Need advice on Repotting

11 years ago

This is a cutting I started back in February. I didn't expect it to grow so fast, but really happy it's so healthy. I use a moisture meter to check soil dryness each week and I can tell the plant has become very root bound. I have to water it twice a week with a good watering.

Since I have grown it indoors, it doesn't seem to want to go dormant. It even still has it's first leaf (bottom left) from back in March. It's still putting out new leaves like crazy. I feel I need to get it into a bigger pot, but not sure if it's going to be a problem with it still in strong growth.

Will it be okay to repot now, or should I wait till Spring? I'm not sure the plant will know the difference since it's growing conditions are pretty constant. Also, on a repot I was thinking I could just remove the root ball (intact with soil) from the pot and insert it a bigger one with more potting media and sand. Does that sound okay?

Alan

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Jetson15
Original Author

11 years ago

Success! It likes it's new bigger pot. Leaves are relaxing to a wider stance and it's starting to grow faster. I thought it would slow down now that winter is hear, but something I didn't expect has happened. Since all the trees outside have lost their leaves, my south window is getting way more light and the growing area stays bright and warm all day. Low 60s at night and close to 80 during the day. I think all my plants think it's spring all ready.

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Comments (6)

coryf
11 years ago
I am by no means an expert, but I have done a lot of research regarding repotting. I always keep the rootball intact when I repot, and that seems to work the best for me. I have read that when repotting it is necessary to prune the dead dried up roots close to what was the soil line about an inch. I think pruning the roots is done to encourage new growth and prevent rotting. Regarding when to repot, the consensus seems to be that the best time is when the plant is going into dormant stage. I just repotted one I bought because it was root bound in the plastic nursery pot it came in, I did not prune roots, and the plant seems extra happy. I think you are safe to repot keeping the rootball intact.
Loveplants2 8b Virginia Beach, Virginia
11 years ago
Alan,

If you are just " potting up" then I would think it would be fine as well if that is what you would like to do.... Like mentioned above, you aren't root pruning or damaging anything.. Potting up just means putting the whole rootball in a bigger container with more mix.. It should be fine and love it too!

Hope this helps!

Laura
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Jetson15
Original Author
11 years ago
Laura and Coryf. Thanks for the comments. Potting up is exactly what I want to do. It dries out in about three days after a good watering, so I know it needs a bigger pot. Off to Lowe's tomorrow to get started.

Thanks

Alan
Loveplants2 8b Virginia Beach, Virginia
11 years ago
Looks awesome!!!

Congratulations!!!!

You did a great job considering the time of the year. It is always best to wait until early spring, but I know you wanted to really do this and I will say that you handled it well. Great job!!!

Laura
lbinupland_zone_9
11 years ago
Nice looking plant, but I would have gone with a bigger pot. Agree that early spring is best time to pot up or repot, whatever you want to call it? And, trimming the rootball depends on how long it's been sitting in an undersized container. Fairly easy to tell. LB