Potting plants is not difficult: instructions, tips and tricks

How planting in a bucket works and what to consider when planting Photinia in a container, you will find out here. Step by step to the perfect planting.

Simple planting in containers: step by step to perfect planting

Planting in a container is not difficult. With a few simple steps, you can create a long-lasting decorative plant that adapts to the individual conditions on your balcony, terrace, or garden. However, not every plant thrives in a container. Some need more space than they can get in a pot. Others grow too quickly or only find the right conditions in garden soil. So the question arises: Can you plant a Photinia in a container? The answer is: Yes, you can! Photinia Devil's Dream® even thrives wonderfully in a pot. Find out exactly how to plant in a container and what else to consider when it comes to growing Photinia in a container here.

Preparation for container planting

Planting large containers: With a little preparation and the right pot size, it works

To successfully plant a container, you will need a watering can, shards of clay pots, fertilizer, and, of course, a suitable pot. In order for the roots of the Photinia Devil's Dream® to have enough space, the pot must be sufficiently large. As a rough guideline, the pot should be at least three centimeters wider in diameter than the pot in which the photinia arrived. However, it should not be too big, as this could affect the stability of the plant. Generally, a pot of four to six centimeters is large enough for a newly purchased Photinia Devil's Dream®. This applies to all types of pots, whether you want to plant it in a concrete pot or prefer a classic terracotta pot. Beautiful pots for planting are also available in metal or wood. Anything that suits you and your style is allowed. The main thing is that there is enough space for the root ball and fresh soil.

Requirements for planting in containers

Planting tubs correctly, step by step.

1. When planting a container, don't forget about drainage!

Take the pot of your choice and place a shard of clay over the drainage hole. This will prevent soil from entering the hole and clogging it when watering. If your pot doesn't have a way for excess water to drain, drill some holes in the bottom. To protect these homemade openings from clogging, add a layer of drainage material such as expanded clay or smaller shards of clay on the bottom of the pot.

2. Prepare the right soil for the plant when planting a container.

Once the pot is prepared, it's time to start planting. Add a few handfuls (or shovelfuls) of soil to the pot, where the roots of your Photinia Devil's Dream® can settle. Make sure to fill enough soil so that the plant is at the same height in its new home as it was in the previous pot. Wondering which soil is best for your photinia? Photinia plants need loose, well-draining soil with a high humus content. Therefore, it's best to use high-quality container planting soil that is ideally enriched with fine grit, sand, or perlite.

3. Set the photinia in the container.

Now comes the part of planting a container that requires a bit of finesse. Carefully remove your Photinia Devil's Dream® from its plastic pot, being careful not to damage the roots. If the plant doesn't easily come out, you can gently tap the sides and bottom of the pot. For tightly bound roots sticking out of the drainage holes, it's best to detach them with your fingers. Next, remove as much of the old soil from the root ball as possible. You can do this by hand or lightly tapping the side of the shovel against the ball. Afterward, the soil should shake off. This process is important because it loosens the root system enough for the plant to reach the new soil and its nutrients.

4. How to plant a container more than just adding soil.

With the preparation done, place the photinia on the prepared layer of soil. Position it, lightly press it into the pot, and hold it with one hand. Now gradually fill the container with soil until the roots are completely covered. Occasionally press the soil lightly in between. When continuing to plant the container, make sure that the plant sits at the same height as it did in the old container. Importantly, leave two to three centimeters of free space at the top of the pot. This water barrier prevents too much soil from being flushed out.

Devils Dream label
1. When planting in pots, do not forget drainage!
1. When planting in pots, do not forget drainage!
2. Prepare the right soil for the plant when you plant it in the container.
2. Prepare the right soil for the plant when you plant it in the container.
3. Place the medlar in the container
3. Place the medlar in the container
4. How do I plant a planter? More than just soil
4. How do I plant a planter? More than just soil

5. Planting pots and fertilizing: necessary or not? Synthetic or better organic?

If you have chosen high-quality specialty potting soil when planting pots, you do not need to fertilize your Photinia Devil's Dream® immediately after planting or repotting. These substrates contain enough nutrients to sustain the plant for a certain period of time. If you prefer organic fertilization instead of synthetic, you can opt for horn chips. These make use of a natural nitrogen source and therefore do not have a negative impact on drinking water and groundwater. Furthermore, horn is a renewable resource obtained from a "waste product" of animal processing. From an ethical and ecological perspective, this fertilizer is therefore safe.

Additionally add a few horn shavings

6. Final step of the project "How to plant planters?": Watering!

After planting or repotting the plant, it needs water, and a lot of it. The soil should be thoroughly watered so that it settles and the Japanese holly has a good anchor. The amount of watering varies depending on whether you're planting in spring, summer, or autumn. The water requirements heavily depend on the temperature, sunlight exposure, and plant species. However, until new roots have formed, the plant should not dry out too much, but it should also not be sitting in water.

Watering Devils Dream
Devils Dream in the pot
Devils Dream in the pot
Devils Dream with plant label
Devils Dream with plant label

Step by step to perfect Devil's Dream® pot planting