To repot a houseplant, water it a day before, ease it out of its pot, loosen the roots, set it in a slightly larger pot with fresh mix and water it in. The job takes about ten minutes and is easiest on a covered table. Read your plant’s care guide first, since some plants like being snug.
Signs It May Be Time
- Roots growing from the drainage holes.
- Roots circling thickly at the edge of the root ball.
- Water running straight through without soaking in.
- The pot tipping over because the plant is top-heavy.
Spring and early summer are common times, though your plant’s guide may say otherwise.
What You Need
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| New pot with drainage holes | One size up, usually 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) wider |
| Fresh potting mix | Fills around the roots |
| Trowel or scoop | Moves mix into place |
| Old newspaper or a tray | Catches spills |
| Clean scissors | Trims damaged roots |
| Watering can | Waters in after planting |
Repotting Steps
- Lay out newspaper and place a handful of mix in the bottom of the new pot.
- Tip the old pot sideways, hold the base of the plant and gently squeeze or tap the pot to release it.
- If it sticks, run a blunt knife around the inside edge.
- Shake off loose soil and tease apart tightly wound roots with your fingers.
- Trim any roots that are brown or broken with clean scissors.
- Set the plant in the new pot at the same depth as before, with the stem base slightly below the rim.
- Fill around the sides with mix, pressing lightly to remove large air gaps.
- Water slowly until it drains from the holes.
Aftercare
Place the plant back in its usual spot, out of direct strong sun for a few days. Let the top of the soil dry slightly before watering again. Many plants do not need extra feeding straight away, so read the label of any product and follow its directions. Wash your hands and tools afterward with soap and water.
Repotting is a good moment to look at the plant as a whole. Notice whether it leans toward the light and if so turn it a little each week. If the plant is large, ask a helper to hold it while you add mix, and use a sheet or tray under the pot to make cleanup quicker. Dispose of old mix according to local garden waste rules.
FAQ
Should I go up several sizes at once?
Usually one size up is enough, since excess soil stays wet for longer.
Can I reuse the old soil?
Fresh mix is the usual advice because old soil can pack down. If you reuse any, loosen it first.
The Short Version
Choose a pot one size up, ease the plant out, loosen the roots, refill with fresh mix and water in. Give it a calm, familiar spot afterward.