How to Repot Geraniums

Collect your larger container for your geranium. Any type of container will work as long as there is drainage. Check plastic and other synthetic containers for drainage holes and add if needed using a hammer and large nail. Add a layer of rocks, broken clay pot pieces or non-biodegradable packing peanuts on the bottom of concrete or other non-porous containers to help with drainage. Thoroughly wash containers that are being re-used so as not to pass any disease or pest problems from past plantings.

Cut the plant back to four inches in height to force new growth with a clean pair of sharp pruning shears. It may look drastic right now, but your geranium will sprout new growth quickly and will stay in a compact and full shape.

Remove the geranium plant from the outgrown container and shake the excess potting soil lightly from the root ball. Large root balls can be cut at this time, if desired, into two or three pieces, using a clean, sharp knife. Each division can then be replanted to form a new plant. Large plants are best divided every three or more years.

Fill the container two-thirds of the way full with a quality potting soil and place the root ball in the center. Fill the container the rest of the way with potting soil to the crown of the plant, covering the root ball. Quality potting soils should be lightweight in structure with compost, peat moss or a similar airy material as the basis that drains well. Perlite, vermiculite or other ingredients shold be included that aid with retaining moisture while staying well-draining.

Water until soil is moist and fertilize as instructed using a general 15-30-15 nitrogen to potassium to phosphorus fertilizer and place in a sunny location outdoors. Continue to water regularly as needed and follow a fertilizing schedule as instructed by the packaging.