ALL GROWN UP: When (And How) Should You Switch Planters?

What do kids, hermit crabs, and your plants all have in common?

They all eventually grow up—and they need to move out of their homes, and into a bigger one!

Every seasoned plant-parent knows that repotting is an important part of the “growing process”, especially if you prefer to start with younger plants.

If you’re new at this whole “plant thing”, though, you could be unsure—and even a little nervous—when it comes to soiled spaces getting a bit too cramped.

It’s important to take the right steps in ensuring that a “change of address” doesn’t spell the end for your plant, and we always recommend the supervision of a gardening center or a more experienced friend if you’re a little anxious.

On the containment side of things, we’ve got you covered. Many of us here at Pots Planters & More are gardeners and plant enthusiasts ourselves, and at some point, we’ve all been in your gardening shoes.

(After all, we’re not just “planter” people. We’re plant people, too.)

You’ve asked, and we’ve answered—so let’s get ready to re-pot.

“How big is too big?”

This is one of those questions that needs to be tackled from both sides—the plant and the planter. Let’s start with the planter.

One of the common misconceptions among plant rookies is that they can simply start with a pot that’s really big, and that way, they’ll never have to replant.

Not so, my friend.

When you use a planter that’s too big for your plant, it takes a long time for the soil to dry out. Just like anything else in this world that’s left half-wet for too long, you run the risk of root-rot. And that’s going to be as big of a problem, if not more, than a pot or planter that’s too small.

So, how can you tell “how big is too big” when it comes to your plants, if there’s no way to game the system with a super-sized planter?

Luckily, your plant will show you the red flags, often in the form of a) roots visible from the bottom of your planter, b) soil that appears to be pushed up and out of the container, or c) a sudden uptick in dropping leaves (with all other variables being controlled).

“How should I prepare for a planter switch?”

If you sense that it’s high time for your plant to move out, don’t panic, but don’t sleep on the situation, either.

First, give us a call, so that we can get started on supplying your larger planter right away. Depending on the scenario, there’s a chance that this could take up to a few weeks.

Then, make sure to be prepared with soil and any other plant nutrients you might want to include in a repotting scenario.

As soon as your pot or planter has been delivered, you’ll be more than ready for a change. In the meantime, keep caring for your plant as you normally would, and consult your local gardening center if you see any drastic, immediate, or disturbing changes in your plant.

“My plant’s too big—but I still love my planter. What should I do?”

Never fear, because we’ve got a few ideas!

1. Reuse your planter for younger or smaller plants.

If the space in your newly-replanted planter seems a little empty, group several smaller, compatible plants together. They can grow as a team, and you’ll create a gorgeous plantscape in the meantime!

2. Size up your planter in the exact same style as your smaller one.

You don’t have to quit on your impeccable taste, just because your plants get

bigger! It’s one of the reasons that our planters can be ordered in a variety of sizes.

Consult our sizing guide for each model of pot and planter, and we’ll be happy to help you visualize the effect of a new planter size.

3. Repurpose your planter, and remix your style.

Different rooms, different species of plants, different scenarios—a need for a repot is an excellent opportunity to remix your space and look.

One look that we really love here at Pots Planters & More is a grouping of the same style of pots in different sizes, either with plants from the same family, or plants with different ages, for an effect that is both eclectic and pulled-together.

“I’m not really the ‘gardening’ type, and I’m pretty set in my style. I really don’t want to have to repot my plants after my Pots Planters & More planter has been placed. Any suggestions for plants that don’t grow too much?”

If you’re not comfortable yet with repotting or completely gung-ho about the idea, we get you, and we don’t judge. Re-potting isn’t for every plant owner, and there are countless reasons why it might not work out.

The great news is that there are countless options and ways to enjoy your Pots Planters & More styles without ever having to make a switch.

The key to no-replanting planter success? Being conscious of your choice at the time of your first planting.

To pick a plant that stays in place:

• Choose plants that are typically described as “low-maintenance”.
• Check out any plants classified as “air plants” (they don’t need soil to grow).
• You can never go wrong with a succulent!

And don’t forget: If you really just cannot be bothered with the idea of changing planter sizes or soil, you don’t have to use real plants! There are countless false-flower and plant suppliers that can suit your needs and look phenomenal in any of our models.

(Except in the case of our self-watering planters. That would be a little weird.)

When it’s time to grow, it’s time to go—and you and your plants will feel better when you adapt to the planter that suits their growing needs.

What are your tricks for ensuring repotting success?

Let us know!

In the meantime, if you need help planning your next repotting with a Pots Planters & More accessory, don’t hesitate to reach out. No matter the size, model or color you need to make your growing plant feel well-adjusted, we’ve got you contained.