Potting indoor plants: A quick and simple guide

You've purchased that cute plant that you always wanted. She’s healthy, growing, and ready for her new home. How do you make sure you have given her the correct place to grow? For every plant lover, giving their plant babies the best of every aspect is obviously foremost. While learning watering, soil type, and light (which are all extremely important) it all begins from the very root: potting your plant correctly. 

Choosing the right pot size, ingredients for ample nutrition and the right way to go about it creates the foundation for your plant’s success. We've put together a quick set of guidelines from our experience and research as green thumbs. Wonder no more at the great mystery of your pot. Not that pot, the other pot.

How do I know when it's time to repot?

Potting a plant correctly is essential, but so is repotting at the right time. You may need to repot your plants every 12-18 months for two main reasons: proper space for the roots and enough nutrients in the soil. The exception to that rule, especially here in Arizona, is succulents and cactus.

Signs to look for:

• If you've received a plant as a gift, take a look at its drainage holes to see if it needs repotting. If you see roots peeking out, it's time to give it a new pot.

• If your plant is rising out of the ground. Root systems will slowly push the plant out of its pot as they run out of room.

• Has your soil levels dropped? Compressed and compacted soil starve the roots of oxygen reaching them.

• Top-heavy plants that fall over or fall over easily.

• Your plant has slowed down its growth or has stopped altogether.

Buying a New Plant?

When you buy a plant from a nursery online or in person, there are a few things to prepare for. Begin by remembering these critical notes when purchasing:

Be Mindful of the Soil.

If you're visiting a nursery, ask the staff about the soil that'll work best for the plant, and if online, email to see what type of soils they're using. Plants generally grow best in nutrient-rich and well-draining garden soil. While others, like succulents, love the cactus mix blend. Never ever ever ever ever use soil from the outdoors or your garden. Indoor plants have different needs and nutrient requirements. But also think of all the bugs you're bringing into your home.

Are there any fertilizers for new plants?

There is definitely is too much of a good thing with indoor plants, and over fertilizing a baby plant will never end well. We generally stick with a fertilizer that is low maintenance. Pot Shots is the one we recommend as our go-to for both little and big plants. Replace every for 6 months for an easy routine. We also recommend compost to blend with your soil for both new and established plants (more on that below).

One-Measurement-Fits-All

Let start with the basics: the pot size. Each plant is unique in its requirements, so the pot size you choose will differ according to:

The season: Your indoor plants grow the most in the spring, as it is coming out of the dormant period, and looking forward to longer days of bright sunlight. You'll want to plant in early spring to give enough time for the roots to grow into their new home, and you want to make sure it has ample space to do so.

Pot size based on size: Generally, we stick to the 3:6:12 rule when buying a pot. For smaller plants or seedlings, we use a 3-inch pot. The following 2 years, we use a 6-inch pot, and when the plant has reached a size we are comfortable with, we move to a 12" pot. Bigger is not always better, and a small plant with a large pot looks about as awkward as you wearing pants 5 sizes too big.

Your Quick and Dirty Step-by-Step Guide:

Supplies:

• A planter/pot with a drainage hole

• Fresh potting mix

• Fertilizer

• Compost

• Your plant

Steps:

• Begin by removing the plant from its pot or nursery pot, and dust off the bottom gently. Some plants are stubborn, so I like to run a ruler or knife around the edges to release the soil.

• Check the roots when lifting out. If it's a young plant, you usually will see a root ball that needs loosening. If you're repotting a mature plant - make sure to loosen any twisted roots and preferably dust off an inch of the bottom soil. If there's some old soil in the bottom, that's fine. No need to toss it.

• Your soil mix should be around 1 parts compost to 5 parts soil. If your indoor soil does not have any perlite, you can add some to retain moisture.

• For smaller-sized plants, an inch-high layer of ground soil is good. Add 2 inches for a large plant with broader coverage.

• Create a bowl shape in the soil to place your plant

• Pack it nicely, but not firm. Remember, oxygen!

• Once placed, top it off and fill the sides with more soil until it's stable and straight.

• Leave an inch between the soil and the top of the pot.

If you're unable to get a pot with a drainage hole, you can add a layer of lava or river rocks as your first layer. The stones act as separators between the roots and the excess water, helping prevent root rot. Although we just recommend getting one with a drainage hole or drill some into the bottom. 

And voila, your plant is potted and ready to grow up some more!

It's wild to think that you're growing your own fresh air! If you have an air filter, you're changing the filter regularly. The same goes for our plant babies. Changing out the soil keeps your plant healthy, happy, and not brown. All of those are wins in our book! Interested in being the best plant parent in the entire world? Grab our comprehensive free guide to help you pick the best indoor plants for your home.  Click here to get your copy and be a part of the plant parent community.