The correct method and precautions for repotting potted flowers
As flowers and plants gradually grow, the small pot is gradually filled with roots, so it becomes necessary to switch to a larger pot and add some potting soil so that the flowers can get enough nutrients. This is also called repotting. Generally, repotting should begin after 1-2 years. What precautions are there for repotting potted flowers? What precautions are there for repotting potted flowers?
1. Precautions for repotting potted flowers
1. When repotting, keep as much soil around the plant roots as possible and try to avoid bare-root repotting; this is because transplanting with soil is easier to survive than bare-root transplanting.
2. When repotting, if the original pot is a soft plastic pot (or a paper cup), it is recommended to cut it open, as doing so will not damage the plant roots.
3. Do not repot repeatedly in a short period. For ordinary plants, there should be at least half a year or even longer between two repottings; but for plants in the seedling stage, there are special circumstances. Depending on the growth of the seedling, once the seedling grows a size larger, it can be repotted. This can be done frequently.
4. The timing of repotting depends on the season. It is most suitable in spring and autumn; for some plants, winter is also suitable. But no matter what, never repot it during the high-temperature period of midsummer. If it encounters high temperatures after repotting, it will not only affect the recovery of the seedling but also make it die faster.
5. Repotting depends on the growth condition of the plant. It is most suitable during the plant's dormant period and early growth period. Repotting at these two stages has little effect on plant growth. It is least suitable during the plant's vigorous growth period, bud period, full flowering period, and fruiting period. Repotting at this time will at best affect growth and make it miss the growth period; or make a plant that should bloom miss the flowering period, and so on, causing very serious consequences. For plants that are in the seedling recovery period, do not repot either, because the roots have already been damaged. Repotting at this time will cause secondary damage and prolong the recovery period indefinitely (what should recover in a few days is forced to be delayed to more than ten days or longer). If the repotting season is unsuitable and it happens during midsummer, it may even die directly because of this.
2. Methods for repotting potted flowers
1. Knock off the rim
During the making of flower pots, the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot often has an upward rim. If this rim is not removed, it will affect drainage in the rainy season, so it should be knocked off when repotting.
2. Cut off old roots
When repotting, the root ball with soil that is turned out must have its outer layer of old roots cut off with sharp scissors, and the surface soil of the root system must also be loosened. Otherwise, the root system will curl around the pot wall without extending, making it susceptible to drought, waterlogging, and heat changes, and the plant will often develop poorly.
3. Firm the potting soil
After repotting with new soil, the potting soil must be firmed to prevent cavities from appearing in the potting soil after watering, which would affect the roots' absorption of water. Also, a watering rim must be left, and there must not be no place to stop the water because the potting soil is completely full.
4. Water thoroughly
First, the settling water must be watered thoroughly, and you must see water flowing out from the bottom of the pot. This is because there are gaps between the new soil and the old soil and the plant roots. Only by watering thoroughly can the new soil settle and fully combine with the plant roots, which is beneficial for the plant's absorption of water and nutrients. Second, after the first watering, wait half an hour and water once more. This allows the soil to settle completely and leave no gaps.
Third, after watering the settling water, place the plant in a cool place (not necessary in winter), avoid sunlight, and do not water again until the soil is dry. If the plant is always watered after new transplanting, it cannot breathe and is prone to root rot and death.
Fourth, the settling water must be watered, even if it is raining, because if the rain is light, it is difficult to make the soil settle, which will cause the top to be wet and the bottom to be dry, and the plant is very likely to die.