Dear Plant Pundit

It’s time to give my plant a little TLC. How do I know if it needs to be repotted or fertilized—and how do I do it?

—Feeling Soiled 

Dear Feeling Soiled,

The signs for each situation are different. To determine if a plant needs repotting, check underneath the pot to see if roots are peeping out and/or pop the plant out of its pot and examine the roots. Other clues include top-heavy plants that fall over easily, slowed growth, potting mix that dries out quickly, crusty white buildup of salts on the soil surface, and frequent wilting by the plant.

When selecting the new pot, go up just one size or a couple inches wider than the original pot. Repot with a potting media suited to your plant (ask your garden center which one you need). 

Gently loosen matted roots or rub them so the roots point out and can start growing away from the center of the root mass. It’s not a bad idea to Google whether your plant hates root disruption. If it does, don’t mess with them—just leave the soil level about half to one inch below the lip of the pot to make watering easier.Signs your plant needs fertilizer are an overall pale hue to the leaves, lack of vigor and roots, and slower than normal growth. Spots or lesions are usually a sign of a cultural problem or a disease—not a need for fertilizer. Fertilizing should be done spring through fall at full-strength and half-strength—or not at all in winter. Use one formulated for houseplants and use according to the label directions. Personally I like organic fertilizers.

Tina Mast is the communications director for Homewood Nursery & Garden Center in North Raleigh. When not gardening in her shady woodland, she spends her time taking lots of flower and kitty pics, practicing ukulele, or finding a new restaurant to check out.

Related Articles

Dear Plant Pundit Plant Pundit Dear Plant Pundit Dear Plant Pundit