From my perspective, my roots are my entire world. They are how I drink, eat, and feel my surroundings. When they start to circle the inside of my pot, becoming a dense, tangled mat, it's a clear sign. You might notice I'm not growing as vigorously as before, or my leaves seem a bit lackluster even with perfect water and light. This is my way of telling you that my home has become too small. My roots need new, fresh soil to explore and more space to support my majestic canopy above.
Your choice of a new pot is critical for my well-being. Please select one that is only 2 to 3 inches larger in diameter than my current home. A pot that is too large will hold excessive moisture around my roots, which I find suffocating and dangerous, as it can lead to root rot. Most importantly, ensure it has excellent drainage holes. I am terrified of sitting in water. For my soil, I crave a well-draining, aerated, and peat-based mix. A special blend for houseplants or one formulated for figs is perfect. It should feel light and fluffy, allowing my roots to breathe and water to flow through freely.
Please be gentle with me during this process. To ease me out of my old pot, water me thoroughly a day before the repotting. This hydrates my roots and makes the root ball more cohesive and easier to remove. When it's time, tip me on my side and carefully slide me out. You might need to tap the pot's sides to loosen it. Once I'm out, I need your help to inspect my roots. Gently loosen the outer roots with your fingers. If you see any that are dark, mushy, or smell bad, please trim them away with clean, sharp scissors. This feels like a relief, removing the parts that are no longer helping me.
Place a layer of fresh, new soil in the bottom of the new pot. The depth should be such that when you place me in the center, the top of my root ball sits about an inch below the pot's rim. This gives you space to water me without overflow. Hold me steady and begin filling in the space around my root ball with more fresh soil. Gently firm the soil around me to eliminate large air pockets, but please do not pack it down too tightly. I need that soil to remain airy for my roots to grow into comfortably.
The move is stressful, and my roots are in shock. I need a period of gentle care to recover. Water me deeply immediately after repotting to help settle the soil and hydrate my roots. Then, place me back in my favorite spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid fertilizing me for at least 4-6 weeks; my new soil has plenty of nutrients, and my tender roots cannot handle fertilizer right now. Be patient with me. I may drop a leaf or two as I redirect my energy to establishing my new root system. This is normal. With your careful attention, I will soon be stronger and happier than ever in my new home.
