Transplanting a plant is a fairly common and necessary practice, especially when moving from a small pot to a larger space, such as a greenhouse. This process requires care to avoid damage and to ensure that the plant adapts properly to its new environment.
Tunnel, Mini-Tunnel and Straight-Walled Tunnel greenhouses are ideal for transplanting, as they offer a safe and controlled space that minimises stress on the plants. Want to understand more about the process? Follow us through the article and don’t miss out on the details.
- What is transplanting plants and what is it for?
- What is transplant shock?
- When to transplant plants?
- How to transplant plants step by step
- Caring for a plant after transplanting
- Tips for transplanting plants
What is plant transplantation and what is it for?
To transplant a plant means to move a species from one place to another. For example, removing the plant from a pot and moving it to a larger space, or to a similar space, but with better conditions.
This helps the plant to develop better or to finish growing in optimal conditions. In particular, it is a great benefit for the roots, as they change substrate and are strengthened.
What is transplant shock?
Transplanting a plant carries several risks, not only the risk of damage due to mishandling, but also transplant shock. Transplant shock is when plants are affected by the change of conditions in their new environment. For example, moving from a humidity and temperature controlled greenhouse to an outdoor garden.
When to transplant plants?
Transplanting a plant cannot be done blindly or at any time, there is a certain point in its development at which you can move it more safely. It is best to do this before the plant flowers.
And in what season is this done? It is usually between late winter and early spring. However, there are some types of plants that can vary in growth and it is not necessary to wait for that time of year.
On the other hand, it is not recommended to transplant in full sunlight, but rather when there is more shade or when it is cloudy.
How to transplant plants step by step
If you want to learn how to transplant a plant safely, we will show you all the steps to follow. It is necessary to follow them so that you do not damage the plant or cause shock.
Prepare the necessary material for transplantation.
First you need to organise everything you will need to do the process. Some options are to have sharp pruning shears, a shovel to move the sand and substrate, gloves to protect your hands, fertiliser, water and more.
Adapt the soil to the needs of each plant
As a second step, you must begin to adapt the soil in which you will place your plant. The first thing to do is to stir the soil very well, add substrate and water so that everything is ready.
Take the plant out of its old container
Once the soil is ready, it is time to remove the plant from its old place, which can be a seedbed or pot. You can lay it down and press lightly to loosen it, but do not make any sudden movements. You can also help yourself with a tool until you have finished pulling it out.
Check and prepare the roots of the plant
Once outside, check the roots of the plants thoroughly. For example, if you find them too tangled, you can cut them a little to free them. This is to allow them to absorb nutrients in their new space.
Place the plant in the new container or pot.
Finally, you are going to place the plant in its new destination. You must bury all the roots and at the appropriate depth. Here, apply light pressure and leave the soil compacted, but avoid damaging it.
Care of a plant after transplantation
Once you have transplanted your plant, you must take certain care to prevent it from suffering from transplant shock.
Consider the following:
- Maintain a suitable environment, with sufficient nutrients, watering and conditions that allow it to adapt better.
- Add fertiliser as needed.
- Protect it from wind and adverse conditions. Remember that if it is moved from a more sheltered place, it will be affected by these factors, causing it to lose leaves or break.
- Protect it from heat. Either place it in a spot where it will receive a few hours of shade or give it more watering.
- Avoid getting too much light, especially in summer.
- Maintain humidity, you can start with more frequent watering in the first few days after transplanting and then gradually decrease until the plant is adapted.
Tips for transplanting plants
To complement the above, we will give you some tips that will help your plants to transplant smoothly.
- Aerate and fertilise the soil in which the plant will be placed. This is essential so that it can accept it and grow stronger.
- The soil should be compact, but lightly formed, not too hard.
- Place the plant in a space where it will not be walked on.
- Water very well right from the start so that the roots can absorb everything.
- Create holes with the right depth for each type of plant and leave an ideal space between one plant and another.
If you are interested in transplanting plants to safer spaces, you can choose to do so in garden greenhouses such as those from Fertri.
There are many alternatives, including large and strong structures such as Tunnel, MiniTunnel and Straight Wall Tunnel. There you can organise a planting and provide the conditions that each plant needs.