How to Repot a Houseplant, Step by Step
4 min read
Repotting sounds intimidating, but it is a simple task that most plants benefit from every year or two. A fresh pot gives roots room, refreshes tired soil, and can rescue a struggling plant. This guide covers how to tell when a plant needs repotting, what to buy, and how to do it with as little stress as possible.
Signs a plant needs repotting
You do not need to repot on a fixed schedule. Look for signs instead.
- Roots growing out of the drainage holes or poking above the soil.
- Roots circling the inside of the pot when you slide the plant out.
- Water running straight through without soaking in, because there is more root than soil.
- Soil that dries out within a day or two after watering.
- Slow growth or yellowing that does not respond to better light or watering.
- Soil that has broken down, become compacted, or stays wet for a long time.
- A plant that is top heavy and tips over.
Plants that are slightly root bound are not always in trouble, and some, like snake plants and peace lilies, actually bloom or grow well when snug. Do not rush to repot a healthy plant that shows no signs.
When to repot
Spring and early summer are the best times, because plants are entering a growth period and recover quickly. You can repot in other seasons if there is a problem, such as root rot, but avoid repotting a healthy plant in the depth of winter when growth is slow.
Choosing a pot
- Size. Go up about one to two inches in diameter. A pot that is much too large holds extra wet soil around a small root ball, which stays wet for a long time and raises the risk of root rot.
- Drainage. Choose a pot with drainage holes. If you love a decorative pot without holes, keep the plant in a plastic nursery pot with holes and set it inside, then empty any water that collects.
- Material. Unglazed terracotta breathes and dries soil faster, which suits succulents and plants prone to overwatering. Glazed ceramic and plastic hold moisture longer.
Choosing soil
Use a fresh potting mix suited to the plant. A general indoor potting mix works for most foliage plants, and adding perlite or bark improves drainage. Succulents and cacti want a gritty, fast-draining mix. See how to care for succulents indoors. Avoid garden soil, which compacts and can bring pests.
A common myth says to put gravel at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage. It does not help. Water collects above the gravel layer, so it can make drainage worse. Fill the pot with soil.
What you will need
- The new pot and fresh potting mix
- A trowel or scoop
- Clean scissors or pruners
- Newspaper or a tray to keep things tidy
- Water
Step by step
- Water a day or so ahead, if the soil is very dry. Slightly moist soil holds the root ball together better than bone dry or soaked soil.
- Loosen the plant. Tip the pot to its side and gently squeeze or tap it. Hold the base of the stems and slide the plant out. Do not pull on the leaves.
- Inspect the roots. Healthy roots are firm and pale. Trim away any that are black, mushy, or smell bad.
- Loosen the root ball. If roots are circling, tease them apart gently with your fingers. For a very dense mass, you can make a few shallow cuts with clean scissors.
- Add soil to the new pot. Put a layer of fresh mix in the bottom so the plant will sit at the right height.
- Place the plant. Keep it at the same depth it was growing before. The top of the root ball should sit about an inch below the rim, so there is room to water. Do not bury the stem deeper than it was.
- Fill in around the roots. Add soil around the sides and press lightly to remove large air pockets. Do not pack it tightly.
- Water thoroughly, until water drains from the bottom. Add a little more soil if it settles.
- Empty the saucer after fifteen to thirty minutes.
Aftercare
- Put the plant back in its usual spot, and keep conditions steady.
- Do not fertilize for four to six weeks. Fresh mix has nutrients, and roots may be tender.
- Expect a little wilting or leaf drop. Plants often sulk for a week or two after repotting.
- Water when the soil is dry to the right depth. Use a finger or a metal chopstick to check, and see how often to water houseplants.
Repotting a plant in trouble
If a plant is overwatered or has root rot, repot into a pot that is the same size or smaller, with fresh, well-draining mix, after trimming the rotted roots. See overwatering versus underwatering. If yellowing is the problem, this guide helps you decide whether repotting is the fix.
When not to repot
Do not repot a plant in bloom if you can wait. Do not repot a plant that is just recovering from stress unless the roots are the problem. And do not repot just because the pot looks small. Check the roots first.
If a plant is large, heavy, or delicate, and you would like a hand, our plant care service can help with repotting.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I repot a houseplant?
Many plants benefit from repotting every one to two years, but it depends on how fast the plant grows. Repot when you see signs such as roots at the drainage holes, rather than on a fixed schedule.
What size pot should I use when repotting?
Go up about one to two inches in diameter. A much bigger pot holds excess wet soil and increases the risk of root rot.
Can I repot a plant when it is flowering?
It is better to wait until blooming ends, because repotting can stress the plant and cause blooms to drop. If the plant is in real trouble, repot anyway.
Should I water right after repotting?
Yes. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots, then let it drain. After that, water only when the soil is dry to the appropriate depth.
