Transplant a House Plant to Larger Pot (without Buying a Thing!)

*A Note:

I am not a gardener by any means. Any advice given is based on my own limited experience & minimal research. So take it with a grain of salt.

1. a (recently purchased, in my case) house plant that's in need of a larger pot

2. an empty pickle jar (or any container of suitable size)

3. additional dirt (in my case, leftover potting soil* from a failed attempt at a previous house plant)

4. drainage; i.e.: something to put in the bottom of your new pot to keep water from collecting in the dirt around the roots.

5. newspaper or cut open plastic/garbage bag - something to collect the mess

6. pruning equipment (optional)

*potting soil would not be my first choice, I would've preferred a nutrient rich DIRT, but I don't have access

Make sure that your new 'pot' is clean & free from any residue.

Soak off any labels

Arrange your chosen method of Drainage in the bottom of the pot.

Now add a base layer of dirt.

(the amount you add depends on the size of your new container compared to the size of the plant's original container.)

To remove your plant from it's original (plastic) pot; gently squeeze the sides a couple of times until you feel it loosen. Carefully hold the plant by it's base & pull the whole root system & dirt mass out together.

Then gently squeeze the root system to loosen it from it's compressed shape. Be careful & don't tear the roots.

Set the plant in the new pot & begin to add dirt around the root/dirt mass. Check it as you go & make sure the plant is sitting straight up & centered within the pot. Continue to add more dirt, gently pressing it into place with your fingers.

If you've piled dirt anywhere on your plant other than the roots, remove it now.

I did some minimal pruning, just what was necessary for the plant to keep it's braided shape as it grows.

Never prune too much at once & always be careful not to 'shock' the plant's system with too much of any change.

Don't forget to sweep up too!

I tied a piece of ribbon around the top of the jar, just to make it prettier ;)

Water your plant -after replanting, give your plant a little more water than you normally would, just to make sure all the new dirt is moistened.

Admire your handywork!