Repotting indoor plants is essential to keep them healthy and growing. Over time, soil loses nutrients, roots become compacted, and your plant may outgrow its current pot. Repotting not only gives your plant a fresh start with new soil but also provides room for the roots to spread out and flourish. If you’ve never repotted a plant before, don’t worry! This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process and help you become confident in giving your plants the care they
1. When Should You Repot?
Before repotting, it’s important to know when your plant needs it. Common signs include:
• Roots are coming out of the drainage holes or circling around the top of the soil.
• Water drains too quickly, meaning the plant is root-bound, or it pools at the surface, indicating compacted soil.
• The plant has stopped growing or is wilting even when properly watered.
• Soil is old and lacking nutrients, no longer supporting the plant’s needs.
Repotting is typically needed every 1-2 years for most indoor plants, but fast-growing plants may need it more frequently.
2. Gather Your Supplies
To repot your plant, you’ll need:
• A new pot that is 1-2 inches larger than the current one. Make sure it has drainage holes to prevent root rot.
• Fresh potting soil suitable for the plant species (e.g., cactus mix, orchid mix, or general houseplant potting mix).
• A small trowel or gardening tool for digging and loosening soil.
• A pair of scissors or pruning shears for trimming dead roots if necessary.
• Gloves (optional) if you prefer to keep your hands clean.
3. Prepare the New Pot
Before removing the plant from its old pot, prepare the new pot. Add a layer of fresh potting soil at the bottom—about 1 to 2 inches deep, depending on the size of the plant. This layer gives the roots room to grow and helps with drainage. Ensure the new pot is clean and has proper drainage holes.
4. Remove the Plant from Its Old Pot
Gently remove your plant from its current pot by tipping it sideways and holding the base of the plant near the soil. If the plant doesn’t slide out easily, tap the sides of the pot to loosen the root ball. Be careful not to tug on the plant to avoid damaging its stems or roots. If it’s root-bound, you may need to gently squeeze the pot or use a small tool to free the roots.
5. Loosen the Roots
Once the plant is out of the pot, examine the root ball. If the roots are tightly bound or circling the root mass, gently loosen them with your fingers. You can also trim any dead or damaged roots using sterilized scissors. This encourages healthy growth by allowing the roots to spread out into the new soil.
For severely root-bound plants, you can prune up to one-third of the roots without harming the plant, which will help it adjust to its new pot.
6. Place the Plant in the New Pot
Position your plant in the center of the new pot, ensuring that it sits at the same depth as it was in the old pot. The top of the root ball should be about an inch below the rim of the pot.
Fill in the sides with fresh potting soil, gently pressing it down around the roots. Be sure not to pack the soil too tightly, as this could prevent water and air from reaching the roots. Leave some space at the top for watering.
7. Water and Care After Repotting
After repotting, water the plant thoroughly to help the soil settle around the roots and hydrate the plant. Water until you see excess coming out of the drainage holes. You may notice that the soil level drops after watering; if so, add a little more soil to top it off.
For the first few weeks after repotting, place the plant in a spot with the appropriate light conditions but avoid direct sunlight, as your plant may experience a bit of stress from the repotting process. Hold off on fertilizing for about a month to give the plant time to adjust to its new environment.
Bonus Tips for Repotting Success
• Don’t repot too frequently: Most indoor plants don’t need repotting more than once every 1-2 years unless they show clear signs of needing it.
• Choose the right potting soil: Each plant has different soil needs. For example, succulents prefer a fast-draining mix, while tropical houseplants need a moisture-retentive mix.
• Watch for post-repotting stress: It’s normal for plants to show signs of stress (drooping or yellowing leaves) after repotting. Give them time to adjust, and they’ll bounce back.
Final Thoughts
Repotting indoor plants is a rewarding task that helps keep your plants healthy and thriving. By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure that your plant has the space and nutrients it needs to continue growing beautifully. If you’re unsure about repotting or need assistance, visit us at Plantae Lover—we offer repotting services for small to medium-sized plants and are always happy to give advice on plant care!