Everything You Need to Know About How to Repot a Plant

Yellowing leaves. Roots emerging at the base. Drying soil within a day despite regular watering.

When your plant starts appearing stressed, wilted, and unable to grow, the issue might not be due to a lack of sunlight or fertilizer but rather because it is ready for a bigger pot.

Rest assured that your plant is alive; it merely requires relocating to a new container.

After going through this guide, you will understand when it is necessary to repot your plant, how to go about doing it while minimizing root damage, common mistakes to steer clear of, and tips for aiding your plant in recovering successfully and thriving.

What Is Repotting & Why It Matters

The process of repotting includes transferring a plant to a different pot, usually larger than the previous one, accompanied by new soil. By doing so, the plant gains ample space, adequate nutrients, and a healthier environment for continued growth.

With time, your plant will consume all the nutrients contained in its soil, resulting in compacted roots. This could lead to excessive water drainage, entangled roots, and inhibited plant growth. Therefore, repotting ensures the soil is refreshed, and there is adequate room for the roots' natural development.

One significant advantage of repotting is nutrient-rich soil. The new potting soil provides vital minerals that aid in the proper growth of leaves, stems, and roots. Moreover, repotting enhances drainage, thus preventing the formation of root rot due to waterlogging and compacted soils. Importantly, repotting plants into a bigger pot ensures sufficient room for the roots to grow and improve their strength and health.

Generally, the majority of indoor plants require repotting at intervals of one year to one and a half years. However, plants with faster growth rates can be repotted earlier, while those growing slowly can remain in their containers for extended periods. Regular monitoring of the roots' health and the entire plant is key in determining when it needs repotting.

Signs Your Plant Needs Repotting 

In most cases, plants exhibit certain symptoms indicating they are ready for repotting.

First, plants whose roots emerge from drainage holes or curl around the sides of the container are ready for repotting. This situation signifies that the roots lack adequate space to develop well.

Second, plants whose soil dries up too quickly after watering require repotting. Roots that occupy almost all spaces in the pot leave little soil to retain water. Alternatively, you may find that the growth of the plant is stunted or halted despite providing adequate amounts of light, water, and other forms of nourishment. Plants that have their roots bound in a small pot are unable to extract nutrition effectively, thus hindering their growth.

In some cases, it becomes apparent by simply looking at your plant. Should the plant appear disproportionately large for its pot and top heavy, it means that the roots require more space for optimal growth. In addition, the presence of white salt or minerals covering the soil in the pot indicates that it is no longer healthy.

Lastly, take into consideration the age of the plant and when it was last repotted. Plants that have not had a change of soil for two or more years should definitely be repotted.

Step-by-Step Repotting Guide

Repotting can be scary at first glance, but after breaking down the steps involved, the task is relatively straightforward. You only need to follow these steps to allow your plant to adjust to its new surroundings smoothly.

Step 1: Water the Plant the Day Before Repotting

Watering the plant the day prior to repotting will make it easier for you to extract the plant without harming its roots. The water will help loosen the soil, reducing the stress on the roots.

Step 2: Prepare the New Pot

Start by placing a layer of new potting soil at the bottom of the new pot to create the right environment for your plant. You should also ensure that the new pot has adequate drainage.

Step 3: Extract the Plant Gently

Hold the pot upside down and extract the plant from its current home. If you encounter any difficulties, you may want to tap on the pot or gently squeeze it.

Step 4: Loosening Roots

Use your fingers to gently break up the tightly compacted roots and shake off any old soil. This helps encourage the growth of roots into new soil.

Step 5: Pruning Dead Roots

Check the roots for any unhealthy appearance; healthy roots will be firm and light, whereas unhealthy roots will be soft or black or emit a bad smell. Unhealthy roots need to be pruned with clean scissors.

Step 6: Positioning and Backfilling

Place the plant at the center of the new pot and backfill around the rootball. Press down firmly on the soil, but not too hard.

Step 7: Watering and Recovery

Give the plant sufficient water until there is extra drainage through the holes, then place it under bright indirect light for a few days to help it adjust to its new surroundings. Direct sunlight should be avoided at first.

Additional Tips: Repotting should preferably take place during spring or early summer. These seasons mark the beginning of the growing season for the plant making it easier to adjust in its new pot.

What You'll Need (Supplies)

Before embarking on the repotting process, it is important to ensure that all your equipment is gathered and readily available.

●      New pot – It should be about 1-2 inches bigger than the existing pot. Drainage holes are necessary to prevent the collection of excess water at the base. Understanding the different types of pots can help you choose the right planter based on plant size, drainage, and indoor or outdoor use.

●      High quality potting mix – The quality of the soil used will determine how well the plant thrives in its new pot. Examples include cactus mix for succulents and indoor potting soil for tropical plants.

●      Spade or a large spoon – Will come in handy when filling any gaps left by the roots in the new pot.

●      Watering can – Will come in handy right after repotting to settle the soil.

●      Newspapers, plastic sheet or tray – This will keep the environment tidy and collect any loose soil.

●      Pruning shears – May come in handy when trimming any dead, mushy and overly tangled roots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Repotting is quite an easy procedure to follow; however, there are certain things you should pay attention to not to harm your plants or make their process of adaptation more difficult.

• Selecting a Pot That Is Too Big
  

  As a rule, bigger is not always better. In fact, a pot that is noticeably bigger than your previous one means there is too much water retained by it, which may lead to such dangerous consequences as root rot. Make sure to choose a slightly bigger pot – about 1–2 inches bigger.

• Using Gardening Soil Instead of Potting Soil
  

  Typically, gardening soil is too heavy for your potted plants since it gets compacted and retains more water than regular potting soil does. Thus, use a proper mix recommended for potting plants.
  

• Feeding Your Plants Straightaway after Repotting Them
  

  Newly transplanted plants have delicate roots, and they still need time to adapt to a new pot. Thus, fertilization straightaway after repotting might do your plants more harm than good.
  

• Plant Pull Out by the Stem
  

  Never pull the plant out from the pot by pulling it out by the stem or leaves. It may damage the plant permanently. Gently remove the plant with the help of loosening the pot first.
  

• Repotting During Dormancy Periods
  

  Try not to repot during the dormant period of the plant or when the plant is under stress due to excessive heat, bugs, or diseases. Try spring and summer seasons as the best choice.

Aftercare & Closing 

Remember, it’s perfectly fine that the plants will look drooping after transplanting as roots are getting accustomed to the new environment. Water the plant moderately and place in indirect sunlight. Avoid fertilization until new growth appears. You can get back to your regular feeding and watering schedules once you see any new growth.