Repotting gives your plant fresh soil and room to grow. Here’s exactly how to do it.
🏺 When to Repot
- Roots growing out of drainage holes
- Water runs straight through without absorbing
- Plant looks top-heavy and tips over
- Growth has slowed despite good care
- It’s been 1-2 years in the same pot
- Best time: Spring or early summer
📏 Choosing the Right Pot
- Go up ONE size only (1-2 inches wider diameter)
- Always use a pot with drainage holes
- Terracotta is great for plants that like to dry out
- Plastic retains moisture longer (good for thirsty plants)
🪴 Step-by-Step Repotting
- Water the plant 24 hours before repotting (reduces stress)
- Prepare new pot: Add a layer of fresh potting mix at the bottom
- Remove plant: Tip pot sideways, gently squeeze sides, slide plant out
- Inspect roots: Loosen circling roots, trim any dead/brown roots
- Place in new pot: Center the plant, top of root ball 1 inch below rim
- Add soil: Fill around sides with fresh potting mix, press gently
- Water thoroughly: Until water drains from bottom
- Wait: Don’t fertilize for 2-4 weeks (let roots settle)
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Too big a pot: Excess soil stays wet → root rot
- No drainage holes: Water pools → root rot
- Burying the stem: Stem rot, keep at same soil level
- Fertilizing immediately: Burns stressed roots, wait 2-4 weeks