Question
About 6 months ago I moved. The new house has lots more light than the old and I thought my plants would do well here and they did at first but now they are all dying. I didn't repot them in spring like I usually do. Is it too late in the year to repot plants?

Answer
Hi Sheila,

Indoor plants can be repotted at any time of year. However, repotting is a good idea only when a plant is extremely potbound. Repotting does not solve light and watering problems. In fact, unnecessary repotting is the single most common cause of plant failure.

You haven't provide much detail about your plants, so it is hard for me to determine just what is wrong. But plants often react poorly to a change in location, specifically a change in light. Existing leaves are adapted to the light in the old location and when moved to stronger light, they may fade or bleach out and look sickly. So, increased light is not always a good thing. In addition, it often takes several months for the symptoms to show up.

When plants are moved to better light, they use more water. If you have not taken that into account, then excessive dryness may also be the problem.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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