Question
Hi.  I just bought some plants from Rona.  The dracaena came in a 6in pot.  The peace lilies came in 4in pots.  And the tropical palm also came in a 4in pot.  I'd just like to ask if I should move them into bigger pots to give them more space to grow in.  If not now, how do I know when I'm supposed to repot them?

Answer
Hi Lea,

Thanks for asking BEFORE you went ahead and repotted. Unnecessary repotting is the most common cause of plant failure.

In general, a new plant should not be repotted for a month or two while it is getting adapted to its new environment. But even then it may not need to be repotted.

If your plants can go for at least 3 days in between thorough waterings, then they are fine in their existing pots. If they need thorough watering more frequently than that, then you ca move them up one pot size.

For a more detailed description of the hazards of repotting, go to my Blog on my website link below.

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

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]