Soil and pots2 min read

When and how to repot a plant

Signs it's time, and a step-by-step guide

Signs it's time

Look for one or more of these.

Roots grow out of the drainage holes, or form a solid mass around the root ball.
The plant needs water much more often, or wilts soon after watering.
The plant is top-heavy and tips over easily.
Growth has slowed, even with good care.

Pick the right time

Late winter to early summer is best, as plants start growing and recover quickly. Avoid autumn and winter, when fresh mix stays wet around idle roots.

Don't repot a plant that's ailing, resting or just starting to flower. Fast growers may need a new pot every year; slow growers every 2 or 3 years.

Step by step

Gather a new pot, fresh potting mix and clean scissors.

Water the plant beforehand so the root ball is moist and slides out easily.
Pick a pot 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) wider than the old one, with drainage holes and no gravel layer.
Tip the plant out, supporting the base of the stems.
Loosen circling roots and cut away any that are dead. On a tight root ball, make a few cuts about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) deep around the sides.
Set it at the same depth as before; don't pile mix above the old soil line.
Leave about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) below the rim, and water until it drains.

Aftercare

Keep the plant in bright, indirect light for a few days while it settles. Some yellowing or a few dropped leaves are normal after repotting.

Wait 2 to 4 weeks before feeding, since fresh mix often contains some fertilizer. When you start again, follow the label.

Too big to repot?

For large plants, scrape off the top 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) of old mix every other year or so, and replace it with fresh. This is called top-dressing.

To keep a plant the same size, trim off up to a quarter of the outer roots and put it back in the same pot with fresh mix.

Sources

General guidance, not a diagnosis. Written by PlantWiz in our own words from the sources above.