Plant Care 101: How to Repot Your Tropical Houseplants

As spring approaches here in the U.K, it's officially repotting season for indoor plants. This is the perfect opportunity to give your houseplants a fresh boost in a new, spacious home.

Feeling unsure about where to begin? Don't worry! Our guide has you covered with expert advice at every step. Before we dive in, there are just a few important prerequisites before you get your hands dirty.

PS. If you're local to Sheffield, be sure to attend our free Repotting Party with Feels Like Home on 4th May 2024.

Selecting the Perfect Substrate Mix

At the heart of all healthy root and houseplant growth is the substrate. To ensure optimal growth and long-term health, it's crucial to provide your plants with the finest growing medium. Drawing from our extensive experience in commercial cultivation, we've meticulously crafted a range of premium substrate mixes tailored for home environments. Free from peat and packed with top-tier ingredients like Coco Husk, Pumice, and Lava Rock, our substrates guarantee your plants thrive.

Our most-loved houseplant substrates include, Simply Houseplant, Jungle Mix and Anthurium Premium Potting Mix.

Crafting Your Custom Substrate Recipe

For the adventurous grower or those with specific preferences, we offer a selection of premium soil components such as Perlite, Coco Coir, Sphagnum Moss and Orchid Bark. With the best ingredients at your fingertips, concocting custom substrates tailored to your plants' needs becomes a breeze.

Choosing the Right Pot

We highly recommend only going up 1 to 2 inches larger than the current pot size. This approach prevents the risk of root rot, especially crucial for tropical houseplants that are happier in a snug home.

Our top tip? Always opt for a clear nursery pot. These transparent pots give you a handy glimpse into the root system without causing disruption, allowing better monitoring of your plant's root health.

Our Guide to Repotting Your Rare Houseplants

1. Gently remove the plant from its current pot, tilting it sideways and tapping the bottom until it slides out.
2. While some prefer to loosen the roots, minimising disturbance can often help reduce shock when repotting
3. Prepare the new pot by adding fresh potting mix, leaving ample room for the plant.
4. For tall or climbing houseplants like the Philodendron 'Florida Ghost', consider installing a moss or Kratiste Pole for support and improved growth.
5. Position your plant in the new pot, ensuring the substrate is adequately firm yet airy and is evenly distributed all the way around the plant.
6. Water thoroughly, allowing excess water to freely drain out
7. Bonus: With our premium substrates, feeding is unnecessary for up to 6 weeks, thanks to their rich nutrient content.

Looking for a Soil Alternative? Try Hydroponic Gardening!

Growing tropical plants in LECA and Pon is becoming increasingly popular. We also stock the high-quality Lechuza range of self-watering pots and substrates, designed for helping to grow those tricky plants with ease. Stay tuned for our upcoming guide on hydroponic gardening.

If you have a question about repotting your houseplant, don't hesitate to reach out to us via social media or email.