bags labelled "Soilless Potting Mix." Other options like garden soil, manure, and mulch are not suitable for containers and can cause issues such as root burn and poor drainage.
• Mix and match: If you need to switch between different types of potting soil, blend them together as much as possible to ensure your plants can grow through one mix into the other.

Removing the plant from its current planter

Repotting a plant can be a daunting task, but it is necessary when a plant has overgrown its current planter or needs fresh soil and nutrients. Here is a step-by-step guide to removing a plant from its current planter:

Prepare the Plant and Planter

Before you begin, gather your supplies: gloves (if needed), a new planter, fresh potting mix, lava rocks or similar material if your planter does not have a drainage hole, a watering can or sink faucet, and a potting tarp, newspaper, or easily cleanable surface. If your plant is root-bound (with roots growing in tight circles around the base), you may also need sharp scissors or pruning shears to trim the roots.

Remove the Plant from the Current Planter

Turn the plant on its side and hold it gently by the stems or leaves. Tap the bottom of the planter until the plant slides out. You may need to give it a few light tugs at the base of the stems to loosen it. Be careful not to damage the roots during this process.

Loosen and Prune the Roots

Once the plant is out of the planter, gently loosen the roots with your hands. If your plant is root-bound, carefully unbind the roots and trim them. Remove any thread-like roots that are extra long, leaving the thicker roots at the base of the foliage. Cutting back any dead, mushy, discoloured, or excessively long roots will help rid the plant of useless roots. Wipe the blades of your cutting tools with rubbing alcohol between cuts to avoid spreading bacteria to the roots.

Remove Old Potting Mix

Take out about one-third or more of the old potting mix surrounding the plant's roots. As the plant grows, it absorbs nutrients from the soil, so it will benefit from fresh potting mix or soil.

By following these steps, you will successfully remove your plant from its current planter, preparing it for a new home where it can continue to thrive and grow.

Adding the plant to its new pot

Now that you've chosen a new pot, it's time to add your plant to its new home. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Remove the plant from its current pot

Turn the plant on its side, hold it gently by the stems or leaves, and tap the bottom of the pot until the plant slides out. You might need to give it a bit of help with a couple of gentle tugs on the base of the stems. If the plant is in a plastic pot, you can gently squeeze the sides of the pot to help loosen the soil. You can also use a small shovel or a butter knife to help loosen the soil and slide the plant out.

Step 2: Loosen the roots

Gently massage the roots to loosen them from their coils. Start with the roots at the bottom of the plant and work your way up. You will probably lose a few roots as you work, but that's okay. Just don't aggressively pull or break off any roots. If your plant is root-bound, you can carefully unbind the roots and give them a trim.

Step 3: Place your plant into its new pot

Choose a new pot that is 1" to 2" larger than the current pot. Fill the bottom third of the new pot with fresh potting soil. Place the plant in the centre of the pot, making sure the base of the stem is about 1/4" to 1/2" below the top of the pot. Add more soil around the plant and gently pat it down to firm the plant into place. You can also lightly tap the bottom of the pot on a table or floor to help settle the soil.

Step 4: Water your plant

This final step is crucial. Newly transplanted plants need ample water right away to help relieve the stress of repotting and help the soil settle. Water your plant slowly and thoroughly, and let it soak in. Water again until the pot feels heavy and water runs out of the drainage holes. Let the pot sit in the saucer for about 30 minutes, then dump out any excess water.

Additional Tips:

• It's best to repot your plants during the growing season, from early spring through late summer.
• Make sure your new pot has drainage holes. If your new pot doesn't have drainage holes, you can add a layer of gravel, perlite, or Styrofoam at the bottom of the pot to help mitigate sitting water and root rot.
• If you're reusing a planter, make sure to give the interior a good rinse.
• If your plant has irritating sap or sharp spines, wear gloves to protect your hands.
• Avoid exposing your plant to direct sun for a few days to several weeks after repotting, as the plant will be more sensitive to sunlight during this time.

Frequently asked questions