How Do I Pot a Plant?

To pot a plant, you will need a slightly larger pot than the one the plant currently inhabits. You will also need new potting soil that is suited to the plant type. Once you have what you need, the process typically used for potting requires a specific watering schedule and careful removal of the plant, making sure not to damage the root ball.

A couple of days before you pot a plant it is a good idea to over-water the soil. This is considered important on two levels — not only does it help reduce the shock the plant may have from being moved, but it also helps loosen the surrounding soil, making it easier to mold to the new pot. You should water the plant until the surface dirt is completely wet and water is running out the bottom of the pot.

The next step typically taken before you pot a plant is to get the fresh soil ready to be put into the new pot. Pour the new soil into a large bowl, and then gradually add water, stirring the soil mixture each time water is added. When the mixture is just a bit drier than cake batter, you have probably added enough water. If you get the mixture too runny, just add more soil to the mix.

To pot a plant, you must first gently remove it from its current container. Turn the potted plant upside down and grasp it around the base of the stem. While holding upside down, gently tap the side of the pot against a hard surface. You may need to turn the pot as you tap, so the soil will loosen all the way around the sides of the container. Pull the loosened plant out of the pot by gently tugging until the entire plant is removed.

Once the plant is free of the old container, carefully examine the root ball. If you see any root damage or rot, cut that part of the root system away. Using your fingers, loosen the soil around the root ball, discarding about one-third of the old soil. Stand the plant up next to the new pot so you can measure the height of the root ball against the depth of the new pot.

Fill the new pot with the pre-moistened soil, using enough so that the plant stem is about an inch (2.5 cm) below the rim of the pot, then fill in around the root ball with new soil. You will need to tamp down the soil as you fill the sides, because the soil may settle and leave the root ball unprotected. When the root ball is completely covered, it is time to water the plant. After watering, put the newly potted plant in an area that receives only partial sun. It should stay in this location for a couple of weeks, after which you can move it to the desired permanent location.