When you should not repot indoor flowers and how to do it properly

Indoor plants need to be repotted regularly. There are several reasons for this: depletion of soil in the pot, the need of a larger pot, fighting root diseases, and so on. In case of urgent need, you can repot plants at any time. It's better to miscalculate the season than to lose your green favorite. However, there are general rules for when it's best to repotting indoor plants.

OBOZREVATEL talks about the nuances of this process. Here are the key rules for when not to transplant plants.

During the flowering period

At this time, the plant is at the peak of its form and devotes all its efforts to maintaining the flowers. If you shake it out of the pot, deprive it of the usual soil on the roots, and move it, it will go into shock and may drop flowers. You'll have to wait a year for the next bloom.

During the dormant period

Transplanting during the dormant period will also not benefit the flowerpot. For most species, these are the fall and winter months. However, for poinsettia, for example, it is spring. Thus, pay attention. If your plant has stopped growing, leave it in the old pot and let it rest.

When the plant has gotten too big

If your flowerpot has become so large that you find it difficult to lift it, it is better not to repot it yourself. You can either injure yourself or break the plant. Wait for help or simply refresh the flowerpot by removing the top layer of soil and adding fresh soil.

When the plant is sick

There are diseases that require repotting, such as mold in the soil or some root diseases. However, these are not very common cases. As a rule, in order not to expose an already weakened flowerpot to additional shock, you should first treat it from pests and then repot it.

If you don't want the plant to grow

Constantly "relocating" a plant to a larger flowerpot will certainly make your green pet happy, but it will take away your living space. Therefore, if your flowerpot has reached the maximum desired size, simply refresh the soil in its pot from time to time. This way you will not put it under unnecessary stress and keep it in good condition.

Immediately after purchase

The plant you just brought home needs time to adapt and quarantine. In this case, it's best to keep it separated from the rest of the greenery for 2-3 weeks and make sure you didn't bring any pests with you. During this time, the flowerpot will acclimate to your home.

Things to remember

Whatever time you choose for repotting, remember a few basic rules:

• The plant will go through a shock period after transplanting anyway, so if it looks bad after moving to a new pot, don't rush to treat it or change its care dramatically. Just watch it for a while.
• Don't forget about drainage as it will allow the roots to breathe and protect them from waterlogging, which can be fatal in the period after repotting.
• Disinfect the pot before repotting the plant. The best way is to pour boiling water over it or hold it over water vapor. Do not treat the container with alcohol or other harsh chemicals. They will definitely not benefit the plant even in small quantities.

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