How to Repot Cheese Plant

Cheese plants, scientifically known as Monstera deliciosa, are popular house plants that can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors. They are beloved for their large, glossy leaves with distinct holes and splits, which make them a great addition to any home décor. However, like all plants, cheese plants will eventually outgrow their pots and need to be repotted to continue thriving. But repotting a cheese plant can be intimidating for new plant owners. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to repot a cheese plant step-by-step.

Reasons to Repot Your Cheese Plant

Before we dive into the how-to of repotting your cheese plant, let’s discuss why it’s necessary. There are several reasons why your cheese plant might need to be repotted:

• Rootbound: If your cheese plant has been in the same pot for a while, it may have become rootbound. This means that the roots have grown so much that they have filled the entire pot and there is no more room for growth.
• Nutrient depletion: Over time, the soil in your cheese plant’s pot can become depleted of nutrients. Repotting allows you to refresh the soil and provide your plant with the nutrients it needs.
• Pest infestation or disease: If your cheese plant has developed a pest infestation or disease, repotting can help get rid of any remaining pests or pathogens in the soil.

How to Repot Your Cheese Plant

Now that you know why it’s important to repot your cheese plant, let’s go through the steps of how to do it.

Step 1: Choose a New Pot

The first step in repotting your cheese plant is choosing the right pot. You want a pot that is bigger than your current one but not too big. A good rule of thumb is to choose a pot that is one size larger than your current pot. Make sure the new pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Step 2: Prepare the New Pot

Before you transfer your cheese plant into the new pot, you need to prepare it. Add a layer of rocks or broken pottery at the bottom of the pot to facilitate drainage. Then, fill the pot about halfway with fresh potting soil.

Step 3: Remove Your Cheese Plant from Its Current Pot

Carefully remove your cheese plant from its current pot by tipping it on its side and gently tapping the pot to loosen the soil. You can also use a trowel or your hands to loosen the soil and roots from the sides of the pot. Be careful not to damage any of the roots.

Step 4: Inspect the Roots

Once you’ve removed your cheese plant from its current pot, inspect the roots. If they are circling around each other or growing out of the drainage holes, use a clean pair of scissors or pruning shears to trim them back.

Step 5: Transfer Your Cheese Plant to the New Pot

Place your cheese plant in the new pot and add more soil around it, making sure not to bury it too deep. Gently press down on the soil to secure your plant in place.

Step 6: Water Your Cheese Plant

After you’ve repotted your cheese plant, give it a good drink of water. Water until water drains out of the bottom of the pot. This will help settle the soil and ensure that your plant has enough moisture.

FAQ

When is the best time to repot my cheese plant?

The best time to repot your cheese plant is in the spring or summer when it’s actively growing.

How often should I repot my cheese plant?

Cheese plants should be repotted every two to three years or when they become rootbound.

Can I reuse the old soil when repotting my cheese plant?

It’s not recommended to reuse old soil when repotting your cheese plant. Old soil can become depleted of nutrients and harbor pests and diseases.

What should I do if my cheese plant is too big to repot?

If your cheese plant is too big to repot, you can refresh the soil by removing the top layer of soil and replacing it with fresh potting soil. You can also trim back the roots and foliage to reduce its size.

Conclusion

Repotting your cheese plant may seem daunting at first, but with these simple steps, you can do it with confidence. By repotting your cheese plant, you can ensure that it continues to thrive and add beauty to your home for years to come.