Hello! From my perspective, your jasmine plant, I need to tell you something. My roots are feeling very cramped in this pot. They've filled all the available space, circling the inside and forming a tight ball. This makes it hard for me to drink water and absorb nutrients effectively. You might notice I'm not growing as vigorously as before, or that water runs straight through the pot without soaking in. This is my silent plea for a new, larger home. The best time to listen is in the early spring, just as I'm waking up for my main growth season.
Before we begin, please prepare my new residence. I need a new pot that is only one to two inches larger in diameter than my current one. A pot that is too big will hold excess soil that stays wet for too long, which my roots find suffocating and dangerous, as it can lead to rot. Most importantly, the new pot must have drainage holes! Next, I require a specific type of soil—a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. You can even add a handful of perlite or orchid bark to ensure it's airy and loose, perfect for my roots to explore.
On the day of the move, please be gentle. Water me lightly a few hours beforehand to reduce stress on my roots. To get me out, turn my current pot on its side and carefully slide me out. You might need to tap the pot's sides to encourage me to let go. Please do not pull me by my stems, as this can hurt me. Once I'm out, it's time for a root inspection. Using your fingers, gently loosen the outer roots. If they are densely matted, you can make a few vertical cuts into the root ball with a clean knife to encourage new outward growth.
Place a layer of fresh potting mix 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. Fill in the spaces around my roots with more fresh soil, gently firming it down to eliminate large air pockets. Please ensure you do not plant me deeper than I was before; burying my stem can cause it to rot. Leave a small space at the top for water.
My final request is for a thorough, gentle watering. This will help settle the new soil around my roots and eliminate any remaining air pockets. After this, place me in a location with bright, indirect light. I will be a little shocked from the move, so direct sun right now would be too intense. Hold off on fertilizing for at least a month to allow my roots to heal and adjust. With your careful help, I will soon settle in, and my gratitude will show through a fresh burst of healthy growth and fragrant blooms.
