How to repot a houseplant

RSS

Indoor gardeners often have just as many responsibilities as those who work outdoors. From maintaining a watering schedule to ensuring sufficient light levels, all houseplants are subject to different care routines.

However, an eventuality with all houseplants is that they outgrow their pots. Over time, they will grow too big for their original container, which depletes the soil of nutrients and can lead to issues like stunted growth and yellowing.

But this doesn’t have to be the case! All indoor gardeners should be aware of the signs a plant needs repotting. Then, you can follow our quick and simple instructions on how to give your houseplant the space it needs to thrive.

What are the signs a houseplant needs repotting?

The red flags of overgrowing are varied. Some may be obvious, while you may have to dig deeper for others. Here are the top 5 signs:

1. Plant looks too big for its pot

If your plant visibly looks too large for its current container, it’s likely outgrown the pot. Being too top-heavy can hinder a plant’s general health.

2. Stunted growth

A plant that has stopped growing or is doing so very slowly (despite being in its active growth period) may need more space for its roots to expand.

3. Roots are growing out of the pot

One of the clearest red flags that your plant is outgrowing its home is when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes or even emerging from the soil surface. It indicates the plant is ‘root-bound’.

4. Soil dries out quickly

If you notice that your plant requires more watering than usual, this could be because the roots have taken up most of the space in the pot and have left little soil to retain moisture.

5. Drooping/yellowing leaves

While yellowing leaves can be the result of various issues (e.g., nutrient deficiency or improper watering), it can also indicate that the plant needs fresh soil and more space to thrive.

Similarly, unexplained leaf drop, especially if you’ve ruled out other causes, might suggest it's time for a new pot.

What equipment do I need to repot a houseplant?

1. Tools

Trowel: Useful for scooping potting mix.
Pruners or scissors: To trim dead or excessive roots.
Small knife: Helpful for loosening the plant from its old pot and cutting through any compacted roots.

2. Protective gear

Gloves: To protect your hands from dirt and potential irritants in the soil.
Apron: To keep your clothes clean while working
Disposable floor covering: To ensure any spilt materials can be scooped up and disposed of easily.

3. Optional extras

Moss pole/stake: A moss pole or stake can be added during repotting for plants that need support, such as climbing or tall plants.
Perlite: For mixing into the soil of plants that need improved aeration and draining.

Step-by-step repotting instructions

Now that you’ve gathered the necessary equipment, it’s time to create your plant’s new home!

Remember, the following instructions may not apply to all types of houseplants. Repotting instructions for succulents, like cacti and aloe vera, may be different and require further research by the responsible houseplant owner!

1. Remove the plant

To begin, gently remove the plant from its current pot. It’s crucial to be delicate during this step to avoid damaging the plant’s roots and stems. If the plant is stuck, try the following techniques:

Loosen the edges: Run a small knife or a trowel around the inside edge of the pot to loosen the root ball.
Tip the pot: Turn the pot sideways and gently tap the bottom and sides to help release the plant.
Squeeze plastic pots: If you are using a plastic pot, gently squeeze the sides.

2. Detangle/loosen roots

Once the plant is out of its old pot, examine the roots:

Trim dead roots: Remove any dead or rotten roots using sterilised scissors or pruners.
Detangle roots: Gently tease apart roots that are circling the rootball; this encourages them to grow outwards into the new soil.
Prune (if necessary): For very root-bound plants, you may need to prune some of the longer roots to stimulate new growth. Be careful not to remove more than one-third of the roots.

3. Place a layer of soil in your new pot

Before placing your plant in the new pot, add a base layer of fresh potting mix:

Depth: The layer should be deep enough so that when the plant is added, the top of the root ball is about an inch below the rim of the pot.
Type of soil: Use a potting mix appropriate for your plant type. For most houseplants, a general-purpose mix works well, but cacti and succulents may need a grittier mix for better drainage.
Enhance drainage: For plants prone to root rot, consider adding a layer of gravel or perlite at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage.

4. Add your plant

Place your plant in the new pot and fill in around the rootball with fresh potting mix:

Positioning: Make sure the plant is centred and upright; this will help it grow evenly.
Fill and firm: Add soil around the rootball, lightly pressing it down to eliminate air pockets. Avoid packing the soil too tightly, which can restrict root growth and water penetration.
Top up soil: Ensure that the soil level is consistent with the original level on the plant's stem to avoid burying the plant too deeply or leaving roots exposed.

Common repotting questions

How often should you repot a houseplant?

Houseplants typically need to be repotted every 12 to 18 months.

A yearly time frame allows the fresh soil to provide necessary nutrients and more space for root growth. Some fast-growing plants may require more frequent repotting, while slow growers might be fine for up to two years in the same pot (e.g., succulents).

When is the best time to repot a houseplant?

The ideal time to repot most houseplants is in early spring, just before their active growing season begins.

Spring timing helps the plant recover more quickly and take advantage of the growing period. However, for houseplants grown under artificial lights that maintain growth year-round, repotting can be done at any time.

What kind of pot should I use?

Choose a pot that is one to two inches larger in diameter than the current pot. A pot of this size provides enough space for root expansion without overwhelming the plant with too much soil, which can retain excess moisture and lead to root rot.