How to Add More Soil to Potted Plants

If you love gardening and have a green thumb, then you must know the importance of soil in nurturing healthy plants. Potted plants, unlike those planted in the soil, have a limited amount of soil to grow and thrive. As the plants grow, their roots keep consuming the soil and eventually, you have to add more soil to the pot for their nourishment. In this article, we will guide you on how to add more soil to potted plants without harming their growth and health.

Choose the Right Soil

The first step in adding more soil to your potted plants is choosing the right soil mix for them. The soil mix you select should suit the type of plant you have and the pot it's growing in. For instance, if you want to grow cacti or succulents, then you should select well-draining soil with coarse sand, perlite, or vermiculite. Alternatively, if you want to grow vegetables, then choose a nutrient-rich soil mix with clay, sand, and organic matter.

Prepare the Pot

Before adding new soil to your potted plant, make sure you prepare the pot by removing the old soil that has lost its fertility, dried up or developed any mold or fungus. Turn the pot upside down and tap the bottom to loosen up the soil or use a scoop to take it out. Once the old soil is removed, clean the pot with water and let it dry naturally.

Add the Soil Mix

After selecting the right soil mix and preparing the pot, the next step is adding the new soil mix to the pot. Fill the pot with the new soil mix to about two-thirds of its height, leaving space at the top. Now, make a small hole in the center of the new soil mix where the plant will be placed.

Place the Plant in the Pot and Add Soil

The next step is to place the plant gently over the new soil mix you have added to the pot. The plant should be placed in the center of the pot and at the same level as it was planted previously. Now, add more soil mix around the plant, filling the pot to about an inch below the rim. Make sure to press the soil gently to avoid any air pockets that could affect the roots' growth.

Water the Plant

Once you've added new soil to the pot, it's time to water the plant. Water the plant thoroughly until the soil mix is moist but not waterlogged. Make sure to keep an eye on the plant's moisture level and water it regularly as required.

Conclusion

Adding more soil to potted plants is a simple and effective way to ensure their growth and health. The key is to choose the right soil mix based on your plant's needs, prepare the pot by removing the old soil, add the new soil mix, place the plant in the pot, add more soil, and water the plant. With these steps, you can keep your potted plants healthy and thriving for a long time.