Guide to repotting houseplants

Repotting your houseplants is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of plant care. Incorrect or infrequent repotting can lead to stunted growth or even the death of your precious plants. This guide highlights the ideal time to repot and provides step-by-step instructions to ensure your plants thrive.

When to repot

Ideally, repotting should be done in the spring when houseplants begin their growth cycle. This gives them the best chance to adjust to their new pots. While the frequency of repotting varies among different plants, a good rule of thumb is to do so every 1-2 years. Here are a few indicators that suggest your plant might need repotting:

• Roots are growing through the drainage hole: This is a clear sign that your plant has outgrown its current pot. If the roots have no space to expand, they become root bound and start venturing through the drainage holes.
• The plant has become top-heavy and tips over easily: If your plant is too large for its pot, it may become unstable and prone to toppling over.
• Stunted plant growth: If your plant’s growth seems sluggish or undersized, it might be root-bound, implying the roots have exhausted all available space in the pot, leaving no room for new growth.
• Water drains too quickly: If you notice water flowing straight through the soil and exiting quickly from the drainage hole, it might mean the roots have taken up all the room in the pot.

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How to repot

Repotting can be broken down into a few simple steps:

1. Choose the right pot: The new pot should be roughly 2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Make sure it has ample drainage holes.
2. Prepare the pot: Add a layer of potting mix to the bottom of the new pot. This layer acts as a foundation for the plant to rest on.
3. Remove the plant from its current pot: Proceed gently during this step. If the plant is severely root-bound, you might need to use a knife to cut around the pot’s inner edge.
4. Loosen the roots: Tease apart the root ball gently, particularly if the roots are densely entangled. This action assists the plant to grow into fresh soil more easily.
5. Position the plant: Situate the plant in the new pot. The top of the root ball should rest slightly below the pot’s rim.
6. Fill the pot with soil: Add potting mix around the plant, pressing it down lightly to eliminate air pockets. Remember to leave some space at the top for watering.
7. Water thoroughly: Water the plant immediately after repotting to help it settle and reduce stress.

Common Mistakes

Avoid these common mistakes to ensure successful repotting:

• Repotting at the wrong time: As previously mentioned, spring is the most suitable time to repot most plants. Attempting to repot during dormant periods might inflict unnecessary stress on the plant.
• Using a pot that is too big: Moving a plant to a significantly larger pot can lead to overwatering as the plant won’t be able to absorb all the water in the vast amount of soil.
• Not loosening the roots: Neglecting to loosen root-bound plants can cause roots to continue growing in the same tight pattern, leading to poor growth in the new pot.
• Over-packing with soil: While it’s crucial to eliminate air pockets, over-packing the soil can inhibit root growth and suffocate the plant
• Using poor quality soil: The quality of the soil plays a crucial role in a plant’s health. Avoid using low-quality soil as it lacks essential nutrients or has poor water retention. Opt instead for a high-quality potting mix.

Should You Repot New Plants?

Garden centres and plant shops often house plants in plastic nursery pots, which are unsuitable for long-term growth. These plants might inhabit a soil mix optimized for the greenhouse, not your home. Therefore, it’s generally a good idea to repot new plants. However, to reduce stress, give them a few weeks to adjust to your home environment before repotting.

Remember, repotting is more than just moving a plant into a bigger pot. It’s an opportunity to rejuvenate the soil, encourage growth, and address any potential root issues. Find out more about the importance of good soil for houseplants.

Last updated: 12th June 2023

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