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Expert: Tracy - 9/27/2009


Question
Hi..I just purchased 2 3 gallon tropical plants (mass cane plant & Robellini Palm or Pheonix Roebelenii).
They came in plain black pots that aren't very attractive so I purchased 2 stylish clay pots for them.
I have read that re-potting is bad for new plants..is this true? Would you suggest that I put the plant with the pot it was purchased in into the new pot without tampering with the plant??
If it is ok to re-pot then then would you please give me some tips on how to do this. I purchased a bag of tropical soil as well as regular potting soil..if I mix the 2 will this be safe for the plant?
Thank you for your time and I look forward to your response.
Trish

Answer
Hi Trish,
  Unless the plants are rootbound or if there is some other really good reason to repot a plant then it is best to leave it alone. Unnecessary repotting is one of the top reasons for plant failure. I would recommend leaving the plants in the pots they came in then set them inside the clay planters (This is called Double Potting).

Mixing the tropical soil and regular potting soil should be okay. I use regular potting soil and add extra perlite to it. The extra perlite makes the potting soil lighter, increases the air flow and helps the soil drain better.

I also recommend watering the plants with distilled water, especially the Robellini Palm. A lot of plants are sensitive to the fluoride, chlorine and mineral deposits found in most tap water. Water softeners contain a lot of salts that can also harm plants.
Palms are very sensitive to these chemicals and are prone to browning leaf tips. Using distilled water will help prevent browning leaf tips plus many of the other problems that can be caused by water quality.

I hope this helps. If you have any questions or need additional information please don't hesitate to ask.
          Thanks
              Tracy

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Tracy

Expertise

I have a great deal of experience with most foliage houseplants. I am knowledgeable and experienced in the care of many different kinds of houseplants as well as the pests and diseases common to houseplants. I have had a lot of experience and success with most propagation techniques. I am also knowledgeable and experienced with artificial lighting for plants. I can answer questions about all aspects of 'indoor gardening'. Not only questions about growing foliage plants and starting seeds under artificial plant lighting but also questions about artificial plant light system set up, supplemental artificial lighting and cost. ~ I can help identify plants accurately ONLY if you submit a picture of the plant with your question.~

Experience

I usually always have at least 70 houseplants at all times. I have done extensive research, education and have over 15 years of experience with houseplants, indoor gardening, interior landscaping and artificial plant lighting. About 30% of my houseplants are grown exclusively under artificial plant lighting. Many of the other houseplants that are growing in natural light are also given supplemental lighting using artificial plant light. I have 5 complete artificial plant light systems that I designed and built.

Organizations
I have done volunteer work for several local botanical gardens and conservatories.

Publications
I have written extensively about plants, all aspects of houseplant care, indoor gardening and artificial plant lighting. I have written many informational blogs, articles and 'plant care guides' for many websites, forums and some online horticultural communities.

Education/Credentials
I have extensive research, knowledge and experience on the care of houseplants, the different kinds of houseplants, pests and diseases common to houseplants, indoor gardening/landscaping and artificial plant lighting.

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