I got a new fiddle leaf baby from Costco! I want to do things PERFECT!!
When should I repot? Should I give it a bath tonight? There’s a smaller pot inside of this pot, should I release it into the bigger pot?
When I do buy a new pot, where should I go? Should I get rocks and moss? What is the absolute perfect mix of soil?
How often should I water at first, and then moving forward?
I’m so appreciative of the advice, and I can’t wait to see all of the answers!
by wildbrunetteexplorer
1 Comment
Don’t repot for at least a week to let it acclimate, too many new factors can cause shock. You may or may not need to repot it, you’d know by gently pulling the tree out of its pot and assessing the roots. If the exterior of the soil mass is completely encompassed by roots, then it needs an upgrade. You would need a bigger pot that the outer pot, usually upgrade to a pot about 2-3” wider than the existing pot, no bigger. Do not use rocks or moss on the top of the soil, this harbors moisture, bacteria, fungi, etc. Water whenever the soil feels dry 3.5” from the surface of the soil (usually every 7-10 days depending on the amount of light it gets and the humidity in your home). I like Foxfarm ocean forest soil, you can order on Amazon if you don’t have it locally. Avoid miracle gro as it’s incredibly dense and holds moisture too long. You can buy a pot at any hardware store really, or a local nursery (always better options) – but super important to make sure it has a drainage hole at the bottom so excess water can drain out when you water it. Every time you water you need to fully drench the soil til water exits the pot and into the saucer below. Some people like to water in the bathtub in case the water overflows from the saucer. Avoid terracotta saucers as they’ll damage your floors. Terracotta pots, however, are great and breathable.