People do not usually start growing seeds in pots large enough to hold an entire plant right from the beginning. They instead begin growing in smaller pots or even purchase clones that are already housed in a smaller container. This makes transplanting the plant at least once during its life span necessary in order for a grower to yield an appropriate amount. While this statement may scare some amateur growers, it is actually not a hard task to undertake at all. With the right tools, patience, and proper handling a grower can transplant his or her plants without fear or stress of losing their crop or damaging the plant. Transplanting a plant on time will also help the plant from becoming root bound which result in stunted growth.
Step 1: Judge if the plant is taller than the container it is currently housed in. The taller the plant the longer the roots, as this is a good indicator that it is time to switch to a larger container. It is okay to wait for a few days or weeks for plants that are not yet taller than their containers.
Step 2: Be sure to have all supplies such as; extra soil, water and nutrients, and the larger pots that the plants are intended to be housed in.
Step 3: Carefully loosen the plant from its original housing by squeezing the sides of the pot or container and slowly tilt the plant on its side while holding it. Do this until the plant is free from its original housing.
Step 4: Shake the dirt or Rockwool from the roots of the plant so that all the roots are exposed. If the plant was originally housed in soil and is going to be housed in soil again than it won’t be necessary to remove all of the dirt from the roots.
Step 5: Have the new container already filled with soil with a small hole in the middle dug away so that the plant can be properly planted. Dig more soil away if necessary ensuring that the plant can stand firm on its own once inside the new container. Pack the dirt around the stock of the plant but not too firmly as this can harm the plant.
Step 6: Water the plant once it has been placed in the new container. It is optional to feed nutrients to the plant at this point; however the water will help the roots solidify the plant into one spot.
Step 7: Once this has been done place the plant or plants back into their designated growing area. Be sure to check on them every few hours for the first couple of days in order to make sure that they do not become weak or unstable. Also keep in mind to watch the leaves for droopiness as this is also an indicator that there may be an issue. If there are no problems after the first few days than the plants have been successfully transplanted and a larger yield can be expected.
Sources:
“Transplanting 101″ By Subcool, Cannabis Culture