Is February too soon to repot houseplants?

Q: I’m in a bit of a quandary and want to see what you think. I have lots of houseplants. Trouble is, I will be out of town for weeks when it’s time to traditionally repot houseplants, usually in mid-March right? Not all of them need repotting, but there are several and I don’t want to wait another growing season and run the risk that the plants suffer. The person I’ve made arrangements with to water my “children” while I’m away is completely gun shy. She’ll water and follow my instructions, just doesn’t feel comfortable doing any sort of repotting. So, I want to go ahead and do the repotting now and wonder what you think? — H.D., Albuquerque

A: You sound like a truly savvy houseplant keeper to me. I think that since you know what you’re doing as far as repotting goes, you should do it.

You are correct that the traditional time to repot your treasured houseplants is mid-to-late March, but I think the sooner you can get this project completed the better everyone, you, the plants and the babysitter, will be.

By getting it done now, you’d have a smidgen of time to monitor the repotted plants, making sure they are comfortable with the care you’ve offered.

A couple of suggestions though if I may.

First, make sure the fresh potting soil has been brought up to room temperature before you start the project. Really cold soil could quickly traumatize the plants.

Don’t take any shortcuts while repotting. You’ll still want to wash the pots and any sherds that might be in the pot bottom for drainage with hot soapy water. Remember to do a chlorine bath to kill any harboring fungus or bacteria. The ratio for that bath is 1 part chlorine bleach to 9 parts water. Just a quick dip in that bath, allowed to dry before refilling with fresh soil will help keep all your plant children healthier in the long run.

Yes, it’s early to be taking on this project, but you sound so caring that you’ll do it without causing much of an issue at all.

The rest of us should be waiting for the time to be “more right” to take on the work of repotting houseplants now. Other than keeping them adequately watered, let them rest for a while yet.

Q: I was startled to see bare-root roses for sale this early in a warehouse-type store already. Would I be successful if I attempted to plant a couple now? — L.R., Bernalillo

A. I was horror-stricken when I read your question.

I guess if you are willing to be married to the care and tending of any rose you planted now, you might be successful, but it’ll be a lot of sincere, consistent care on your part.

I want you to remember that roses like and really perform best if planted in a spot that will offer great air circulation. A rose tucked up too close to a wall or snuggly planted in a corner might have a hard way to go in its lifetime.

Also, they do best with a bare minimum of six hours of sunlight a day. Better eight-to-10 hours during growing season.

Now here comes the “married” part. Planted now those hormonal wee roses are going to get triggered to grow. It’s still very cold at night. The nighttime temps in February average in the high 20s and yes, that’s very cold, especially for freshly popped, tender new growth. February can also be fickle and get really frosty at the drop of a hat.

If you are willing to cover, by each sunset, any new rose you might be considering planting then I guess go for it. You’ll want a large enough container to put over the rose making sure the container does not touch the rose while it’s covered. Then you’ll uncover the rose every morning and water if necessary remembering to never allow this new planting to dry out.

I mean daily, cover and uncover, from the time you plant until late March. Even then, late March can surprise with amazing temperature changes so you’ll definitely be a sworn weather watcher.

If you can devote that kind of care and daily dedication, then yes, plant a new bare-root rose now.

Happy Diggin’ In!

Tracey Fitzgibbon is a certified nurseryman. Send garden-related questions to Diggin’ In, Albuquerque Journal, 7777 Jefferson NE, Albuquerque, N.M. 87109, or to features@abqjournal.com.