From my perspective, my root system is my entire world. It is how I drink, eat, and anchor myself. I am a mature Daphne, which means my roots are extensive but also surprisingly delicate and sensitive to disturbance. I do not appreciate being manhandled. The shock of being removed from my familiar home can cause me to drop my buds, wilt my beautiful fragrant leaves, and in severe cases, I may even give up entirely. The goal of this process should be to minimize this shock as much as possible, treating my roots with the utmost care and respect.
Please do not attempt this in the peak of summer heat or during the depths of winter dormancy. The best time for this transition is in the early spring, just as I feel the first hints of warmer soil and begin to stir from my rest, but before I have committed my energy to a major flush of new growth. Alternatively, very early autumn, when the soil is still warm but the intense heat has passed, allows me to settle into my new home and establish some new roots before winter's chill arrives. Repotting me while I am in bloom is a sure way to make me abort my flowers—a truly tragic event for us both.
My new pot should only be one size larger than my current one. A pot that is too large will hold excessive moisture around my roots, which I find intolerable and will lead to root rot. Excellent drainage is non-negotiable. Please ensure the pot has ample drainage holes. My soil must be well-draining yet moisture-retentive—a delicate balance. A mix designed for azaleas or camellias, which is acidic and free-draining, is perfect for me. Do not use heavy, clay-based garden soil; it will suffocate me.
Water me thoroughly a day before the operation. This hydrates my cells and helps the soil hold together around my roots, forming a protective ball. When you tip me out, do so gently. Support the base of my main stem and tap the pot; do not pull me out by my trunk. You may see a dense network of roots encircling the soil. Instead of aggressively tearing them apart, use your fingers to gently loosen the outer layer and tease them outwards. This encourages them to grow into the new soil. If the roots are extremely pot-bound, a few light, vertical cuts with a clean, sharp knife down the sides of the root ball can help, but be conservative.
Place a layer of fresh soil in the bottom of the new pot. Position me so that the top of my root ball sits just slightly below the rim of the pot. Do not plant me deeper than I was before; burying my stem is a death sentence. Fill in around the sides with your prepared soil mix, gently firming it to eliminate large air pockets, but please do not compact it heavily. Water me deeply and slowly to settle the soil around my roots. This is a critical step. Place me back in a sheltered, partially shaded location for a few weeks to recover. Shield me from direct, hot sun and strong winds while I am vulnerable. Hold off on fertilizing for at least 4-6 weeks to allow my roots to heal without the risk of chemical burn.
