Hello! From my perspective, your attention is needed when you notice my roots are starting to circle the inside of my pot or, more urgently, are growing out of the drainage holes below. This is my way of saying I feel cramped and restricted. You might also see that I'm not growing as vigorously as before, or that the soil dries out incredibly fast after watering because there's more root than soil left. This isn't a sign of distress, but a natural request for more space to continue thriving under your care.
Please choose my new home wisely. A pot only 2-3 inches larger in diameter than my current one is perfect. Anything bigger risks the soil staying wet for too long around my outer roots, which I find very uncomfortable and can lead to root rot. Most importantly, the new pot must have excellent drainage holes! For my soil, I crave a mix that is well-aerated and drains quickly. A perfect blend for me would be a high-quality potting mix with some perlite and a handful of coarse sand mixed in. This gives my roots the perfect balance of moisture retention and the oxygen they need to breathe.
Please be gentle with me during this move. Water me lightly a day before the repotting; this makes the root ball more cohesive and easier to work with. To get me out, tip the pot on its side and carefully slide me out. You might need to gently tap the sides and bottom of the pot to encourage me to let go. Never pull me out by my stems, as this can damage my core. If I'm truly root-bound, you may need to carefully cut away the old pot. I trust you.
Once I'm out, you'll see the reality of my cramped conditions. Gently loosen the outer roots with your fingers. This isn't to untangle every single root, but to encourage them to grow outward into their new soil instead of continuing in a tight circle. If you see any roots that are dark brown, mushy, or smell bad, these are unhealthy and should be trimmed away with clean, sharp scissors. This feels like a relief to me, as it removes the parts that are no longer serving my growth.
Place a layer of fresh potting mix in the bottom of the new pot so that when I am placed on top, the base of my stems will sit about an inch below the rim of the pot. Center me in the pot and begin filling in around the sides with your prepared soil mix. Gently firm the soil as you go to eliminate large air pockets, but please do not pack it down too tightly—my roots need room to breathe! The final soil level should be the same as it was on my trunk in the old pot; burying my stems too deep can cause them to rot.
After I'm securely in place, give me a thorough, deep watering. This serves two vital purposes: it helps settle the new soil around my roots, and it eliminates any remaining air pockets. Ensure the water flows freely out of the drainage holes. After this, place me in a location with bright, indirect light. I may look a little droopy or shocked for a week or two as I focus my energy on establishing my new root system. Please be patient with me as I adjust; this is a big change, but one for which I am truly grateful.
