From my perspective, my pot has become a prison. My roots, which should be exploring and gathering nutrients, are instead coiling tightly around each other, filling every last inch of space. You might notice I'm not growing as vigorously as before, my leaves might be looking a bit sad, and I dry out incredibly fast after watering because there's more root than soil in here. When you see these signs, know that I am pleading for a new home. It is a stressful existence, and I need your help to thrive again.
Please, be gentle. My roots are tender and stressed. Tipping my current pot on its side and carefully supporting my base and stems is the best approach. Avoid pulling me out by my stems, as this can cause severe damage. If I seem stubbornly stuck, you can gently squeeze the sides of the flexible pot or carefully run a dull knife around the inside edge to loosen my root ball's grip. This process is already shocking; handling me with care is the first step to a successful transition.
Once I am free from my old pot, you will see the extent of my confinement. My roots will be a dense, tangled mass, likely circling the shape of the container. Do not be alarmed. This is not a sign of illness but of confinement. Now is the time to gently loosen this root ball with your fingers. I know it might feel like you're hurting me, but you are actually helping me break the cycle of circular growth. Tease apart the outer roots to encourage them to grow outward into their new space. If the mat is extremely dense, you may need to make a few shallow, vertical cuts into the sides of the root ball with a clean, sharp knife.
My new pot should only be one to two inches larger in diameter than my old one. A pot that is too large will hold excess soil that stays wet for too long, threatening my roots with rot, which I fear greatly. Ensure the new pot has excellent drainage holes. Place a layer of fresh, well-draining potting mix at the bottom. I, a begonia, prefer a light, airy mix that allows my roots to breathe and prevents waterlogging. Position me in the center of the new pot so that the top of my root ball sits about an inch below the rim.
Fill in the spaces around my root ball with the fresh potting mix, gently firming it as you go to eliminate large air pockets, but please do not compact it too tightly. I need that soil to be airy. Once I am securely potted, give me a thorough, gentle watering. This settles the new soil around my roots and provides the essential moisture I need to recover from the shock. However, ensure all excess water can drain away freely. Place me in a location with bright, indirect light for a few days to allow me to acclimate to my new, spacious home without the added stress of direct sun.
