If you’ve been growing Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus) in a container, you might notice things getting a little cramped in there. These plants have vigorous root systems that multiply and eventually take over the entire pot. When that happens, you’ve got two choices: move your plant to a bigger home or divide it to get even more blooms. Here’s the lowdown on how to handle it.
When is it time to repot your Agapanthus?
The Lily of the Nile grows from thick, fleshy roots (rhizomes) that love to spread out. If yours is in a pot, those roots will eventually hit the walls. The cool thing is, once the root ball is established, you can actually split it in half. This lets you plant one half in a new spot or start a second pot. It’s honestly one of the easiest ways to propagate your collection.
Here are the main reasons to repot:
- The roots are literally bursting out of the pot.
- You want to divide the plant to make more babies.
- You just want a fresh look with a new decorative planter.
Another big reason to dig it up is simply that the plant has outgrown its current space. But here’s a pro tip: don’t go *too* big with the new pot. Agapanthus actually likes being a little snug; if you give them too much room, they tend to focus on growing leaves rather than those gorgeous flowers.
Getting your plant settled in its new home
Once you’ve picked out a pot that’s just a size or two larger, start with a layer of sand or fine gravel at the bottom. This is key for drainage—you definitely want to avoid standing water at the roots after a heavy rain. Next, fill the pot with a high-quality potting mix and set your Lily of the Nile inside. Give it a good drink of water, but be careful not to drown it.
Timing is everything: the best time to repot is in the spring. If you’re keeping your plants outdoors, wait until the threat of frost has totally passed. During the warmer months, make sure to hit them with the right fertilizer about once a month. This ensures they have all the nutrients they need to put on a spectacular show!
