How to Separate Baby Plants for Repotting

Seedling trays provide ample space for sowing a large amount of seed. After the seeds sprout, the baby plants require separation and transplanting to their own pots. A larger pot supplies each plant with the room it needs to send out a healthy root system. Seedlings are ready to transplant once they produce their first set of true leaves. True leaves are typically the second set of leaves produced and they resemble the foliage of the mature plant.

Pots
Potting soil
Plastic knife
Pencil

Instructions

- 1
  Fill an individual 3- to 4-inch pot with a sterile, soilless potting medium. Water the medium until it is moistened but not soggy.
- 2
  Insert the tip of a plastic knife beneath the seedling in the plant tray. Hold the seedling gently by the topmost leaves while lifting it from the soil with the knife.
- 3
  Insert a pencil into the soil of the prepared pot. Make a hole deep enough for the root system of the seedling.
- 4
  Set the seedling into the planting hole. Avoid bending or breaking the roots.
- 5
  Firm the soil around the seedling stem with your finger tips. Mist the soil surface with water to moisten and settle it.

Cutting Flax Lilies Back

How to Keep Flower Arrangements From Drooping

Plant Basics