What to Do When Potted Plant Soil Dries Out

Question

Since I live in MI, I have multiple dwarf citrus trees and other plants that I must pot and nurse all winter in my home. It is almost time to move them back outdoors, but will remain in pots. I notice the potting soil looks all dried, used up, etc. Should I repot with new soil? Will this destroy the root base?

Answer 1

I would first try soaking them in water to rehydrate them after their winter dormancy. Simply place them in the shower or gently hose them down outdoors (on mist) and allow the water to run through. Unless roots are coming from the pots, they probably don’t need repotting, but you can refresh the soil by gently working the top of the soil and adding new soil in with it. If their growth seems to be impeded or they just look unhealthy as they come out of dormancy, you can then go ahead and repot them, moving up 2 sizes.