When we talk about repotting plants in spring, the enthusiasm is to the stars: warmer sun, longer days and the desire to give new life to green at home or on the balcony. But be careful: not all plants like this treatment.
The temptation to take every vase and revolutionize it is strong: with the arrival of the summer, the idea of giving a “boost” of life to all plants seems almost natural. But be careful, because it’s not always a good move. Before acting with impulse, better to ask some simple but fundamental questions: Do you really need repotting? Is this the right time for this plant? Some species, if disturbed at the wrong time, risk big: loss of leaves, blocking of growth, even death.
A good starting point is observation. Do the roots come out abundantly from the holes of the pot? Does the soil appear dry, compact, or foul -smelling? Only in those cases it makes sense to intervene. In the absence of obvious signals, it is better to wait: the risk of doing more damage than benefits is real. And if you really decide to proceed, it is essential to know Which Plant occurs in front: some are more sensitive than others and require particular attention.
The orchids: never repot them in spring
In the world of house plants, the orchid occupy a special place. Beautiful, elegant and often capricious. Their radical system is quite particular: they are aerial roots that breathe, and do not like to be disturbed too often. Repotting them in the spring, just when they start to bloom, can stress them to the point of making them blocked for months. Sometimes, it is thought that a larger vase helps them to grow better. In reality, the orchid prefers restricted spaces, where the roots feel “embraced” by the container. In addition, the materials used for repotting must be specific: no universal land, but only bark, vegetable and spaniard.
Better to intervene only when the substrate is degraded, or if the roots are rotten. And never do it in the flowering period: you risk ruining everything on the most beautiful.
The fatty plants: calm and stability
The succulentor fatty plants, seem indestructible. But in reality they have a very delicate balance, especially in the roots. Repotting them in spring may seem like a good idea, but if it is not really necessary, it is better to avoid.
Here’s when non repotting succulents:
- If the plant has just left the winter rest period
- If he has just started growing (very delicate phase)
- If the current vase shows no visible problems
In addition, succulents hate excesses of water and radical trauma. Repotting them means altering their microenvoid, exposing them to a concrete risk of rot. We need a light touch, indeed very light. Only when the vase is broken, or the roots are too compressed, you can think of a gearbox. Otherwise, it is better to leave them quiet.
Carnivorous plants: repotting is a matter of chemistry
Last but not least, the carnivorous plants Like Dionaea, Sarracenia or Drosera. These small green traps have very specific needs, starting from the acid substrate and poor in nutrients. Repotting them in spring without knowing exactly their needs can be fatal.
There are those who believe that it is enough of generic peat or earth for green plants. Mistake. These species want sphagno peat not fertilizedquartz sand and rainwater or distilled. The simple contact with minerals present in tap water can also compromise the health of the plant.
The right time for repotting, for many carnivores, is the end of winter, before the vegetative recovery. Do it in late spring, with higher temperatures, can cause a thermal shock and slow down (or block) growth.
Better to know them thoroughly before acting. With them you cannot improvise.
Not all plants are ready for repotting in spring, and generalizing can be risky. Before acting, it is always worth observing, inquiring and wondering: Does this plant really need it now?
A small doubt can save an entire flowering.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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