Houseplant transplantation is an inevitable procedure that florists have to do from time to time. Even those flowers that do not grow to large sizes need to be replanted for certain reasons. In order not to harm the plants, it is necessary to comply with the terms and rules of the transplant. Be sure to take into account the size, age, condition of the flower.
Reasons for Transplanting Indoor Plants
On the windowsill, plants have to exist in a limited amount of land. It is not surprising that after some time the flower becomes crowded, because its root system is constantly evolving. In this case, you can learn about the need for transplantation by the appearance of the roots from the holes for water drainage.
In addition, there are other reasons why a houseplant should be transplanted:
- the earth soured, got an unpleasant odor;
- the ceramic pot is broken and needs to be replaced;
- due to improper care, the roots are rotted;
- after the purchase of the flower, transportation soil has not yet been replaced with a nutrient substrate.
Most often, transplantation is carried out by the method of transshipment of an earthen coma. This is the most gentle way to protect the root system from damage. If the soil is acidified or the roots rot, a complete replacement of the earth will be required with simultaneous inspection and removal of the damaged areas.
How often and at what time?
It is best to transplant flowers before they leave their dormant state. During this period, the procedure will cause less stress on the plant than when it is in the stage of active vegetation. Flowering specimens, if necessary, transplanted after flowering.
In general, experts give such recommendations:
- young and fast-growing specimens are transplanted annually;
- adult flowers - once every 3 years;
- large-sized plants growing in large flowerpots or tubs - every 4–5 years.
For large specimens growing in large containers, partial replacement of the earth is allowed: only the topsoil with a thickness of 5-7 cm is replaced.
Traditionally, most plants are transplanted in the spring. If necessary, pruning and harvesting of cuttings for vegetative propagation are carried out simultaneously. Weak and crookedly growing shoots are cut off. Excessively elongated stems are shortened, due to this branching intensifies, the crown becomes thicker, the quality of flowering improves.
Autumn transplant is carried out as necessary. This is done if during the summer the roots of the flower have grown greatly or, on the contrary, have rotted. At the same time, a flower can be transplanted if the soil is excessively compacted or depleted.
Before proceeding with the transplant, it is recommended to look into the Lunar calendar. The fact is that the phases of the moon affect the vital activity of plants. You need to transplant the flower on auspicious days. Each plant is characterized by a constant movement of juices that circulate from the vegetative mass to the root system and vice versa. Transplantation is permissible during periods of the growing moon, when the liquid is in the upper part of the flower. At this time, the roots are not so sensitive to possible damage.
Houseplant Transplant Rules
Before transplanting, you need to purchase soil, materials for drainage, suitable flower pots. The new container should be 2-3 cm in diameter larger than the previous one.
Adult specimens of compact species (miniature violets and Kalanchoe, dwarf roses) can be transplanted into the same pot, simply replacing the depleted ground with fresh soil. If the roots of the flower are rotten and some of them are cut, the capacity should be smaller than the previous one.
As drainage, you can use:
- coarse sand;
- clay shards;
- charcoal;
- expanded clay;
- pebbles.
Flowers are watered 6-8 hours before transplanting to facilitate their "evacuation" from the pot. It is more convenient to carry out all work at a table covered with oilcloth or newspapers, this will facilitate subsequent cleaning.
When the flower is transplanted by transplantation, an earthen lump near the roots is preserved. The method is applied to young plants and those that are sensitive to damage to the root system. The flower is removed from the pot, holding the lower part of the stem, and rearranged in a new container, adding a layer of new soil over the drainage and on the sides. In the process of filling the pot with earth, you need to tap on its walls so that the soil lies denser.
Transplanting a plant with a complete replacement of the soil:
- Hold the flower in the pot with your hand and at the same time turn the pot over.
- Shake the container with the other hand, as a result, the root system leaves the container.
- The roots are freed from the ground and inspected.
- The found affected areas are cut to healthy tissue.
- Slices are powdered with charcoal powder.
- If a significant part of the root system is affected, the aerial part is also shortened to reduce the load on the roots.
- The pot is washed and rinsed with boiling water or a weak solution of potassium permanganate for disinfection.
- At the bottom, put the prepared drainage with a layer of about 3 cm.
- Fresh soil is poured onto the drainage layer with a knoll, then a flower is placed in the center of the pot, spreading its roots.
- The remaining volume is filled with soil, not reaching the edge of the pot 1.5–2 cm.
After transplanting, the plant is watered. The exception is cacti and other succulents, as well as plants that have rotten roots cut off, they are watered after a few days.
Any transplant is stressful for the plant, so for the first time it is better to remove the pot in a shaded place. The flower is returned to the windowsill after 4–5 days.
A transplant carried out according to all the rules will only benefit the indoor plant, giving it a boost for active growth. It is important to consider that the soil composition must be suitable for a particular flower. Purchased imported plant is transplanted immediately after acquisition with a complete replacement of the transportation soil.
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