How to Transplant Artillery Plant for Healthy Growth

Transplanting artillery plant (Pilea microphylla) is an important gardening task that ensures vigorous growth. With its recognizable round, fleshy leaves resembling green pellets the artillery plant adds unique visual interest to both indoor and outdoor spaces. By learning proper techniques for transplanting this eye-catching plant you can maintain its health and encourage lush foliage.

When to Transplant Artillery Plant

Timing is crucial when transplanting artillery plant. The ideal time is during the summer months when warm temperatures and increased daylight stimulate active growth. Transplanting in summer allows the plant to quickly establish roots before cooler fall weather arrives. It also prevents transplant shock that can happen if repotting when growth has slowed. For best results transplant artillery plant in early to mid summer.

Signs Your Artillery Plant Needs Transplanting

How do you know it’s time to move your artillery plant to a new container? Watch for these signs that indicate transplanting is needed

• Slow growth: If your plant’s growth seems to have stalled, the pot is likely too small and roots are crowded.

• Roots visible: Root tips peeking through the drainage holes mean it’s pot-bound.

• Wilting: Drooping leaves can signal underwatering, but may also occur when roots can’t expand in a too-small pot.

• Stunted foliage: Poor growth and smaller leaves point to an underdeveloped root system in inadequate soil.

By addressing these issues through transplanting, you get your artillery plant back on track to vigorous expansion.

How to Transplant Artillery Plant Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps for successfully transplanting your artillery plant:

Choose the Right Pot

Select a container one or two sizes larger than the current pot with plenty of drainage holes. Terra cotta, plastic, or glazed ceramic pots work well. Match the pot’s style to your decor.

Fill New Pot with Fresh Soil

Use new, high-quality potting mix to give your plant’s roots room to spread and access nutrients. A blend of peat moss, perlite, and compost provides excellent drainage.

Water Plant Before Removing from Old Pot

Water thoroughly a day before transplanting. This makes removal easier and prevents root damage. Allow excess moisture to drain before transplanting so soil is moist but not soggy.

Carefully Remove from Current Pot

Hold stems to avoid damage and tilt pot sideways to slid plant out. Check for circling roots and gently loosen them if found. You can also trim any diseased roots with sterilized scissors.

Place in New Container

Situate plant in the pot, positioning it slightly lower than original level. Roots should have space around sides for growth. Add fresh soil around root ball to stabilize.

Provide Support While Root System Establishes

Use plant stakes or supports until new roots take hold in transferred soil. This prevents toppling and keeps foliage upright.

Water Lightly After Repotting

Give a gentle first watering after transplanting to settle soil. Then allow the plant to dry slightly between waterings while new roots form.

Monitor Light and Temperature

Keep your artillery plant where it will receive bright, indirect light while adjusting to its new home. Maintain warm temperatures between 65-80°F.

Transplanting Tips for Healthy Artillery Plants

Follow these tips to keep your artillery plant thriving after transplanting:

• Allow 6 weeks after repotting for new root growth before fertilizing. Then use a balanced diluted fertilizer monthly.

• Check soil moisture often until reestablished. Water when the top inch is dry, taking care not to oversaturate.

• Mist leaves occasionally to increase humidity while adjusting to its new pot.

• Remove any flowers or flower buds, which divert energy from root growth.

• Transplant summer-flowering artillery plants after bloom period ends.

• Reduce sunlight slightly if transplanting in midsummer heat to prevent leaf scorch.

• Transplant into porous terra cotta pots to increase airflow to roots.

• Transplant rootbound plants into pots 2 inches wider than the previous containers.

• Disinfect pots before use to prevent disease transfer from old potting soil.

Caring for Artillery Plant After Transplanting

Be diligent about care while your artillery plant establishes after transplanting. Proper watering, fertilizing, and pest monitoring help it adapt and prevent shock. Trim any broken or damaged foliage which can’t be supported until roots recover. Move plant back into brighter light once settled into its new container. Frequent inspection allows you to catch any problems early and intervene. Within a few months of focused care, your newly transplanted artillery plant regains its vigor.

Transplanting Encourages Healthy Artillery Plant Growth

Like all plants, artillery plant depends on its root system to take up water and nutrients. When roots are confined and unable to spread, foliage and upward expansion suffers. Timely transplanting into fresh, loose soil allows root development and invigorates your plant. Remember to select an appropriately sized container, water judiciously after repotting, and provide bright filtered light. With this attentive care, your transplanted artillery plant flourishes. Soon you will enjoy lush new leaves signaling success.