How to grow pelargoniums - Potting up pelargoniums

How to pot on new cuttings

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Friday, 7 June 2019 at 4:03 pm

Not sure how to pot on cuttings that have rooted? Follow these easy steps to find out how.

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Rooted cuttings can be potted on into a nutrient-rich potting compost once you spot the roots poking out the bottom of the pot.

When doing so, pinch out the tops to encourage lots of side shoots and remove any flowers to keep the energy focused on developing a strong bushy plant. Make sure the newly potted plants are given room to develop a good shape by spacing them out on the bench.

In a few weeks, when they have rooted out into the pot, they'll be ready for potting on again or planting out into the garden.

Follow the quick steps below to pot on your rooted cuttings.

You Will Need

Small pots, Ensure they're bigger than the original pots, e.g. pot on from 9cm pots into 11cm pots
Potting compost

Step 1

Inspecting the cuttings for new white roots at the base of the pot

Check for new white roots coming out of the holes at the bottom of the pot. Look at the base and if they're obvious, the plant is ready to be potted up.

Step 2

Removing the plant from its pot

Place your hand over the top of the pot with the new plant between your fingers, then turn it upside down and gently knock it out of the pot into your hand.

Step 3

Watering the plant in the new pot

Pot into a larger pot with fresh new compost. Make sure the new plant is in the middle and no deeper than it was once it's firmed in. Water it in and place on a potting bench or similar.

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