From my perspective, a cramped pot is the primary signal that I need to be repotted. You might notice my roots circling the inside of the container or even growing out of the drainage holes. This is my root system's way of saying it has explored every inch of its current home and has nowhere left to go. When this happens, my growth above the soil will slow down or stop entirely, as I simply don't have the space to support more foliage. Furthermore, the old potting mix becomes exhausted of nutrients and loses its ability to drain water effectively, putting me at risk of root rot. Repotting gives me fresh, nutrient-rich soil and the room I need to thrive.
My internal clock is tuned to the seasons, and the best time for this transition is in the early spring, just as I am waking up from my winter rest and entering my active growth phase. This timing is crucial. It allows me to recover from the stress of being moved and to establish my roots in the new pot before the energy-intensive flowering season begins in the summer. Repotting me in the autumn or winter is possible but much more stressful, as my growth has slowed and I am less able to recover. If you've brought me indoors for the winter, aim for repotting before moving me back outside after the last frost.
Please handle me with care during this process. Begin by gently squeezing my current pot to loosen the root ball and carefully tilt me out. Do not pull me by my stems, as they can snap. Once I am out, it is time to inspect and gently tease apart my roots. If they are densely matted, you can make a few vertical cuts on the sides of the root ball with a clean knife to encourage new roots to grow outward into the fresh soil. Choose a new pot that is only one to two inches larger in diameter than my old one; a pot that is too large will hold excess moisture that my roots cannot absorb, leading to rot.
After placing me in the new pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix, water me thoroughly. This settles the soil around my roots and eliminates large air pockets. However, it is vital that you then place me in a sheltered location out of direct, harsh sunlight for about a week. This gives me a chance to overcome the transplant shock and focus my energy on root establishment without the added stress of intense heat. Resume your regular fertilizing routine about four to six weeks after repotting, as the new soil will already contain enough initial nutrients to support me.
