Plant care and maintenance: pruning, potting and repotting for healthy plants in indoor growing
Taking proper care of your plants is crucial to their growth and yield. Regular maintenance and applying techniques such as pruning, potting and repotting are essential to keep plants healthy and strong. In this guide, you will learn how to apply these care practices to your indoor grow to get the most out of your plants.
Why is proper plant care so important?
When growing indoors, you have full control over your plants' environment. But this control also brings with it responsibility. By taking proper care, you can ensure that your plants have the optimal conditions to grow vigorously, resist pests and diseases, and produce high yields.
1. Pruning: For better growth and higher yields
Pruning your plants is one of the most important care practices to control and encourage growth. By removing certain parts of the plant, you direct energy to the areas that need it most. Here are the most important techniques:
Pruning techniques:
- Thinning: Remove weak or unnecessary shoots to improve light and air circulation and keep the plant healthy.
- Topping: By removing the top of the main stem, growth is redirected into the lateral shoots, resulting in a bushier plant.
- Lollipopping: This involves removing lower leaves and branches to focus the plant on directing more energy to the upper, light-rich parts where the main flowers grow.
When and how to circumcise?
Pruning should be done during the plant's growth phase, when it is strong enough to recover quickly. Cut with clean, sharp scissors to avoid damaging the plant and to avoid infection.
2. Potting: Creating the right basis for plant growth
Proper potting is crucial to give plants enough space for their roots and to ensure they can absorb the necessary nutrients from the soil. Here are the most important aspects:
When should you repot?
If the roots of your plant have completely penetrated the substrate and there is no longer enough space in the current pot, it is time for a larger pot. Signs of this are:
- Roots growing out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
- Delayed growth or stunted growth compared to other plants.
- The substrate dries out quickly because the roots take up all the space in the pot.
How do you repot properly?
- Gentle removal: Carefully remove the plant from its old pot without damaging the roots.
- Prepare the new pot: Fill the new pot one third full with fresh soil or a suitable substrate and place the plant in the middle. Fill the rest with soil so that the roots are well enclosed.
- Watering after repotting: Water the plant generously after repotting to avoid air pockets and compact the substrate.
3. Repotting: Important steps for a successful implementation
Repotting your plants ensures that they have access to fresh nutrients and more room for root development. However, it is important to do this at the right time and in the right way to minimize stress on the plant.
When to repot?
Plants should be repotted approximately every 6-12 months, depending on the size of the plant and root growth. Repotting is also advisable after a longer growth phase or before the flowering phase in order to optimally prepare the plant for the upcoming requirements.
Changing the substrate when repotting
When repotting, it is a good idea to change the substrate partially or completely to provide the plant with fresh nutrients. Make sure that the new substrate is well-drained so that excess water can drain away easily and the roots get enough oxygen.
Tips for successful repotting:
- Water the plant about a day before repotting to keep the substrate slightly moist so that the plant can be removed more easily.
- Avoid repotting during the flowering phase as this causes stress and can negatively affect yields.
- After repotting, the plants should be placed in a slightly shady place for a few days so that they can recover from the stress.
Regular care for healthy plants
In addition to the techniques mentioned, there are some general care practices that should be applied regularly to keep your plants healthy:
- Water and nutrients: Ensure consistent watering and a balanced supply of nutrients, tailored to the plant's growth phase.
- Pest control: Check your plants regularly for pests or diseases to intervene early and prevent the spread.
- Light management: Make sure your plants get the right light spectrum and enough hours of light to grow healthily.
- Cleanliness: Keep your grow area clean, regularly remove dead leaves and ensure good ventilation.
Conclusion
Regular care and maintenance are key to a successful indoor grow. By using techniques such as pruning, potting and repotting, you can ensure that your plants remain strong and healthy. By paying attention to their needs and using the right care practices, you can optimize their growing conditions and achieve maximum yields.