I see many questions and confusion around the pot size for indoor and flower plants. I thought to cover whether it is a good idea to plant a small plant into a bigger pot or not. While some may think that planting a small plant in a larger pot saves time, energy, and resources, it may harm your plant. In this post, we will discuss why you should avoid planting your small plant in a bigger pot and when to repot your plant.
Soil Compaction and Pot Size:
Potting mixes usually comprise peat moss or composted bark, which tends to get compacted with time and block airflow. When there is not enough airflow, the plant roots will not be able to function properly, affecting the plant’s growth. Changing the soil when the roots outgrow the pot or once yearly is recommended to change the soil, add fresh soil and compost to provide more nutrients, recompact the soil, loosen up the soil, and provide more aeration and drainage for better functioning of the plant roots.
Risk of Developing Root Rot due to Pot Size:
A larger pot will have more soil in it, which can absorb more water than the plant needs, leading to wet soil. The roots sitting in wet soil for a long time can develop root rot, eventually killing your plant. The same goes for fertilization. The salt build-up in a larger pot will be more harmful to the plant roots because it can cause root burn and affect the functioning of the plant.
When to Repot Your Plant:
Repotting your plant is necessary when you see poor soil conditions or frequent watering, which drains away the essential nutrients from the soil. When the roots outgrow the pot and start coming out of the drainage holes, it’s time to repot your plant into a slightly bigger pot. Repotting doesn’t always mean upgrading the pot size; it also means downsizing. If you accidentally potted your plant in a very big pot and notice that the soil stays wet for a very long time or the plant growth is slow, you must repot your plant and downsize the pot.
Conclusion:
Planting your small plant into a bigger pot may seem like a good idea, but it can harm your plant in the long run. Instead, repot your plant into a pot two to three inches bigger than the previous pot to give the roots enough space to spread and absorb nutrients and water. Knowing when to repot your plant is essential to keep it healthy and happy. Remember to change the soil, add fresh compost, and recompact the soil to provide more aeration and drainage for the better functioning of the plant roots.
