Widow’s Tears plant, also known as the Tradescantia fluminensis, is a beloved indoor plant due to its beauty, ease of care, and air-purifying capabilities. However, as your plant grows, it may outgrow its pot and require transplanting. Transplanting can be stressful for plants and may cause them to wilt or even die if not done correctly. In this article, we will guide you on how to transplant your Widow’s Tears plant without causing it any harm.
The best time to transplant your Widow’s Tears plant is during the active growing season, which is from spring to fall. Avoid transplanting during winter as the plant may be dormant and less tolerant of being disturbed.
You should also consider transplanting if you notice any of the following signs:
Choose a new pot that is one size larger than the current pot. A larger pot will provide more room for the roots to grow while still retaining some moisture in the soil. Make sure the new pot has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
Prepare a well-draining soil mix by combining equal parts of high-quality potting soil, perlite, and peat moss. Mix them thoroughly in a bucket until they are evenly blended.
Gently tap the sides of the current pot to loosen the soil and roots. Once loosened, carefully remove the plant from its pot. If the plant is stuck, gently wiggle it from side to side until it comes loose.
Inspect the roots for any signs of damage, rot, or disease. Trim off any damaged roots with a pair of sterilized scissors or pruning shears. If the roots are too long, trim them back to a manageable size.
Fill the new pot with enough soil mix to cover the bottom. Place the plant in the center of the pot and fill in the gaps with more soil mix until the roots are covered. Gently press down on the soil to remove any air pockets.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the bottom drainage holes. This will help settle the soil and ensure that there are no air pockets left in the soil.
After transplanting, water your Widow’s Tears plant deeply but infrequently. Water it once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
It can take up to two weeks for your Widow’s Tears plant to recover from transplant shock. During this time, avoid fertilizing or pruning the plant as it needs time to adjust to its new environment.
No, you should not use regular garden soil for your Widow’s Tears plant as it may contain pests, diseases, or weed seeds. Use a well-draining soil mix made specifically for indoor plants.
No, you should not fertilize your Widow’s Tears plant immediately after transplanting as it may cause fertilizer burn. Wait at least four weeks before fertilizing to give the plant time to adjust to its new environment.
Yes, you can divide your Widow’s Tears plant during transplanting if it has outgrown its pot. Gently separate the roots and plant each division in a new pot with fresh soil mix.