Repotting your plant is an important step for its health and growth. Let's see together when and how you should repot Pilea and which are the steps to follow!
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Your new Pilea does not need to be repotted for over a year after you buy it. It can go up to two years in its original nursery pot, but one year is best for optimal health.
How often should I repot my Pilea?
Repotting can be stressful, and shouldn’t be done too often. It is recommended to repot Pilea every two years with new soil. It can be repotted a bit earlier using the same soil as well.
How large should the container where I repot my Pilea be?
When you decide to repot it, your Pilea can be transferred to the same size container or a larger one.
Which steps should I follow while repotting?
If you are repotting in the same size container, you must ensure that as much of the old soil as possible is discarded without harming the root structure. Fill the new container with all-purpose tropical soil/peat mix, transfer the plant, and water it lightly.
If you decide to use a larger container, it should be 1.5 times the previous size or more. For example: if the original pot diameter was 4 inches, then the new one should be at least 6 inches! Transfer your Pilea directly into the larger container with the old soil undisturbed, but make sure there is enough new soil to fill the container.
What kind of soil should I use?
Make sure to choose a well-draining soil. Usually, any all-purpose or tropical soil mixture will work fine.
If you prefer, you can make your own mixture at home. Use coco peat fiber or peat moss, and then mix the soil with a small portion of perlite (one part perlite to nine parts soil), which is great for soil aeration and drainage.
When should I repot the babies I want to propagate?
Newly planted sprouts should not be repotted before they have had the chance to grow stronger roots; this usually takes 2 to 3 weeks.
My Pilea has been invaded by pests! Should I repot and change the soil?
Gnats usually hide underneath the leaves, and then they invade the soil. If you repot, you will end up carrying the gnats into the new soil.
Pests could kill your Pilea if left untreated: what you should do is cure the plant.
Apply either Neem Oil or Silicon Dioxide (also known as diatomaceous earth - a type of powder) for 7 days; both products are organic insecticides that can be found in most garden centers and are perfectly safe.
Spray the oil or sprinkle the powder on your plant so that there is a light layer on the leaves and the soil. The bugs will walk through it and die shortly after contact.
Remember:
It's better not to repot Pilea during the winter unless it's absolutely necessary. Wait for late winter or early spring: your plant's roots will expand better with warmer weather and longer daylight hours.
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