Norfolk Island pine repotting

Norfolk Island pine repotting

1. 01

   When to repot

   Lift the Norfolk Island pine when roots are congested, circle the container, emerge through holes, or the crowded root ball affects drainage. Do not repot solely because the tree has grown taller.

   Repot in spring as growth begins. Avoid fresh wet potting mix around the plant during slow winter growth. Treat spring as a season, not a fixed date.

2. 02

   Choosing the next pot

   If more room is needed, use a container no more than one third larger than the current one. For a smaller pot, use only a modest increase in width and depth.

3. 03

   How to repot

   Use a well-drained peat-free loam-based mix with extra grit, preserve the root ball and upright leader, and remove only soft or rotted roots found during inspection.

4. 04

   After repotting

   Water the refreshed container through and let excess drain, then keep the plant in its stable bright, sheltered position. If it moves outdoors in summer, return it under glass before cold weather.