From my perspective, timing is everything. I am a Grevillea, a proud member of the Proteaceae family, and my roots are particularly sensitive. The absolute best time for you to consider repotting me is during my period of active growth, which is in the late winter to early spring. At this time, the soil is warming, and the sun's energy is increasing. This signals to my system that it's time to wake up and grow. Repotting me now gives my delicate, fine root system the entire growing season to establish itself in its new home, exploring fresh soil and anchoring me firmly before the energy demands of flowering or the potential stresses of extreme heat or cold arrive. It allows me to recover from the inevitable minor root disturbance with minimal fuss.
You must understand my roots to repot me correctly. Unlike many plants, I have very fine, hair-like roots that are incredibly efficient at nutrient uptake but are also fragile and easily damaged. More critically, I form a symbiotic relationship with specific mycorrhizal fungi in the soil. These fungi are my partners, extending my root system and helping me absorb nutrients, particularly phosphorus, which I am very sensitive to. Rough handling, breaking up the root ball aggressively, or stripping away all the old soil can severely damage these fungal connections and my delicate roots, sending me into shock and stunting my growth for a long time.
My new pot is my castle, and it must be chosen wisely. Please select one that is only one size larger than my current home. A pot that is too large will hold excessive moisture around my root zone, which is a death sentence for me as I am highly susceptible to root rot. Ensure it has excellent drainage holes. The soil you provide is paramount. I require a very sharp-draining, low-phosphorus, and slightly acidic mix. A native plant potting mix is ideal, or you can create a blend with coarse sand, fine gravel, and a low-phosphorus organic component like peat-free compost or finely chopped pine bark. This mix replicates my natural, well-drained Australian habitat and keeps my roots healthy and oxygenated.
When the day comes, please be gentle. Water me lightly a day beforehand to hydrate my roots and make the root ball easier to handle. Gently tip me out of my current pot. Do not pull on my stems. Instead of teasing out the roots, simply place my entire root ball, with its existing soil and fungal partners intact, into the center of the new pot, which has a layer of fresh soil already in place. Fill in the gaps around the sides with your prepared potting mix, tamping it down lightly to remove large air pockets. Do not bury my trunk deeper than it was before. Water me in thoroughly with a seaweed solution to help reduce transplant shock and encourage new root growth, but ensure all excess water can drain away freely.
