From my roots outward, I feel the tightness. The once-loomy soil that cradled me is now a dense, cramped network. My roots circle the interior of my pot, with little room to stretch and seek new nutrients. I may stop putting out new, glossy leaves, or my growth may have slowed significantly. You might notice me needing water far more frequently, or even see my roots peeking out from the drainage holes below. This is my silent, persistent call for more space. I am not being difficult; I am simply ready to grow.
Please, be gentle. The day of the move is stressful. Water me thoroughly a day before; this helps keep my root ball intact and makes the transition less of a shock. When you tip me sideways, supporting my trunk, and slide me out, do so with care. You may need to tap the pot's sides to loosen my grip. Examine my roots. Healthy ones are firm and white or tan. Gently loosen the outer roots with your fingers. If they are severely pot-bound, you may need to make a few vertical cuts to encourage them to grow outward in their new home, but please avoid aggressive tearing.
The new pot you choose is crucial. It should be only 2-3 inches larger in diameter than my old one. A pot that is too large will hold excess moisture around my roots, leading to the dreaded rot that I fear so much. Ensure it has excellent drainage holes. The soil is my lifeblood; I require a very well-draining, aerated mix. A blend specifically for figs or a general potting soil amended with perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir is perfect. It mimics the loose, airy environment my roots crave to breathe and thrive.
Place a layer of fresh soil in the bottom of the new pot. Position me in the center so that the top of my root ball sits about an inch below the pot's rim. This allows space for watering. Hold me steady and begin filling in around the sides with your fresh soil mix. Gently firm the soil as you go to eliminate large air pockets, but do not pack it down tightly. I need those tiny air spaces for my roots to breathe and to allow water to flow through efficiently.
Once I am securely potted, give me a thorough, deep watering. Water slowly until you see it running freely from the drainage holes. This serves two vital purposes: it settles the new soil around my roots, making sure they have full contact with their new medium, and it helps to alleviate the transplant shock by hydrating me completely. After this, return me to my favorite spot with bright, indirect light. Hold off on fertilizing for at least 4-6 weeks; my new soil has plenty of nutrients, and my focus right now is on re-establishing my root system, not on pushing out new top growth.
