As we enjoy the last days of summer and look forward to the golden season of autumn, houseplant parents will be getting ready to repot prized plants which have outgrown their pots, or which they think are in need of some extra TLC before the winter dormancy period.
Legendary amongst the houseplant community and professional growers for its superior ability to deliver nutrients and hold moisture whilst also offering excellent drainage capacity without irritating gnats or other insects, LECHUZA PON is the go-to substrate for all your (re)potting needs.
You can now take advantage of a 6% discount on LECHUZA’s professional quality growing substrates until the end of October using the PONPR promo code in the LECHUZA online shop: https://thelechuza.co.uk/product-category/potting-mixes/
Why repot plants?
Repotting is one of the best ways to give your houseplants a fresh start. Whether you’ve noticed slowed growth, fading leaves, circling roots, or tired soil, transitioning your plant into a fresh substrate can revitalise its health and appearance.
Most houseplants benefit from being repotted every 12–24 months. You might notice:
- Roots emerging from drainage holes or circling the pot
- Water sitting on the surface or draining too fast
- Soil that’s compacted, mouldy, or smells bad
- Stunted growth or wilting despite watering
Even without visible symptoms, a routine refresh of the substrate promotes better root development and nutrient uptake.
Why use LECHUZA PON?
Unlike traditional potting soil, LECHUZA PON substrates are purely mineral-based and tailored to specific plant needs. They improve drainage, retain nutrients, and prevent common issues like root rot and fungus gnats.
Each mix is low-dust, odour-free, and perfectly paired with LECHUZA’s self-watering system, but works just as well in other pots with drainage.
Which PON is right for your houseplant?
LECHUZA offers a wide range of specialised substrates for different plant types:
- LECHUZAPON – The purely mineral plant substrate LECHUZA-PON is the heart of the original
- BASICPON – A versatile, soil-free base substrate made without added fertiliser—ideal for sensitive houseplants or when you want full control of feeding.
- BLACKSTONEPON – A decorative, lava-rich mix perfect for design-conscious plant parents. Excellent drainage with a unique black aesthetic.
- MONOPON – Uniform particle size for consistent moisture regulation – ideal for plants sensitive to overwatering.
- CACTUSPON – Formulated for cacti and succulents, this mix dries out quickly and supports dry-tolerant root systems in modern homes.
- PALMPON – Designed for palms and tropical houseplants. Excellent for supporting strong, deep roots in large containers.
- CITRUSPON – While citrus plants are typically grown outdoors, this mix is also suitable for indoor citrus kept in bright sunrooms or conservatories.
- ORCHIDPON – consists of organic and mineral components and is peat-free for nature’s sake. The Humic substances lower pH value and thus create a slightly acidic soil environment, which is preferred by orchids. ORCHIDPON is pre-fertiliSed with mixed nutrients, which supply the plant for approx. 6 months, promote root growth and stimulate the plant to form flowers.
- TERRAPON – can be used to plant nearly all house, balcony and garden plants with the exception of bog garden plants, which have special soil needs with regard to pH levels. These types of plants require special soil
Not sure what to choose? BasicPON, BlackStonePON, and MonoPON work well for most common houseplants like pothos, ZZ plants, monstera, calathea, and philodendrons.
Step-by-step: repotting with PON
1) Pick the right time – late spring to early summer is ideal—plants are actively growing and better able to adjust to a new pot.
2) Choose your substrate – match your plant’s moisture preferences to the PON mix that suits it best.
3) Prepare the pot – if using a LECHUZA pot, install the separator and water-level indicator. Otherwise, ensure good drainage holes.
4) Remove the plant gently – tip the plant out and shake or rinse off old soil. Untangle circling roots and trim any black or mushy sections.
5) Fill with PON – add a base layer of PON. Position the plant in the centre and fill around the roots. Tap gently to settle (no need to compact).
6) Top water first – water from above for the first few weeks. Once roots establish, switch to self-watering mode if using a LECHUZA planter.
Explore the full LECHUZA PON range here:
https://thelechuza.co.uk/product-category/potting-mixes
Repotting can feel like a chore, but with the right substrate and timing, it’s one of the most rewarding steps in your plant care routine.
Did you know…?
- LECHUZA planters are fully recyclable
- All LECHUZA planter liners are made from 100% recycled* material
- LECHUZA processes 990 tonnes of recycled* plastic each year
- LECHUZA reuses 100% of plastic waste in production
- As part of LECHUZA’s sustainability efforts, over 70% of the water used in production comes from cisterns.
- LECHUZA is a multi-award-winning brand including the 2019 Design Award, Reddot Award winners 2018 and German Design Award winner 2019.
* post-industrial material
For more information visit: https://www.thelechuza.co.uk or follow @lechuza.co.uk on Instagram
Source Charlotte Cowell, Hornby George
