Repotting plants

Like many of you, I received flowers and plants for Mother's Day. I got everything replanted and wanted to share a few tips for transferring plants to their new home. 

When repotting make sure to use a soil base that fits the plant you are transferring. For instance, if working with a plant that needs "well-drained" soil you need to add a medium that helps increase water drainage. I use hydro ton rocks for this. These are small balls, or rocks, of a special clay blend that gets a heated process. The result is that you have "rocks" that can't hold water so the drainage flow is increased but an added bonus is that your soil's pH balance isn't effected by the material. Check the plant's needs at websites such as BloomIQ.com 

This is a Portulaca sundial mix which calls for well-drained soil. I repotted it to this super cute boot with birds nest but before building my soil mix I drilled holes all in the bottom of the shoe. Pretty much any container can become a plant pot as long as you have water and ain't flow, hence the bottom holes. 

Soil can be compared to a good outfit. Your attire isn't made up of just one color; your soil should be a variety too. Another common soil type is fertile. Now, this just means that the plant needs food as well as water. The "food" could be in form of fertilizers/compost that are added to the soil or added to the water. 

When a label reads "full sun" it doesn't necessary mean full sun for you. Check to see what zone you live in because the sunlight is stronger in some areas. always take in to consideration the elevation, the temperature, and the humidity level as those are major factors in a plants growth and developement. 

While trying to snap these pictures I got a visit from Bella. She was begging for a bottle. 

She tried to get a quick nibble from this little guy:(  

Tell me, who says no to a face like that?

Dang, she got me all distracted again:) back to potting. When you transfer the plant it's easiest to water it slightly. Then tip the plant over and start to squeeze in on the bottom of the container. The water acts like a lubricant to help slide the roots out. Don't pull the plant as this can cause root damage. 

Once you have the plant out run your palm over the bottom to help loosen the dirt and encourage roots to explore. It's important that your palm has dirt on it when you do this so that you are not spreading your hand's oil on the plant. Some plants are so sensitive to human's oil that a touch to their leaf will kill that leaf. 

Now, your plant is ready for its new pot. If the plant is sensitive to transferring add a small amount of raw honey to the roots. The honey is an organic alternative to rooting compound. 

Thanks for reading. Have a great day and as always please post/pin/share :) If you have any questions I would love to try to help lakesidehomestead@gmail.com