Signs Your Chlorophytum Needs Transplanting
If your chlorophytum is showing these signs, it’s time to transplant it to a larger container.When roots become rootbound, circling the pot and growing out the drainage holes, the plant’s growth will slow down and it won’t flower as well. An overpotted chlorophytum may become top heavy and tilt to one side.
To check if your chlorophytum needs transplanting, gently remove it from its pot. If the roots are tightly packed in a circular pattern, often with roots protruding from the drainage holes, it’s rootbound and needs a new home. A rootbound chlorophytum should be transplanted as soon as possible to avoid plant stress and encourage healthy new growth. When repotting, choose a container one size larger and fill it with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Place the plant in its new pot, fill in around the sides with more potting mix, and water thoroughly.
Choosing the Right Season and Soil for Transplanting
Selecting the right time of year and proper potting mix for transplanting your chlorophytum is key to its healthy growth.
The best time to transplant a chlorophytum is during the spring or summer when temperatures are warm and the plant is actively growing. Transplanting during this season will minimize stress to the plant and encourage new root growth once it’s repotted. Avoid transplanting in the fall or winter when the plant is dormant.
For the potting mix, choose a well-draining and lightly acidic mix. A good mix for chlorophytum contains:
- Peat moss or coir, which helps retain moisture
- Perlite or coarse sand, which improves drainage
- Compost or composted manure, which adds nutrients
- Lime, to adjust the pH to slightly acidic (5.5 to 6.5)
A suitable mix would be:
- 2 parts peat moss or coir
- 1 part perlite or coarse sand
- 1 part compost
- Lime as needed to reach desired pH
This loose, porous mix will allow air to reach the roots while still holding adequate moisture. An acidic pH is important for chlorophytum, which can develop iron deficiency at alkaline pH levels above 6.5.
When transplanting your chlorophytum, fill the bottom of the new container about 1/3 with the fresh potting mix. Gently place the plant in the container and fill in the sides of the root ball with more mix, adding it gradually until the container is filled. Water thoroughly after transplanting to help the plant settle into its new pot and prevent air pockets from forming in the mix.
With the right season, potting mix, and post-transplant care, your chlorophytum will thrive in its new home and continue producing lush green leaves and white flowers. Pay close attention to your plant in the weeks following transplanting and address any issues early to get it established quickly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transplanting Your Chlorophytum
Once you have chosen the right season and prepared a suitable potting mix, it’s time to transplant your chlorophytum. Follow these steps carefully to minimize stress to your plant:
Water the chlorophytum thoroughly and let the excess drain from the pot. This will make removal from the current pot easier and prevent the root ball from crumbling.
Gently remove the plant from its pot. Place your hand over the top of the root ball to keep the roots intact. If roots have grown into the sides of the container, you may need to break the pot to remove the plant.
Loosen the root ball by gently pulling apart the roots protruding from the bottom and sides of the root ball. This will stimulate new root growth into the new potting mix. Avoid disturbing the roots too much, especially the center of the root ball.
Select a container one size larger than the current pot. For example, move up from a 6-inch to an 8-inch pot. An oversized container can lead to excess moisture in the potting mix, so choose a pot size that leaves about 1 inch of space between the root ball and edge of the pot.
Fill the bottom of the new container with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Add mix around the sides of the root ball as you place the plant in the pot. The top of the root ball should sit about 1/2 inch below the rim of the container.
Fill in around the sides of the root ball with more potting mix, firming it gently with your hands as you add it. Once full, the mix should come to the same level as the top of the root ball.
Water thoroughly after transplanting. Water slowly until it flows out the drainage holes at the bottom of the container. This helps the plant settle into the new pot.
Place the plant in a shady spot for a few days as it adjusts to the new pot. Then, return the chlorophytum to its usual sunny spot.
With the proper technique and post-transplant care, your chlorophytum will quickly recover from the stress of repotting and resume healthy growth in its new container. Monitor your plant to ensure it does not show signs of transplant shock like leaf drop or wilting.
Post-Transplant Care: Watering, Fertilizing, and More
Proper care after transplanting is essential for helping your chlorophytum recover and resume healthy growth. Monitor your plant closely in the weeks following transplanting to ensure it does not show signs of stress like leaf drop or wilting.
Watering: Allow the top few inches of potting mix to dry out between waterings. Chlorophytum roots are prone to rot if the mix is kept too moist. Water slowly until it flows out the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Discard any excess water collected in the drainage saucer under the pot.
Fertilizing: During the growing season, fertilize your chlorophytum every 2-3 weeks. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium such as 10-10-10. Follow the directions on the product packaging to determine how much and how often to fertilize. Reduce or stop feeding in the fall and winter when growth slows down.
Pruning: Prune your chlorophytum to shape it and remove any dead or dying leaves. Use sharp, clean pruning shears and cut leaves off at the base where they attach to the main stem. Wipe the shears with rubbing alcohol between cuts to avoid transferring disease. Pruning will also improve the appearance and fullness of your plant.
Repotting: Watch for roots protruding from the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, which indicates your chlorophytum needs repotting. When pot bound, chlorophytum growth will slow down significantly. Repot one size larger using fresh well-draining potting mix. Repeat the transplanting steps to minimize stress. Chlorophytum typically needs repotting every 2-3 years.
Pest control: Inspect your chlorophytum regularly for signs of common pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. These sap-sucking pests can weaken and damage the plant. Remove any visible pests with a damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Apply insecticidal soap or spray if there is an infestation. Treat the undersides of leaves which pests often hide.
With consistent aftercare, your newly transplanted chlorophytum will flourish. However, if you notice it showing signs of stress or other issues, take action quickly to remedy the problem and get it back on track. Your diligent care and monitoring will be rewarded with a healthy, thriving plant!
