Indoor plants can be great, and to make the most of them, it is important to pot them properly. The container and soil you provide for your plant will be its home for a long time. Taking the time to do it right will insure that both you and the plant will be happy. It really isn't hard, but sometimes big plants can be difficult to handle. Potting can be a messy project and you may want to do it outdoors during the summer or put down some plastic to make the clean-up easier.

How do I know when a plant needs to be repotted? Plants can need repotting for their appearance or their health. Simply wanting to change the container is a legitimate reason to repot a plant. You may choose a
new pot for a plant to help it keep a balanced appearance. There are indicators that tell when your plants may need to be repotted to keep them healthy.

Can I tell if a plant needs repotting without removing it from the pot? The surest way is to take the plant out of the pot; if all you can see are roots and very little soil or if the roots are circling around the pot, repotting is needed. Without removing the pot you can look for the following signs: lots of roots growing through the drain holes and on the surface, water tends to run straight through the pot, the plant appears crowded and leaves are yellowing or the new growth seems stunted. If any of these signs are present, your plant probably needs repotting.

When I buy a new indoor plant, it is almost always in a plastic pot. Does this mean a plastic pot is best?  Plastic is usually the least expensive, holds moisture the longest and is the most lightweight container available for growing and moving plants around. That is why plastic pots are used when growing plants for resale, and it may also be why you want to use it

What are the pros and cons to clay pots? Clay pots are classic in style and provide excellent drainage and air circulation for the roots. They are also heavy enough to anchor top-heavy plants and are available in many styles and sizes. Because the  pots are porous, it is very difficult to over-water  plants. They are, however, heavy and breakable and are easily stained by fertilizers and minerals in the water.

Are ceramic pots any different from clay? Some of the most beautiful pots available are ceramic. Unlike clay, ceramic pots are often glazed and may cause water problems because they do not breathe. With proper watering, ceramic pots can be suitable.

What about wooden pots? Although wooden containers are not available in as many shapes and sizes, they work well for indoor plants.

Is the size of the pot important? The rule when potting a plant is to choose a container 2 inches larger than the root mass. Using a pot that is much bigger leads to over-watering.

Can I reuse a pot? Used containers can harbor diseases. If you want to reuse a pot, just make sure it is clean.  Scrub with a stiff brush and soap or send them through the dishwasher, if appropriate.

Can I use a pot without drainage? While this is possible, it is much more difficult to keep the plant properly watered. Unless you have lots of experience, stick with pots that have drainage holes.

Can potting soils really make that much difference? You should buy the best potting soil available. A high quality potting soil is formulated to hold enough water for the plant, but not stay too wet and at the same time stay porous for good air circulation to the roots. Exceloam is a good potting soil for most plants. There
are also soil-less mixtures available (made up primarily of peat, vermiculite and perlite) that are great for indoor plants because they are especially lightweight.

Do some plants need different types of soil? A few plants, such as African violets, cacti and succulents, will do best in a sandier mixture. Soils mixed to suit these plants are available, or you can purchase clean sand to mix into your potting soil.

How do I actually do the potting? The potting is easy once you have the materials you need together. Cover the drain hole in the new pot with a piece of pottery or something that will let the water through but not the soil. Add enough soil so the plant will sit at the same level at which it was growing and firm the soil. Continue filling with potting mix, firming it as you go. Water well when you have finished by standing the pot in a container of water until the surface is moist.

How can I get a plant out of a pot when it doesn't want to ease out? It is important to keep the root ball
intact and not to damage the crown of the plant by pulling. If a plant is reluctant to come out of its container, soak it and then run a knife between the roots and the pot. If all else fails, you may have to choose between breaking the pot and damaging the plant!

Should I trim any of the roots? You should always trim out any roots that have been damaged or look unhealthy. If the roots are circling the pot, you should trim enough to break that pattern. When the roots are almost a solid mass without soil, take a sharp knife and carefully trim some away from the bottom and sides to stimulate new growth.

Why do so many people put gravel at the bottom of the pots before planting? Gravel was used to help insure good drainage before the development of high quality potting soils. Now, unless you are planting in a container without drainage, it only adds weight.

Additional Bachman's Information
General Care for Indoor Plants
Moving Plants In and Out
Caring for Plants While You're Gone
Artificial Lights for Plants
Watering Basics for Indoor Plants

Recommended Products
Exceloam Potting Soil                   
Cactus and Other Specialty Soils
Quality Containers and Saucers
Trowels and Pruning Shears