When to transplant healthy houseplants

The plants that we have at home require a series of care to be well, and this usually differs a bit from what we give to those that are always outside. And I say “usually” because, as far as the transplant is concerned, it is not like that.

It is very important to know when to change transplant houseplants Because otherwise, sooner than we think, his state of health is going to weaken.

When should indoor plants be repotted?

The first thing to be very clear about is that plants grown indoors are tropical, that is, very sensitive to cold. And not only that, but they grow when the weather is good, and stop with the drop in autumn temperatures. Transplanting is not natural for them, because there is no plant capable of digging up its roots from the soil of a certain area and reintroducing them in another place. When the seed germinates in nature, it stays there forever.

However, humans have learned to “domesticate” certain species, and keep them in pots. But also to transplant them from time to time because, if we didn’t, they would stop growing and their health, as I said, would weaken more and more. Now, when is it better to do it? What time of the year?

Well, Well, the ideal is to do it during the spring; It could be done at the beginning of summer at the latest, but I do not recommend it since in that season they are already growing at their normal rate, and if for whatever reason it suffered any damage during the transplant, even minimal, it would need a little more time. to overcome it and resume growth.

How do you know when the time has come to transplant them?

The fastest way to find out is simply picking up the plant in the pot and seeing if it has roots growing out of the pot.. But sometimes it happens that not one comes out, and instead you do need a larger container. How to know in this case?

It’s very easy too: with one hand you hold the pot, and with the other the base of the plant. And then you just have to pull this plant to the side, as if you were going to remove it from the container. Do it carefully: it is not a question of removing it from the pot at all, you just have to do it a little to see if the root ball (or soil pan) begins to break down or not.

If it didn’t, then you would have to repot it. Why? Because I would need it. And it is that when the plants are given the water they need, or even less, and the earth remains dry for a long time, it compacts and, consequently, the roots too.

Can diseased or flowering houseplants be transplanted?

It depends on the case. As usual, it is better not to take them out of the pot until they recover or until they finish floweringsince in those moments they are taking advantage of almost all their energy either in improving or in producing the flowers and trying to make them come to fruition.

Now, If, for example, we have one that has been watered too much and we want to recover it, then yes, we will have to remove it from the pot and wrap the ground bread with absorbent paper so that it absorbs moisture. Later, when said soil is dry, we will plant the plant in a new pot.

And just bought?

If you just bought indoor plants, I advise you to look to see if they need a larger pot by taking them by the base and pulling them outas I explained before in the point »How do I know that the time has come to transplant them?». Chances are they could use a change, but it’s better to make sure.

Anyway, do not transplant them if it is autumn or winter. It is preferable to wait until spring arrives so that they adapt well to their new home.

Likewise, You have to take into account that the pot must have holes at its base, and that the substrate must be spongy, light and of good quality.as the universal substratum of brands such as Westland o fertiberia.

If you need more information, this article may help you: