How to Get a Large Plant out of a Pot

If you are anything like most gardeners and plant enthusiasts, you know the potential of a plant and how it can outgrow its pot in no time. Whether it is confined roots, waterlogging or just the general lack of space, your plant may be sending you a message that it is time to repot it in a larger container. But how exactly can you get a large plant out of a pot and minimize the risk of damaging it?

Tools You Will Need

You will need a few essential items to help you extract the plant from the pot with ease, and these include gloves or hand trowels to avoid injuring your hand, a water source, and most obviously, a larger pot for replanting. You may also need a garden hose if you have a stubborn plant that has tightly woven its roots through the pot holes.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 – Choose the Right Time to Repot

The ideal time to repot your plant is during the active growing season, which is spring or summer. This is because your plant will be in its prime growth stages and can quickly adapt to a new environment without harm. Avoid repotting during its dormant stage, a few weeks before its growth period begins or when it is about to flower as this could cause undue stress and harm the plant.

Step 2 – Water the Plant

Once you have chosen the right time to repot, the next step is to water the plant for about 24 hours before repotting it. Well-watered soil will make it easier to extract the plant without too much soil falling off. Water will also help to loosen the soil and free up the plant's roots with less resistance.

Step 3 – Remove the Plant from the Pot

Use your hands or hand trowel to loosen the soil around the edges of the pot. Once you have a considerable clearance space, slowly wiggle the pot by holding the base of the plant stem or trunk, and gently tug until it is extracted. Avoid pulling on the leaves or other delicate parts of the plant, as this could cause breakage or total damage to the plant.

Step 4 – Loosen the Roots if Necessary

Once the plant is out of the pot, inspect its root system. If the roots are tightly knotted or compacted, loosen them gently by using a garden hose to flush out the dirt, or use a garden knife to cut the roots just enough to free them up. Roots that are pruned back also encourage new growth and root formation.

Step 5 – Replant the Plant

Finally, place your plant in the larger pot and fill it up with fresh soil up to the root ball's top. Tamp the soil down gently to get rid of any air pockets and create a uniform surface. Water the plant thoroughly, and voila! Your plant is now set for a new phase in its growth cycle.

Conclusion

Getting a large plant out of a pot does not have to be rocket science. Following these simple steps, with a little care and attention, will help you repot your plants with optimum success while avoiding undue damage. Remember that each plant is unique, and the extent of the root system will determine how much care you need to give to prevent damage. But with proper care, your plant will continue to thrive and bring joy and beauty to your garden or home.