How to Repot a Plant Step-by-Step


By repotting your plants, you are giving them room to grow. Repotting your houseplants is an essential part of plant care that gives your green friends fresh nutrients and room to grow. It may seem intimidating, but following a few simple steps will ensure a smooth transition.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to repot a plant, complete with advice on when to repot and what materials you'll need, making this a simple, rewarding task for any plant parent!



When is the Right Time to Repot? 

(Signs Your Plant is Root-Bound)

Repotting is generally best done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Here are the clear signs that your plant is ready for an upgrade:

  • Roots are visible: Roots are poking out of the drainage holes or are circling on the soil surface.

  • The plant is "root-bound": When you gently slide the plant out of its pot, the roots are a thick, coiled mass, with very little soil visible (a condition also known as "root jailbreak").

  • Water runs straight through: Water immediately pours out of the drainage holes without soaking into the soil, indicating the pot is mostly roots and very little soil.

  • The plant is top-heavy: The plant is constantly tipping over because its top growth is too large for its current pot and root mass.

  • Stunted growth: The plant has stopped putting out new, healthy growth or new leaves are noticeably smaller.


Essential Repotting Materials

  1. New Pot: Choose a pot that is only 1 to 2 inches (2.5 - 5 cm) wider in diameter than the old pot. Choosing one that is too large can lead to overwatering and root rot. Crucially, the new pot must have drainage holes.

  2. Fresh Potting Mix/Soil: Use a high-quality potting mix formulated for indoor plants. For succulents and cacti, use a specific gritty/sandy mix. Do not use garden soil, as it is too heavy and compacts easily in pots.

  3. Trowel or Small Shovel: For scooping soil.

  4. Pruning Shears/Scissors (Optional): Clean and sharp, for trimming roots or dead leaves.

  5. Newspaper or Tarp: To protect your workspace, as repotting can get messy!

  6. Watering Can: For watering the plant before and after repotting.

 

 

Step-by-Step Repotting Guide for Houseplants

Follow these steps to safely move your houseplant into its new home.

Step 1: Prepare the Plant and Pot

  • Water the Plant: Water your plant thoroughly about 24 hours before repotting. This helps the plant stay hydrated and makes the root ball easier to remove intact.

  • Prepare the New Pot: Place a small layer of the fresh potting mix at the bottom of the new pot. The goal is to set the plant at the correct height: the top of the old root ball should sit about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the rim of the new pot.



Step 2: Gently Remove the Plant from the Old Pot

  • Loosen the Plant: Turn the plant on its side or slightly upside down. Gently support the base of the plant with one hand.

  • Slide it Out: Tap the bottom and sides of the old pot to loosen the soil and roots. If it's very stuck, you can slide a dull knife around the inner edge of the pot.

  • Remove: Carefully slide the plant out, keeping the entire root ball together.



Step 3: Inspect and Loosen the Roots

  • Examine the Roots: Look for roots that are circling tightly around the perimeter of the root ball.

  • Gently Loosen: Use your fingers to gently untangle and loosen the circling roots, encouraging them to grow outward into the new soil. You can also make 3-4 shallow vertical cuts (about 1 inch deep) around the sides of the root ball to encourage new growth.

  • Trim if Necessary (Optional): Use clean shears to trim off any dead, mushy, or dark brown/black (rotting) roots, leaving only the healthy, firm, white/tan roots.


Step 4: Place the Plant in the New Pot

  • Center the Plant: Place the plant directly onto the soil layer you prepared in the new pot. Adjust the soil underneath as needed so the top of the root ball is at the desired height.

  • Fill with Soil: Use your trowel or scoop fresh potting mix into the space around the root ball, filling in the gaps up to the original soil line of the plant.

  • Avoid Burying the Crown: Do not bury the stem of the plant deeper than it was before; this can lead to stem rot.

[Image showing the plant centered in the new pot, with a hand scooping fresh soil around the root ball to fill the empty space]


Step 5: Finish and Water

  • Secure the Soil: Gently press the new soil down with your fingers or tap the pot a few times on the ground/table. This helps settle the soil and remove any large air pockets.

  • Water Thoroughly: Water the newly repotted plant deeply until water drains out of the bottom holes. This helps the new soil settle fully around the roots.

  • Post-Repotting Care: Place your repotted plant in its usual location (avoiding direct, harsh sun for a few days). Do not fertilise for at least 4-6 weeks, as the fresh soil contains enough nutrients to support the plant during its transition.

 

Your plant will likely spend the next few weeks focusing its energy on growing new roots to fill the larger pot. Once it settles in, get ready for a resurgence of healthy top growth!