RE-POTTING

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 76, 26 September 1940, Page 21

RE-POTTING

All pot plants require re-potting at intervals, otherwise they become potbound, and starve.

Care must be taken not to over-pot, that is, do not transfer them to pots too. large, as under such circumstances the soil is liable to become sour. Use the next size larger when re-potting. No pot plants thrive if the drainage is not thorough. Small pots need only a piece of crock with a few of the smaller lumps from the compost. Larger pots should have several small crocks over the large piece which covers the hole, and a layer of dead leaves or moss over these. Another point to bear in mind is that the plants must not be put in too deeply.

Be sure the pots are clean before use. Wash them thoroughly and allow them to dry before putting in the soil. A dirty pot causes the roots and soil to adhere, and when the plant has to be tipped out damage to the roots results. »

When removing the plants from the old pots turn them upside down and tap the rim on the edge of the bench and, if the pot was clean when the plant was' potted, the whole should come away cleanly.

Plants which are pot-bound should have the roots loosened with a pointed stick before re-potting, otherwise they may fail to root with the new soil. The soil should always be made firm round the old ball of roots, using a piece of wood as a rammer for the lower soil. With small pots and for the top soil firming can be done by the pressure of the thumbs. Immediately after potting or re-potting the plants should be watered with a fine rose.

When potting up for the first time be careful, to work the roots into the pots without injury, working them round with a small stick. The soil should be fine and fairly dry. To work the soil in among the roots, carefully shake the plant up and down and give the bottom of the pot a sharp tap or two on the bench. It is important that the soil should be well worked in among the roots, and watering willhelp to do this if the soil is fine.