How to Plant Indoor Plants

Planting (transplanting) an indoor plant, or house plant, can be messy, but it's not a difficult project. First, you'll want to pick the right plant for the area in your home in which it will be placed. Keep in mind how large the plant will be at maturity, so it won't overcrowd its new home once it has grown. Most importantly, choose a plant that is healthy--no yellow or brown wilting leaves.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Indoor plant
• Container
• Potting soil

1. Transport your indoor plant as the last chore of the day. Leaving a plant in a hot or cold car can damage it. If your commute is quite long, shade your plant from sun coming through the windows. While indoor plants love light, sometimes a long period of direct sunshine can be harmful.

2. Choose a decorative container for your indoor plant. There are differing opinions on what material is best for potted plants, but it is widely a personal choice. Choose a pot that is about 2 inches larger in diameter than the container the plant is coming out of. If the pot has been previously used, wash it out thoroughly.

3. Remove the plant from it's old container by turning it upside down, give the bottom a couple of gentle knocks while holding your hand against the plant's soil with your thumb on one side of the stalk and your fingers on the other. It should come loose easily.

4. Place rocks, gravel or marbles at the bottom of the new container over the drainage hole. This will allow proper water drainage, so that the plant does not sit in water, which can rot the roots.

5. Use commercial potting soil manufactured for houseplants. Buy this from your local nursery or garden center. Place enough soil on top of the rocks (or gravel or marbles) so that the indoor plant will sit comfortably at the same level at the top of the pot, as before. This should be at least an inch.

6. Place the plant into the center of the new container. Scoop soil around the plant, pressing and moving it around to eliminate air holes and to anchor the plant. The potting soil should be moist, so a good watering over the sink is the last step in planting your indoor plant.

Tips & Warnings

• If your plant appears root-bound after removing it from the old container, loosen and unwind the roots, so that they can grow properly.

References

• Texas Master Gardener