First, understand that my entire world is my root system. As a Grevillea, I have extremely sensitive, fine roots that form a delicate but crucial partnership with specific soil fungi (mycorrhizae). This relationship is how I efficiently absorb water and nutrients. Rough handling or damaging these roots doesn't just cause physical injury; it severs this partnership, leading to severe transplant shock. My roots are not thick and tough; they are often soft and easily broken. Your primary goal is to preserve this root ball and its microscopic allies with the utmost care.
You must choose the correct moment for this operation. My ideal time for repotting is during the milder months of early autumn or late spring. The intense heat of summer puts too much stress on me as I try to recover, and the cold of winter can cause my growth to stall, preventing new roots from forming. I should be repotted when I am actively growing but not flowering, as blooming consumes a massive amount of my energy. Repotting me while in flower diverts energy away from bloom production and root establishment, causing double the stress.
My new pot is crucial. It should only be one size larger than my current home; a pot that is too large will hold excess moisture around my roots, which I despise and which will lead to root rot. Excellent drainage is non-negotiable. Prepare a perfectly draining native plant or grevillea-specific potting mix. Do not use rich, water-retentive soils or fertilizers, as these will harm my roots. Before you even remove me from my current pot, have everything ready: the new pot with a layer of fresh soil, a clean, sharp knife, and tepid water. This minimizes the time my roots are exposed to air.
Water me lightly a day before the move to make the root ball more cohesive but not sodden. To remove me, tip the pot sideways and gently tap and squeeze the sides; never pull me out by my trunk. Once I am out, you must observe my root condition. If I am slightly root-bound, use your fingers to very gently tease out the outer roots. Do not aggressively rip or pull them apart. If my roots are heavily matted, you may need to make four, shallow (1-2 cm), vertical cuts around the root ball to encourage new outward growth. This is far preferable to brutal untangling.
Place me in the new pot at the same depth I was growing at before. Fill in around the root ball with your prepared soil mix, gently firming it to eliminate large air pockets, but do not compact it heavily. Water me in thoroughly with a seaweed-based solution; this is not a fertilizer but a root tonic that helps reduce stress and encourages new root growth. After watering, place me in a sheltered, semi-shaded location for one to two weeks. This protects me from wind and harsh sun while I begin the delicate work of re-establishing my roots into the new medium. Only after this recovery period should I be gradually moved back to my preferred full sun position.
