El poto (aureum), also known as potus, is one of the most appreciated indoor plants for its resistance, easy maintenance and its ornamental beautyHowever, as it grows, it requires repotting to maintain its vitality and continue healthy development. Repotting, replacing the soil, or even dividing the plant can make the difference between a pothos with lush, vibrant green leaves or one that's beginning to decline. In this article, you'll find everything you need to know to properly repot your pothos and care for it before, during, and after the process.
Why is it important to repot indoor plants like pothos?
Indoor plants, such as pothos, despite their resilience and adaptability, require certain essential periodic care to thrive. One of the most important is repotting, which has a direct impact on their growth. growth, disease resistance and longevityThere are mainly two reasons for transplanting a pothos:
- Lack of space for roots: Pothos roots grow and, sooner or later, take up all the available space inside the pot. When this happens, they can outgrow the drainage holes, and the plant may also lose stability and vigor. A pothos in these conditions will grow more slowly, have fewer new leaves, and may even stop developing.
- Substrate depletion: Over time, the soil in a pot loses nutrients and becomes compacted, making it difficult for the roots to breathe and retain moisture properly. This depletion can lead to visible nutritional deficiencies in the leaves (yellowing, premature drop) and increased susceptibility to diseases and pests.
While fertilizer can temporarily alleviate nutrient deficiencies, it cannot replace soil renewal. In addition, old soil compacts, reduces aeration, and can retain excess water, increasing the risk of root rot.
On the other hand, although transplanting can cause some stress to the plantIf done at the right time and in the right way, the pothos tolerates it very well. Others, instead of changing to a larger pot, choose to trim the roots slightly to keep the plant in the same container. This can work to control the size of the pothos, but it's essential to let the plant adapt during the first few years and avoid this method until the pothos is well established.
When is the best time to transplant a pothos?
Pothos transplantation should be done at the right time to minimize risks and promote rapid recovery. spring It's considered the ideal time, just when temperatures begin to rise and the risk of frost has completely disappeared. During this season, the pothos resumes active growth, allowing it to quickly recover from the stress of transplanting and adapt to the new substrate and root space.
Although pothos are generally grown indoors, where they are not directly exposed to low temperatures, it's always best to wait until the environment is warm, as cold weather slows the plant's recovery. However, if you notice serious symptoms in your pothos, such as roots protruding from the drainpipes, general decline, yellow leaves, or stunted growth, don't hesitate to repot it, even if it's not spring, as its well-being depends on it.
As reference, perform an annual transplant It is a recommended practice for young and fast-growing pothos, while for older specimens it may be enough every two years or when the substrate has clearly lost its properties.
Preparations before transplanting a pothos
Before proceeding with the transplant of your pothos, it's essential to prepare everything you need to ensure the process is efficient and safe for both you and the plant. Here's what you should have on hand:
- New pot: It should be slightly larger than the previous one. Ideally, it should be about 3 to 5 centimeters larger in diameter. Avoid pots that are too large, as the pothos will grow less in the aerial part, dedicating its energy to expanding its roots. In addition, excessively moist substrate can promote root rot.
- Suitable substrate: Pothos isn't demanding, but it does benefit from mixes that promote drainage and aeration. An ideal option is two parts peat mixed with one part fine sand. You can complement this with perlite, vermiculite, or a little compost. A quality all-purpose substrate is also suitable, but make sure it drains well.
- Drainage material: expanded clay balls, akadama or pieces of old pottery to place at the bottom of the pot to prevent waterlogging.
- Tools: a shovel and a small rake or even a knife to help separate the root mass from the previous container.
- Watering can with warm water to water after transplanting.
- Protective gloves and glasses to handle the soil and avoid direct contact with eyes and skin.
Always try to choose quality materials and substrates, as the health and vigor of the pothos after the change will largely depend on them.
Step by step: how to transplant a pothos correctly
The process of transplanting a pothos is not difficult if you follow the following steps carefully:
- Prepare the new pot: Place a layer of drainage material on the bottom (expanded clay, akadama, perlite, etc.) and cover with a small base of the substrate you have prepared.
- Remove the pothos from the old pot: Water the plant a few days beforehand so that the soil is slightly moist but not soaked, making it easier to remove. Hold the main stem firmly and, if necessary, tilt the pot or gently press on the sides to help loosen the root ball. If the plant is very compact, carefully use a spade or knife to separate the roots from the sides of the container.
- Remove old soil: Use your hands, a rake, or a stick to remove as much of the old soil as possible from the roots. Take this opportunity to inspect the root system; if you find brown, soft, or damaged roots, trim them with disinfected scissors.
- Place the pothos in the new pot: Place the root ball in the center, adjusting the height so that the crown of the plant (the point where the stems emerge) isn't buried in the soil. Fill the gaps with fresh soil, gently pressing down to eliminate air pockets but without compacting too much.
- Water generously: Do this immediately after planting. The water helps the substrate settle and the roots come into contact with the new soil. You can water in several small batches to avoid waterlogging.
- Resting place: Place the plant in a location where it receives indirect light and is protected from drafts for the first few days. Avoid direct sunlight for at least the first week, as the pothos may be somewhat sensitive while recovering from the transplant.
If you want your butt to become bushier, this is an excellent time to do so. multiply it by cuttingsSimply cut a few healthy stems with several nodes and plant them next to the main pot or in another pot, after letting them root in water for a few weeks.
How to transplant a vertical or tutored pothos
If you have a pothos trained vertically, either with a coconut fiber support or any other support, the transplanting process is practically the same as for hanging pothos, but with some nuances:
- If the stake is removable, remove it before removing the plant to make it easier to extract the root ball and handle the roots without damaging them.
- If you can't remove it, gently hold the stake and the base of the plant, taking care not to pull out the stems or separate the stake from the roots.
- Once transplanted, make sure to secure the stake again securely, lightly pressing the substrate so that the pothos is securely fastened and does not wobble.
- Water as usual and keep the pothos protected from sudden changes in light or temperature during the first week after transplanting.
What to do if your pothos is too big to transplant?
Sometimes the pothos has grown so large that it is difficult or impractical to move it to an even larger pot. In these cases, you can choose renew the surface substrate to provide fresh nutrients without a complete transplant. To do this:
- Use a small scraper or your hand to carefully remove the top layer of substrate (about five to seven centimeters deep), avoiding damaging the surface roots.
- Fill that space with new, nutrient-rich substrate, pressing lightly.
- Water gently after adding the soil to help it settle.
Another alternative is to perform a partial repotting, removing the root ball from the original pot, removing as much soil as possible, and slightly trimming the longest roots. However, this method is riskier and should only be done on healthy, well-acclimated plants.
Remember that, although pothos are hardy, larger specimens can be more sensitive to handling. Therefore, renewing the substrate every year or year and a half helps keep them healthy for longer.
Tips and post-transplant care for pothos
Transplanting the pothos is just the first step. These post-transplant care will help you recover and begin a new stage of vigorous growth:
- Light: Place the pothos in a bright location but away from direct sunlight, especially in the first few days after transplanting.
- Irrigation: After transplanting, moisten the substrate without overwatering it. Wait until the surface of the soil is dry before watering again. Overwatering during this period can damage the roots, which are still adapting.
- Temperature: Try to maintain a uniform temperature without drafts, which will facilitate the plant's recovery.
- Do not fertilize until after one month: Let the plant settle before adding liquid or granular fertilizers. The new substrate already contains enough nutrients.
- Monitor for the appearance of pests or diseases: Although uncommon, stressed plants may be more susceptible. Check leaves and stems frequently.
If you notice some leaves turning yellow or falling off shortly after transplanting, don't be alarmed: this is usually a normal reaction to the change. In no time, the pothos will sprout vigorously again.
Pothos multiplication by cuttings during transplantation
Take advantage of the moment of the transplant to Reproduce your pothos by cuttings, a simple method for obtaining new plants or making the original bushier. Simply cut stem sections of about 15-20 cm, ensuring each cutting has at least a couple of nodes. You can soak them in clean water until they develop roots and then plant them in a pot with light, well-draining soil. Another option is to plant them directly in the ground, keeping them moist until they take root.
This method is ideal for renewing old plants, sharing pothos with friends, or filling empty spaces in your home with more greenery.
Common mistakes when transplanting a pothos and how to avoid them
- Choosing a pot that is too large: can cause excess moisture and root rot.
- Over-compacting the substrate: It makes aeration difficult and can suffocate the roots.
- Place the plant in a sunny location after transplanting: may burn weakened leaves.
- Excessive watering after change: The roots need time to adapt to the new substrate.
- Transplant in the middle of winter or during periods of extreme heat: the butt becomes more stressed and takes longer to recover.
The pothos is one of the most generous and grateful indoor plants. With proper care and attention to its repotting and soil renewal needs, your pothos can live for many years, grow beautifully, and bring freshness and greenery to any room. Following these steps and recommendations ensures your pothos adapts quickly and continues to grow strongly and beautifully.