We’ve all been there – you’re browsing a garden centre or expert online gardening retailer and you come across a beautiful decorative planter you simply have to buy!
And when they’re huge and at a good price, then what could go wrong? You start picturing impressive roses rising from the pot, or dangling aromatic Daphne blooms peering across the sides – the possibilities feel endless.
Plus, you may feel like a nice big pot would be a welcome treat for one of the beauties already growing in your garden – however this could be a big mistake.
Unfortunately, bigger is not always better in the potting world, as you could see your previously healthy plant start to wilt and turn crispy in their new home.
Overpotting may seem like a bizarre concept, but picture it like this – your plant’s roots are enjoying a little party in their original pot. They love exploring the space they have, but then you suddenly throw them headfirst into a mansion-size pot. The compost you have to add to fix this extra potting room will stay wet for ages, cutting off the oxygen supply to your plant’s roots and potentially leading to rot.
Issues may not always arise, as some small plants will continue to thrive in larger pots, but there can be problems when growth isn’t strong, such as due to the time of year or the slow growth rate of a particular variety.
Spot The Signs!
When you initially repot your plant, it may appear to be completely fine. However, keep an eye on it for a few weeks and months and you may see some red flags emerge.
Yellowing, browning, and dropping leaves are all clear signs, as well as stunted growth, or a permanent wet feel to the surface potting mix – it’s time to take action!
How to Avoid Overpotting and Heal Those Damaged Plants
With many things in life, they say the best cure is prevention, and this is just as accurate when it comes to overpotting. Now you are aware of the issues this can cause, hopefully you will be conscious of overpotting in the future.
Always keep in mind how big a plant’s existing pot is when looking to purchase a new container for it. Avoid moving a plant into a pot that is more than 5cm larger in diameter than its current one.
If you want that big, snazzy pot, then work your way up to it. Either buy a larger, more established plant or continue to repot your current plant every couple of years until you reach the desired size.
Fallen victim to overpotting symptoms? Move the plant into a smaller, more appropriately sized pot. Only water it when the mix is dry to touch, and give it a small dosage of general-use liquid fertiliser to perk it up.
