How to Pot a Plant

Planting and caring for a new green friend can bring life to any room and improve your well-being and home décor. However, for those who are new to gardening, the process of potting a plant can be confusing and overwhelming. But don't worry, it's super easy (and fun). Our guide will guide you through how to pot a plant and provide tips to ensure your new plant thrives!

 

The first step in potting a plant is choosing the right container. The container should be large enough to accommodate the root system of the plant, with enough space for it to grow, but not too large that it will retain too much moisture and cause the roots to rot. It's also important to consider the material of the pot. Terra cotta pots are a popular option, but they can dry out quickly, so you may need to water more frequently. Plastic pots, on the other hand, retain moisture better, but they can get hot in direct sunlight, which can damage the roots. For indoor plants, our recommendation is to have a cache pot or decorative pot to cover your plastic pot that you get the garden centre/nursery.

 

 The next step is choosing the right soil. It's important to use a potting mix that is well-draining, yet retains enough moisture for the plant to thrive. You can purchase potting mix from your local garden centre or make your own mix by combining peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite in equal parts.

 

Before you start potting, it's important to prepare the container. This includes cleaning it, adding a layer of gravel or rocks at the bottom for drainage, and adding a layer of soil. Make sure the soil is level, and press it down firmly to eliminate air pockets.

 

Gently remove the plant from its current container by grasping it near the base and tipping it on its side. Tap the bottom of the container to loosen the root ball, and then gently pull the plant from the container. If the roots are tightly packed, you may need to gently massage the root ball to loosen them up.

 

Place the plant in the container, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. If the plant is too tall for the container, you can remove a few inches from the bottom of the stem to reduce its height. Fill the container with soil, making sure to firmly pack it around the root ball.

 

After you've finished potting the plant, it's important to water it thoroughly. This will help to settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets. Let the water drain out of the bottom of the container, and then empty the saucer under the pot to prevent the roots from sitting in water. Let the soil dry out between watering- if not, this can lead to root rot.

 

Once you've finished potting the plant, it's time to place it in a suitable location. Consider the light and temperature requirements of your specific plant, and place it in a location that meets those needs. Most plants prefer bright, indirect light, but some plants, such as succulents, can tolerate direct sunlight. A popular choice is the living room - check out our guide of how to arrange plants in the living room.