How to Repot a Plant

Repotting is optional until it isn't. Here's how to do it right.

When to Repot

Signs Your Plant Needs Repotting

When NOT to Repot

• Dormant season (late fall-winter) — wait for spring
• Plant is stressed — postpone until it recovers
• Recently repotted — give it time to adjust
• Plant is blooming — wait until flowering is done

What You'll Need

• New pot (1-2 inches larger in diameter)
• Well-draining potting mix
• Watering can
• Trowel or scoop
• Newspaper or tarp (for mess)
• Scissors (optional, for trimming roots)

Choosing the Right Pot

Size Matters

The rule: Only go up 1-2 inches in diameter.

Why not bigger? Too much soil retains too much water. Roots sitting in wet soil = rot.

Drainage Is Non-Negotiable

Your pot MUST have drainage holes.

The solution: Use a nursery pot inside a decorative cache pot. Remove from cache to water.

Pot Material Comparison

Choosing the Right Soil

Basic Potting Mix Formula

Most houseplants want:

• 1 part peat moss or coco coir (moisture retention)
• 1 part perlite or pumice (drainage)
• 1 part potting soil (nutrients)

Soil for Specific Plants

Step-by-Step Repotting Process

Step 1: Water Beforehand

Water your plant 1-2 days before repotting.

Wet soil holds together better. Dry soil falls apart and damages roots.

Step 2: Prepare Your Workspace

1. Lay down newspaper, tarp, or use a large bowl
2. Have your new pot ready with drainage holes
3. Pre-moisten the new soil (optional but helps)
4. Have water ready

Step 3: Remove the Plant

1. Turn the pot on its side
2. Support the plant stem with one hand
3. Gently squeeze or tap the sides of the pot
4. Slide the plant out — don't pull by the stem

If the plant won't come out:

• Let it dry out more (soil too wet)
• Run a knife around the edge
• Slice the plastic pot if needed (nursery pots are disposable)

Step 4: Examine the Roots

Healthy roots:

• White or tan color
• Firm and slightly crispy
• Growing throughout the soil

Problem roots:

• Black or mushy (root rot — trim off)
• Circling the edge (root bound — gently unwind)
• Smelly (rot — trim and repot in fresh soil)

Step 5: Loosen the Roots

Gently tease apart the outer roots:

• Don't rip or tear
• Loosen the root ball by about 25-50%
• If roots are tightly circling, gently unwind them
• This encourages roots to grow OUT into new soil

Root trimming: Only trim dead, rotting, or excessively long roots. Don't remove more than 20-25% of the root mass.

Step 6: Add Soil to the New Pot

1. Add a layer of fresh soil to the bottom
2. Create a small mound in the center
3. The plant's root ball should sit at the same depth as before
4. Leave 1/2 inch of space at the top for watering

Plant depth: The soil line should be the same as it was in the old pot. Don't bury the stem.

Step 7: Fill Around the Roots

1. Add soil around the root ball
2. Gently firm the soil with your fingers
3. Don't pack it too tightly — roots need air
4. Leave space at the top (1/2 inch for watering)

Step 8: Water Thoroughly

1. Water until it flows from drainage holes
2. This helps settle the soil
3. Remove water from saucer after 15 minutes

Step 9: Aftercare

For 2-4 weeks:

• No fertilizer (roots are adjusting)
• Water normally (don't overcompensate)
• Keep in same light conditions
• Don't stress the plant further

What to expect:

• Mild drooping is normal (transplant shock)
• New growth in 2-4 weeks means success
• If plant declines significantly, check for root rot

Troubleshooting Repotting Problems

Common Repotting Mistakes

Mistake 1: Going Too Big

Problem: Too much soil = water retention = root rot Fix: Only go up 1-2 inches

Mistake 2: Burying the Stem

Problem: Stem tissue isn't designed for soil = rot Fix: Keep soil at the same level as before

Mistake 3: Repoting at the Wrong Time

Problem: Dormant plants can't recover from shock Fix: Wait for active growing season (spring-summer)

Mistake 4: Fertilizing Immediately

Problem: Burned roots can't handle fertilizer Fix: Wait 2-4 weeks before fertilizing

Mistake 5: Using Poor Drainage Pots

Problem: Water pools at bottom = root rot Fix: Always use pots with drainage holes

The Bottom Line

1. Repot when roots are circling or growth has stalled
2. Only go up 1-2 inches in pot size
3. Don't bury the stem
4. Use pots with drainage holes
5. Don't fertilize for 2-4 weeks after
6. Handle roots gently

Repotting isn't hard. The plant will tell you when it needs it. Listen to the roots.

Need help diagnosing what's wrong after repotting? Check our Plant ER.