When it’s time to repot houseplants

Houseplants periodically require repotting to keep them healthy and growing, but few houseplants will need repotting more frequently than once a year, and most will only need repotting once every three to five years.

The use of some mineral soil in the potting helps reduce the need for frequent repotting. Houseplants will tell you when repotting is needed. When the plant begins drying out between waterings, repotting may be needed. Top-heavy plants that are prone to fall over, especially when they get dry, are in need of repotting. When plants start producing small leaves and almost no new growth, repotting is needed. If a salty crust is seen on the soil surface, repot and replace as much of the soil as possible.

Repotting almost always encourages new growth, so it is best to repot in late winter just as the natural light level is increasing and the plants are awakening from their winter doldrums. Most plants grow as large as their root system will allow. So, as a rule, the larger the pot, the larger the root mass and the larger the plant. But, keep in mind that large plants require a lot more room inside the home and are more difficult to move outside during the summer. Frequently, it is better to be a bit stingy when it comes to repotting plants. Keeping them a bit rootbound keeps them smaller and easier to manage. Pot size is usually increased incrementally; begin with small pots and gradually increase pot size as the plant grows.

When repotting, cut any circling roots you find. If dead, sloughing roots are present, be sure to remove these. Replace as much of the old soil as possible without overly disturbing the roots. When you replant, make sure the top of the root ball is at the same position as in the original pot. Don’t plant it deeper.

Success or failure with houseplants often comes down to your ability to water the plants correctly. The plants are completely at your mercy, and if they survive or die depends on the care you give them. Because water needs are immediate and ongoing, proper watering will be your first test. People seem about equally divided between those prone to over water or under water. The kind of plant, the time of year, the size of the plant, weather conditions, light levels, the amount of air movement, the relative humidity and a host of other large and small factors all influence water uptake. Your goal is to interpret these conditions and get it just right — neither over or under doing the job.

4-H information

There are several 4-H clubs for Garland County young people who are 5 to 19 years old. For more information on all the fun 4-H activities that are available, call Carol Ann McAfee at the Extension Office at 501-623-6841 or email her at cmcafee@uada.edu.

Master Gardener information

Master Gardener meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Elks Lodge. They’re open to the public and guests are welcome. For more information call Luke Duffle at 623-6841 or email him at lduffle@uada.edu.

EHC information

Are you interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For information about EHC, call Alison Crane at 501-623-6841 or email acrane@uada.edu.