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

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*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.

Step 1: Gather Supplies

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

Step 2: Scrub a Dub

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

Soak off any labels

Step 3: Build Your Base

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.)

Step 4: Add Your Plant & More Dirt

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.

Step 5: Tidy Up!

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!

Step 6: Fancify, Hydrate & Admire!

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!