Repot or Not? Knowing When to Leave Your Plants Be

Winter in India is a beautiful time! The weather is pleasant, not too hot and not too cold. But what about our plants? Should we repot them, give them new homes when it’s chilly?

The answer is… maybe! Ideally, it’s best to wait until spring or early summer when plants are actively growing. But sometimes, we have to repot in winter. Let’s explore when repotting in winter is necessary.

Think of it this way: Spring and summer are playtime for plants, a time of growth and energy. Winter is like naptime. You wouldn't want to be woken up during your nap to be moved, right?

Plant SOS: When Repotting is a Must!

Sometimes, our plants send us signals that they urgently need a new home! Let’s learn how to recognise these signs.

Imagine your roots are like your legs. If you’re squeezed into a tiny space, your legs feel cramped! That’s what happens to plants that are “root-bound.” Here’s how to tell if your plant is feeling cramped:

• Roots are poking out of the bottom: Look at the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Are the roots escaping and wrapping around? This is a clear sign of a root-bound plant.
• Stunted growth: Is your plant failing to grow larger? Is its growth noticeably slow?
• Fast-draining water: Does water rush straight through the pot when you water? This can indicate root-bound conditions.
• Constant thirst: Does your plant look droopy and thirsty even after you water it regularly?
• Deformed pot: Has the pot become bumpy, cracked, or misshapen? The roots are likely putting too much pressure on the container.

Detective Time: Checking the Roots

Gently remove the plant from its pot. If the roots are densely tangled like a mass of spaghetti, your plant is definitely root-bound. Be careful not to pull the plant by its stem.

Winter Repotting: When It’s Okay

Generally, winter repotting isn't recommended. However, there are exceptions!

• Root Rot Rescue: If your plant has mushy, brown, and foul-smelling roots (called root rot), you must repot it immediately! It’s an emergency situation for your plant.
• New Plant Acclimation: Did you recently purchase a new plant from a large store? These plants are often planted in overly wet soil. Repotting them into a well-draining mix can be beneficial for their health and prevent root rot.
• Flowering Plant Consideration: If your plant is currently blooming, ideally, wait until it finishes flowering before repotting. Moving a flowering plant can cause it to drop its blooms.

Repotting in the Cold: How to Minimise Stress for Your Plant

Even if you have to repot in winter, you can take steps to reduce stress on your plant.

• Slightly Larger Size: Choose a new pot that’s only slightly larger than the old one. A pot that’s too big can retain too much water and lead to problems.
• Gentle Care:
  • Careful watering: Avoid overwatering your plant.
  • Warm environment: Place it in a bright, sunny location away from cold drafts.
  • Delayed fertilisation: Wait until spring to begin fertilising.
  • Observation: Monitor your plant for any signs of stress or decline.

Top Dressing: A Winter Soil Refresh

If your plant isn’t severely root-bound but the soil appears depleted, consider “top dressing” instead of repotting. This provides essential nutrients without the shock of a full repot.

How to Top Dress: A Simple Soil Refresh

Remove the top inch or two of soil and replace it with fresh, new potting mix.

Questions Time!

• Repotting a Monstera in November? It’s generally best to wait unless there's a significant issue like root rot.
• Plant is root-bound in Winter? If not too severe, top dressing may suffice. If severely root-bound, repot with extra care.
• Will Repotting Stimulate Growth? It may provide a slight boost, but don’t expect substantial growth during the winter dormant period.

The End

Repotting in winter requires careful consideration of your plant's needs. When in doubt, waiting for spring is generally the best option.