Welcome back to Houseplant UK's blog. Today, we're diving into one of the most essential aspects of houseplant care: compost and repotting. Not only does this guide offer practical steps on how to repot your indoor plants, but it also highlights the importance of using the right houseplant compost to keep your green friends healthy and thriving.
Recognising the Need for Repotting
One of the key skills in maintaining indoor plants is understanding when it's time for a pot change. If your plant's growth seems stunted, or you see roots poking out from the drainage hole, it's a clear sign that your plant has outgrown its current home. Repotting at this stage will provide your plant with fresh compost and more room to spread its roots.
Understanding Houseplant Compost Mixes
Different plants have different nutritional needs, and that's why choosing the right compost mix is vital. Let's take a look at some types of compost you might consider for your houseplants:
General-purpose compost: This is the most common type of compost and is suitable for a wide range of houseplants. It usually contains a balanced mix of nutrients that support overall plant health.
Peat-free compost: For the environmentally conscious plant owner, peat-free compost is a great alternative. This type of compost, often made from coir or wood fibres, is sustainable and provides a similar texture to traditional peat-based composts.
Orchid compost: Orchids require excellent drainage and aeration, which is why orchid compost is often made up of coarse bark and other non-organic materials.
Cacti and succulent compost: Cacti and succulents need a compost with exceptional drainage capabilities. This mix usually contains a higher ratio of sand or grit.
Plant Food, The Extra Boost Your Houseplants Need
Compost provides many of the nutrients your houseplants need, but plant food can offer that extra boost to promote growth and flowering. Here are a few types of plant food you may consider:Balanced plant food: A balanced plant food contains equal proportions of the primary macronutrients - nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This is an excellent all-around plant food for most houseplants.
High-nitrogen plant food: Nitrogen promotes leafy growth, so a high-nitrogen plant food is ideal for foliage plants like ferns or Monsteras.
High-phosphorus plant food: Phosphorus supports blooming and root development. Choose a high-phosphorus plant food for flowering plants or when you're repotting your houseplants.
Specialist plant food: Some plants have unique nutritional needs. For instance, orchids, cacti, and citrus plants will benefit from a specialist plant food designed specifically for them.
Step-by-Step Guide to Repotting
- Choose the right pot: It's important to select a pot that's slightly larger than the current one. Houseplant UK has a diverse selection of stylish plant pots available on our website. Don't forget to take advantage of our ongoing sale and save up to 40%!
- Prepare your compost: Moisten your houseplant compost before repotting. This allows it to absorb water more effectively, providing an optimal environment for the roots.
- Remove the plant: Carefully take the plant out of its current pot. You may need to tilt it sideways or gently tap the base to ease the roots out.
- Trim if necessary: If the roots are excessively long or look unhealthy, trim them slightly before moving your plant to its new home.
- Add compost and plant: Place some compost at the bottom of the new pot. Position your plant in the centre, ensuring it sits at the same depth as it did in its previous pot. Fill in the sides with more compost, pressing down gently to remove any air pockets.
- Water your plant: Once repotted, water your plant thoroughly. This helps the compost settle and provides immediate hydration for your plant.
Preventing Pests and Diseases
A healthy plant starts with good quality compost and the right plant food, but maintaining a pest and disease-free environment is equally important. Here are a few tips:Inspect your plants regularly: Pests often go unnoticed until they've caused visible damage. Regular inspection helps spot any potential issues early.
Isolate new plants: When you bring a new plant home, keep it separate from your other plants for a week or two. This will prevent any potential spread of pests or diseases.
Consider using insecticidal soap or neem oil: These are natural methods of pest control, safe for most houseplants.
Avoid overwatering: Overwatering is a common cause of root rot. Make sure you're following the watering guidelines for each specific plant.
Remember, a well-cared-for plant is a happy plant. With the right compost mix, plant food, and pest prevention methods, your indoor garden will thrive. If you have more specific needs, remember that Houseplant UK offers a wide range of products, tailored for every indoor plant enthusiast.
At Houseplant UK, we're passionate about helping you create the perfect indoor oasis. And it shows! We're proud to have shipped over 150,000 houseplants and earned an "Excellent" rating of 4.7 out of 5 from thousands of satisfied customers.
If you're looking for more than just compost and pots, explore our online store for a wide range of indoor plants, with up to 40% off on many items. There's never been a better time to enrich your indoor garden with Houseplant UK - your ultimate destination for houseplants online.
We hope this step-by-step guide proves helpful in your houseplant care journey. Stay tuned to our blog for more tips and advice on indoor gardening. Happy repotting!