1. Potting
- The Budget Base (65-70% of total volume): Look for a standard, regular-grade potting mix (usually carrying the Australian Standard black-tick logo). Brands like Richgro or Brunnings offer very affordable bulk bags.
- The Booster (30-35% of total volume): Buy one bag of high-quality premium potting mix (carrying the Australian Standard red-tick logo), such as Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix. This injects necessary wetting agents and controlled-release fertilizers into your budget base
Plant Care: A small bottle of seaweed concentrate (like Seasol) to prevent transplant shock
2. Position the Pot
Move your large pot to its final location before filling it. Once filled with soil and watered, a large pot becomes incredibly heavy and difficult to move. Ensure the pot has functional drainage holes at the bottom.
3. Mix the Soil and Fill the Base
- Pour two parts of your budget regular mix and one part of your premium mix directly into the bottom half of the pot.
- Use your hands or a garden trowel to blend them thoroughly together.
- Continue filling the pot with this budget blend until the soil level is high enough that your plant’s root ball will sit perfectly flush with—or just below—the rim of the pot.
4. Prep and Place the Plant
- Gently squeeze the sides of the plant's original plastic grower pot to loosen it.
- Tip the plant sideways and slide it out. Gently tease or untangle any tight, circling roots at the bottom of the root ball to encourage them to spread into their new home.
- Place the plant right in the centre of the large pot.
5. Backfill the Remaining Space
- Fill the remaining open spaces around the sides of the plant using your remaining soil blend.
- Pack the mix down firmly with your hands to eliminate large air pockets, ensuring the plant stands straight and snug.
- Leave about a 2–3cm gap between the top of the soil and the rim of the pot so water doesn't overflow when you water it.
6. Water In and Feed
- Mix 30ml (about 3 capfuls) of seaweed concentrate into a 9-litre watering can full of water.
- Slowly pour this over the soil until you see it freely draining out of the bottom of the pot. This settles the soil around the roots and helps the plant recover from the move.