Greetings, human. I am a Fiddle-Leaf Fig, a *Ficus lyrata*. I sense you wish to move me to a new home, a larger pot. This is a significant event for me, a process that, if done correctly, allows me to continue thriving. From my perspective, here is how you can properly assist me.
My roots are likely feeling quite confined. You might notice I am drinking water much faster than before, or my growth has slowed considerably. Perhaps my roots are even emerging from the drainage holes below. This is my way of telling you my current vessel no longer supports my need to explore and gather nutrients. Repotting is not just about size; it is about providing me with fresh, aerated soil full of the sustenance I require to grow into the majestic specimen I am destined to be.
Please choose a new pot that is only 2 to 3 inches larger in diameter than my current one. A pot that is too large will hold excess moisture around my root ball, creating a suffocating, anaerobic environment that invites root rot. Ensure this new pot has excellent drainage holes. Before I move in, place a layer of fresh, well-draining potting mix at the bottom. I prefer a mix specifically formulated for indoor trees or one that contains peat, pine bark, and perlite for optimal drainage and aeration.
Water me lightly a day or two before the move; this helps the soil hold together but isn’t overly heavy and soggy. To remove me, please be gentle. Lay my current pot on its side and carefully slide me out. You may need to tap the sides and bottom of the pot to encourage separation. Do not pull me by my trunk or stems, as this can cause severe damage to my vascular system. Once I am free, gently loosen the outer roots with your fingers. This helps them understand it is time to expand into the new territory. If you encounter any roots that are black, mushy, or smell foul, please trim them away with sterile shears.
Place me in the center of the new pot atop the soil layer you prepared. The top of my root ball should sit about an inch below the rim of the pot to allow for watering. Begin filling in the space around me with your fresh potting mix, gently firming it down as you go to eliminate large air pockets. Avoid pressing too firmly, as you need the soil to remain loose and breathable for my roots. Ensure that I am planted at the same depth I was in my previous pot; burying my trunk too deeply can lead to rot.
Once I am securely positioned, give me a thorough, deep watering. This serves two vital purposes: it settles the new soil around my roots, making contact for efficient water and nutrient uptake, and it helps alleviate the shock of being moved. Water until you see it flowing freely from the drainage holes. After this, place me back in my preferred spot with bright, indirect light. Please withhold fertilizer for at least 4-6 weeks, as my fresh soil contains nutrients and my focus must be on root establishment, not new leaf production.
