Repotting New Plants

Hi everyone,

I have a few plants here which came home from the supermarket recently.

I'd like to repot them into better containers. Should I be worried about doing that at this time of year?
They are indoor plants.

And, should I keep most of the soil that came with the plants, or discard as much as possible and use fresh soil? I'm tired of reading contradictory info, so thought I'd get some opinions here.

I always re-pot the plants I bring home no matter what time of the year because I need to check for bugs and sometimes they are so wet I'm afraid they will get root rot. :>)
Christine

In general I've been repotting most of mine as well.

Though, I think I may have compacted the soil too much, which several sources instructed me to do.

I've since used a long skewer stick and poked all through the soil to try to loosen it up a little, so hopefully the plants will be ok.

I do not repot immediately unless the plant is already root bound. As long as it is doing OK, not too wet, not getting knocked over, I do not mind leaving it in the original pot for a while.

Before long, though, if it is growing for me, it will be ready for a new pot.
I will not remove all the original soil, but will simply break down the edges and remove loose soil. Then I will use a good draining soil blend that is about half coarse compost and half sand. More sand for cactus and succulents. Other materials for specialty plants like epiphytes.

The time of year makes no difference. The plants are in a controlled environment, and are often tropical plants. This means they usually do not enter a dormancy like deciduous, temperate zone plants would. Most tropical plants are ready to grow year round as long as conditions are right.

I have worked in garden centers for about 25 years and, I have learned to tell people
NOT to transplant newly purchased plants. Just leave them in the pots they are in to
get used to their new surroundings. One stressor at a time....

What are other stressors?
Plants are grown in, say, Florida--then sleeved up in plastic or paper sleeves, then
spend a week crammed solid in a truck, and then finding themselves in some store
with a totally different environment. Another Stressor!

Now--someone comes along--buys the plant--and takes it to their house.
It may be heated too much and too dry. No natural humidity.
Or, if it is summer, it may be too cold. The AC on all day and night. Another stressor.

Besides--in GH's where plants are grown--they are constantly being fertilized.
It is in the water....SO--when you buy it--leave it alone! Do not feed it for a couple months.
If it looks a bit peaked or stressed--it is just trying to adjust to YOUR surroundings.
Allow time for the plant to do so.

Repotting a plant that you have just purchased is also a No-No. Same reasons.

IF you cannot stand looking at the ugly, black growers pot--then buy a pretty pot
and put the ugly pot in it so you don't have to look at it. Top dress with a bit of
Sphagnum Moss to hide the other pot--and you are set to go.

Makes sense???? it does to me! Gita

I agree with Diana_K and Gita…But I would also caution…Depending on the actual plant that you have…Often times, if it is blooming, it's best to wait until after the bloom period to repot.