How to Pot a Plant
While potting a plant may seem like a fairly straightforward task, there is actually a bit more to it than just putting the plant in a container and hoping it will grow. In fact, how you pot a plant can determine how well it grows or whether it lives or dies, so it is an important step to get right. Here are some tips on how to pot a plant that should give you the results that you want.
One of the most important parts of potting a plant is choosing the right potting soil. Most plants do well in regular potting soil, however there are several varieties of plants that require specialty soil in order to grow well.
You should take a minute to look up the particular type of plant you are potting to make sure that it does not require special potting soil. Once you know what type of soil to buy you can pick up a bag of potting soil for your plant either at a department store, home improvement store, garden center or nursery.
Start by filling the pot that you are moving the plant into about 1/3 full - or full enough that when you set the pot you are planting in it on top of the soil the base of the plant is about 1″ below the top rim of the pot. You don’t want to push the plant down into the soil in the pot, but rather just gently set it on the soil.
If when you remove the plant from its original container the roots have grown into the shape of the container you will need to break them apart a bit. You can do this with your fingers, or for larger plants cut down the root ball vertically in several places using a sharp knife.
Only do this if the roots have taken on the shape of the container - this is an indication that the plant has become root bound. Breaking apart the roots or cutting them will encourage the roots to being growing normally again and help your plant to thrive.
Set the plant on top of the soil that you added to the container. If you are potting more than one plant in the same container place the additional plants in the container as well.
Once everything is arranged how you would like it, add soil around the plant until the planter is full up to the original level of the soil at the base of the plant. Gently pat down the soil with your fingertips. Be sure not to compact the soil too tightly around the plants.
Once you are done putting the plant in its new pot you should give a good drink of water. Don’t flood it, but be sure the soil is adequately moisturized. If the potting soil settles too much after watering you can add a little more soil to bring it back up to the proper level.
Most plants will wilt and droop a bit directly after being potted since it is a bit of a shock to their system. They should start to regain their health and vigor within several days of being potted.
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