Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free picturethis icon
Continue Reading
Plant Care Guide > Salal > Transplant
MainImg
How to Transplant Salal
(Gaultheria shallon)
Salal, also known as Lemonleaf
Transplant salal in the vibrancy of early-to-mid-spring, when growth is poised to surge. Choose shady, well-drained spots, akin to its natural woodland setting. If needed, amend soil with organic matter to mimic salal's preferred environment. A friendly reminder to preserve root integrity during the process.
transplant

What Preparations are Needed Before Transplanting Salal?

What is the Ideal Time for Transplanting Salal?
The prime time for giving salal a new home is during the onset of spring, particularly in its early to mid phases. This period's mild weather conditions are ideal for salal's root establishment, ensuring a smooth transition and robust growth. Relocating salal during this time capitalizes on the cool temperatures and increased moisture that are essential for root development, fostering a successful transplantation. Embrace this window of opportunity to grant salal the best start in its new location, reinforcing its resilience and vitality.
How Much Space Should You Leave Between Salal Plants?
When planting your salal, make sure there's plenty of room to grow. Ideally, allow for about 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters) between each plant. This will ensure they have plenty of space to flourish and mature.
What is the Best Soil Mix for Salal Transplanting?
For your salal to thrive, it needs well-draining soil with a mixture of sand, silt, and a little clay. Add organic compost or a slow-release fertilizer to the base soil for a nutrient-rich environment.
Where Should You Relocate Your Salal?
Your salal prefers part-sun to full-shadow locations. Protect it from hot afternoon sun to avoid scorching. Eastern-facing locations are best so it can enjoy the morning sunlight without overheating.
Identify plants and master transplanting
Want your plants to thrive? Discover the best times and care tips for successful transplanting!
Download the App for Free

What Equipments Should You Prepare Before Transplantation Salal?

Gardening Gloves
To protect your hands from sharp tools and the rough texture of the soil.
Trowel
This little shovel is perfect for digging up smaller plants like salal, causing minimal disturbance to the surrounding soil.
Shovel or Spade
For larger salal plants, or those in the ground, you may need a long-handled tool to reach deeper roots.
Watering Can
For watering the plant before and after transplanting.
Pruning Shears
To trim away any dead or damaged stems of salal.
Garden Fork
To loosen the soil around the salal before transplanting and to mix in compost or other soil amendments at the new site.
Wheelbarrow
It will make it easier to move the uprooted salal to its new location.

How Do You Remove Salal from the Soil?

From Ground: To remove salal from the ground, begin by watering the surrounding soil to dampen it. This will make it easier to excavate the plant without damaging the roots. Use your shovel or spade to dig a wide circle around the plant, keeping the edge of the circle at least a few inches away from the base to avoid cutting through major roots. Once you've dug around the entire plant, work your shovel or garden fork under the root ball and gently lift the salal plant from the ground.
From Pot: If salal is currently living in a pot, start the removal process by watering the pot well. This should make the soil and root ball easier to remove. Loan the pot on its side and gently slide the salal. If the plant is resistant, you may need to use a trowel or your hands to loosen the soil around the edges of the pot before trying again.
From Seedling Tray: For salal growing in a seedling tray, the key is to be gentle. Use a spoon or a small trowel to lift the plant, ensuring to retain as much of the root and soil as possible.

Step-by-Step Guide for Transplanting Salal

Preparation
Prepare the new planting hole before you begin removing salal from its current location. The hole should be at least twice as wide and the same depth as the current size of the salal root ball.
Removal
Follow the removal process explained above. Remember to damage as few roots as possible during this process.
Transplant
Place salal in the newly dug hole, ensuring it's standing upright. Backfill the hole with soil and firm it around the root ball.
Water
Water the salal thoroughly immediately after transplanting. Until the plant has established, make sure the soil stays moist, but not soaking.
Check
Over the next few days, check on the plant regularly to ensure it is successful. Look out for signs of transplant shock, such as wilting or yellowing leaves.
Optimize plant health with ideal lighting
Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.
Download the App for Free

How Do You Care For Salal After Transplanting?

Watering
Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist for the first few weeks after transplanting. Too much or too little water can harm the salal and hinder its ability to establish in the new location. However, avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
Pruning
Pruning stimulates growth. Remove dead or damaged stems and leaves but avoid heavy pruning until the salal has had a chance to settle into its new location.
Monitoring
Keep a close eye on your transplanted salal over the next few weeks. Watch for signs of stress or disease such as discolored leaves or slow growth.
Discover your plant's ideal water intake
Use our calculator to find out how much water your plants need for optimal health.
Download the App for Free

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Salal Transplantation.

When is the optimal time to transplant salal?
The ideal time to move salal is between early spring and late summer. This period provides the plant with enough time to establish in the new location before winter.
What's the appropriate spacing for salal in the garden?
When planting salal, maintain a distance of approximately 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters). This gives room for future growth and ensures healthy development.
What is the best way to prepare the soil for salal transplanting?
Enrich the soil with organic matter before transplanting. Salal thrives in acidic, well-drained soil. Also, prepare a hole twice as wide and deep as the plant's rootball.
What should I consider when choosing a location to transplant salal?
Salal does best in partial sunlight to full shade. Choose a location where the plants will receive enough light but still protected from scorching midday sun.
How should I water salal after transplanting?
Water salal thoroughly right after transplanting, and keep the soil consistently moist until the plant is well-established. However, avoid waterlogging as this can damage its roots.
Is it important to mulch after transplanting salal?
Yes, applying mulch around salal helps to retain soil moisture, protect its roots from fluctuating temperatures, and reduce weed competition.
Do I need to prune salal after transplanting?
Pruning is not necessary right after transplanting. Allow salal to settle in first, then prune lightly to shape it, remove dead or broken branches.
Should I feed salal immediately after transplanting?
You don't need to feed salal immediately after transplanting. Allow it to adjust to its new surroundings first, then consider using a slow-release acidic fertilizer.
Should I stake salal after it has been transplanted?
Salal seldom needs staking; the plant is robust enough to support itself. However, if the plant is mature and has a loose root ball, staking might be beneficial.
What are signs of transplant shock in salal?
Signs of transplant stress in salal could include yellowing leaves, wilting, slowed growth, and leaf drop. If you see these signs, ensure appropriate watering, and reduce direct sun exposure.
Cultivate a Thriving Garden with PictureThis Guidance
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more!
Download the App for Free
image
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app