How to Repot a Houseplant

Houseplants eventually outgrow their containers. When the roots run out of room, the plant struggles to take up water and nutrients, and growth slows or stops. Repotting every year or two keeps most plants healthy, and it only takes about 15 minutes once you know the steps.

Signs It’s Time to Repot

• Roots are growing out of the drainage holes or circling the surface of the soil.
• Water runs straight through the pot and out the bottom almost immediately.
• The soil dries out much faster than it used to.
• The plant looks top-heavy or tips over easily.
• Growth has stalled even during spring and summer.

Spring and early summer are the best times to repot, since plants are actively growing and recover quickly.

Gather Your Supplies

Choose a new pot just 1 to 2 inches wider in diameter than the current one, with drainage holes. A pot that is much larger holds excess wet soil around the roots, which can lead to rot. You will also need fresh potting mix suited to the plant (cactus mix for succulents, for example), a trowel, gloves and some newspaper or a tarp to catch the mess.

Wear gloves and work in a ventilated spot or outdoors; avoid inhaling dust from bagged potting mix and wash your hands when you finish. Some common houseplants have sap that irritates skin or is toxic to pets, so keep cats and dogs away from trimmings.

Step-by-Step Repotting

1. Water the plant a day before repotting so the root ball holds together and slides out more easily.
2. Add a layer of fresh potting mix to the bottom of the new pot.
3. Turn the old pot on its side, support the base of the stems with one hand and gently ease the plant out. Tap or squeeze the pot if it sticks.
4. Loosen the outer roots with your fingers. If they are tightly circling, tease them apart or make a few shallow vertical cuts with clean scissors.
5. Trim away any roots that are black, mushy or smell bad.
6. Set the plant in the new pot so the top of the root ball sits about an inch below the rim.
7. Fill in around the sides with fresh mix, pressing lightly to remove large air pockets without packing it hard.
8. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom.

Aftercare

Some droopiness for a few days is normal while roots settle in. Keep the plant out of harsh direct sun for about a week and hold off on fertilizer for four to six weeks, since fresh potting mix usually contains nutrients and new roots are tender. Resume your usual watering schedule once the top of the soil starts to dry.

Helpful Tips

• Skip the old advice to add gravel at the bottom; it doesn’t improve drainage.
• Large plants you can’t repot can get a top-dressing: replace the top couple inches of soil instead.
• Scrub and rinse old pots before reusing them to avoid spreading pests or disease.