The Ultimate Guide: How and When to Repot Your Houseplants

Repotting houseplants can seem daunting. However, it is essential for maintaining healthy plants. This guide will teach you when to repot, the signs that indicate it's necessary, and step-by-step instructions ton how to do it.

When Should You Repot Your Houseplants?

Spring is the perfect time to assess your plants. This season encourages new growth, allowing them to recover quickly from repotting stress. Young or fast-growing plants might need repotting every year or two. Many varieties can be repotted every 2-3 years. Whereas, slow growing or mature plants, may only need doing every 3 - 5 years.

Signs your plant needs repotting

Signs Your Plant Needs Repotting

Here are several signs that indicate your houseplant may need a new pot:

• Roots are emerging from the drainage holes, wrapping around the base, or pushing up through the surface. (Note that some plants prefer constricted roots, like Monstera).

• You're finding you need to water more often because the roots have filled the pot.

• Your plant's growth has slowed or halted, which is not due to winter dormancy.

• The plant is top-heavy, which makes it more likely to topple over, and the foliage exceeds three times the size of the pot.

  
  

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following items:

• Something to catch the mess, such as newspapers, a mat or potting tray.

• A new pot with drainage holes. It should be one size larger, but no more than 2 inches bigger than the current pot.

• Peat-free houseplant compost. You may also need extra drainage materials like perlite, grit, or orchid bark depending on your plant’s requirements.

• Gloves are essential if you are handling plants with irritating sap, such as ficus or spiny cacti.

• A watering can, preferably filled with rainwater.

  
  

Step-by-Step Guide to Repotting

1. Remove your plant from its current pot

(It's best to ensure the soil is lightly moist)

Tilt the pot sideways while gently holding the lower stems or leaves. Squeeze the sides to loosen the soil. If you encounter difficulties, a thin knife can help dislodge the root ball or you may need to cut the pot open if it's really stuck.

2. Loosen the Roots

Be gentle while teasing apart the roots. Breaking a few roots is okay and often necessary. If your plant is root-bound, the roots may form tight circles at the pot’s base. Carefully unbind these roots so they grow down into the fresh compost, pruning any excessively long and thin ones. Ensure that the thicker roots near the surface remain intact. For severely root-bound plants, consider cutting away the bottom quarter of old roots to promote healthy growth.

3. Remove the Old Potting Mix

Discard about a third or more of the old potting mix around the roots. The existing compost will have depleted its nutrients, so a fresh potting mix is essential.

4. Add Fresh Compost

Begin by placing a layer of potting mix at the bottom of the new pot. Make sure there’s enough soil so the root ball sits about 1-2 centimeters below the pot’s rim. Once the plant is centred, fill in with compost around the sides, ensuring it securely holds the plant. Tap or shake the pot to ensure the compost fills the gaps or gently push your fingers down the pot’s sides but try not to push out all the air you've introduced as the roots need space to breathe.

Add Water

After repotting, give it a drink. However, do not let the plant sit in water after. Also be aware that fresh potting mix will hold the moisture for longer so you may not need to water as often as usual. Always check the soil first.

Aftercare

• You can skip feeding your plant for a couple of months since the new compost will have all the necessary nutrients.

• Keep freshly repotted plants out of direct sun for 1 to 2 weeks while they recover.

• Plants generally take 2 to 6 weeks to recover from repotting, though some may take a couple of months to show significant new growth. While minor shock may resolve in a few days, a few might experience stunted growth, some leaf drop, or wilting for several weeks as they settle into new soil.

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What If You Don’t Want Your Plant to Get Bigger?

If you feel your plant has reached its ideal size, carefully trim its roots and place it back into the current pot. A smaller root system can only support a smaller plant effectively. Additionally, you can refresh the nutrients in large pots by top-dressing the soil. Remove the top one or two inches of compost and replace it with fresh mix.

Need Some Houseplant Compost?

We offer a variety of peat-free composts designed specifically for indoor plants. These are made from responsibly sourced coir (coconut husks) with added nutrients, and they are guaranteed fungus gnat-free. The blocks are dehydrated so are light to carry. Just add water into the convenient bag, and they expand to 9 litres. If you don’t want to rehydrate all of it, you can cut a piece off instead.

Pure Plants also offers a repotting service and Repotting and Houseplant Care Workshop