Mum Plant Repotting: Can You Repot A Chrysanthemum

Potted chrysanthemums, often known as florist's mums, are usually gift plants appreciated for their showy, colorful blooms. In the natural environment, chrysanthemums bloom in late summer and autumn, but florist's mums are often tricked to bloom at a specific time, often by the use of hormones or special lighting. Sometimes, to keep a mum plant longer, you may want to repot it. Read on to learn more.

Can You Repot a Chrysanthemum?

Getting a potted mum to bloom again is difficult and the plants are usually discarded when their beauty fades. However, if you're adventurous, you can move the plant into a new container with fresh potting soil, which may prolong the life of the plant. Use a container only one size larger and be sure the container you choose has a drainage hole in the bottom.

When to Repot Mums

Spring is the best time to repot most plants. However, repotting chrysanthemums is timed differently because their blooming period is different than most plants. The best time to repot a chrysanthemum is when the plant is actively growing in autumn. Some gardeners advocate repotting mums a second time in spring, but this isn't necessary unless the plant grows so fast that it quickly becomes rootbound.

How to Repot a Mum

Water the plant a day or two before you plan to repot your mum. Mum plant repotting is easier if moist soil clings to the roots. When you're ready to repot, prepare the new pot by covering the drainage hole with a small piece of netting or a paper coffee filter to keep the soil from leaking out the hole. Place 2 or 3 inches (5-8 cm.) of a good quality potting mixture in the pot. Turn the mum upside down and guide the plant carefully from the pot. If the plant is stubborn, tap the pot with the heel of your hand or knock it against the edge of a wooden table or potting bench to loosen the roots. Place the mum in the new container. Adjust the soil in the bottom, if necessary, so the top of the mum's root ball is about an inch (2.5 cm.) below the rim of the container. Then fill around the root ball with potting soil, and water lightly to settle the soil. Place the newly repotted mum in indirect sunlight and water the plant only when the top of the soil feels dry.