When should a garden plant be changed in a pot?

Garden plants grown in pots can be an attractive addition to your outdoor space; they add color and fragrance to your garden and help you make the most of limited space. However, to keep your potted plants looking their best and thriving, you need to ensure that they are repotted at the right time. In this article, we will look at the signs to watch for that indicate it is time to change the plant in a pot.

Stunted Growth

If you notice that your potted plant looks smaller than it was when you first purchased it, or its growth has significantly slowed down, it could be a sign that it has outgrown its current pot. The plant roots need room to grow, and if they are cramped in a small pot, they will struggle to access water and nutrients. To check if this is the problem, gently remove the plant from its pot and examine the roots. If they have grown in a circle, it is time to move the plant to a larger pot.

Roots Protruding from the Drainage Holes

Another indicator that it is time to change the plant in a pot is when you notice roots protruding from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This is a clear sign that the roots are growing and expanding but have run out of room to grow inside the pot. Once you see the roots growing out of the drainage holes, it is time to transfer the plant to a larger container.

Wilted or Yellowing Leaves

If your potted plant's leaves start to wilt or turn yellow, it could be a sign that the roots are not getting enough water, and the plant is becoming stressed. This can be a sign that the plant has outgrown its current pot, and the roots are struggling to access enough water and nutrients. To avoid further damage, it is best to move the plant to a larger pot before the situation becomes critical.

Soil is Always Dry

If you find that your plant's soil is constantly dry, it is time to check if it needs to be repotted. The soil can dry out quickly if the plant has outgrown its current pot, and the roots are struggling to access enough water. In this case, it is best to repot the plant in a larger container, giving the roots more room to spread out and absorb water efficiently.

Pot-Bound

If the plant has been in the same pot for a long time and is growing abundantly, it can become pot-bound, which means the roots have no more room to grow. In this case, the plant will stop growing, and its leaves and stems will wither, making it look unsightly. If you notice any signs of pot-bound growth, it is essential to transfer the plant to a larger pot to help it recover and start growing again.

In conclusion, keeping a potted plant healthy requires paying attention to its growth rate and watching for signs that it needs repotting. As a general rule, most plants should be repotted annually, while some can go several years between repotting. However, the signs mentioned above are the most telling indications that it is time to change the plant in a pot.