Choosing the right pot and knowing when to repot are some of the most important skills a plant parent can learn. The right pot provides a stable, healthy environment for roots to thrive, while timely repotting gives your plant the space and nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. This guide will walk you through everything from selecting the perfect pot to a stress-free, step-by-step repotting process.
Is It Time to Repot? 5 Key Signs to Look For
Plants don’t need to be repotted on a strict schedule. Instead, they will give you clear signals when they are ready for a new home. Look for these signs:
- Roots are Coming Out of the Drainage Holes: This is the most obvious sign. If roots are actively seeking a way out, it means they have run out of room inside.
- The Plant is “Root Bound”: Gently slide the plant out of its pot. If you see more roots than soil, or the roots are tightly wound in a dense circle, the plant is root-bound and its growth will be stunted.
- Water Rushes Straight Through: If you water the plant and it immediately drains out the bottom, it often means there’s no soil left to absorb the moisture—only a dense mass of roots.
- Stunted or Slowed Growth: If a healthy, well-cared-for plant has stopped producing new leaves during its growing season, it may have exhausted the nutrients and space in its current pot.
- The Plant is Top-Heavy: If your plant has grown so large that it easily tips over, it needs a heavier, more stable pot to anchor it properly.
Choosing the Perfect Pot: Size and Material Matter
Before repotting, selecting the right new pot is crucial. Don’t make the common mistake of choosing one that’s too big!
Pot Size: The “1-2 Inch” Rule
- The Golden Rule: Choose a new pot that is only 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot. For very large floor plants, you can go up to 4 inches larger.
- Why Not a Huge Pot? Moving a plant into a pot that is too large is a primary cause of Root Rot. The excess soil holds moisture that the plant’s current root system can’t absorb, creating a waterlogged environment where fungus and bacteria thrive.
Pot Material: Terracotta vs. Plastic vs. Glazed Ceramic
The material of your pot affects how often you’ll need to water.
- Terracotta (Unglazed Clay):
- Pros: Highly porous, allows air and water to pass through the walls. This “breathing” action helps prevent root rot and is excellent for plants that like to dry out (like succulents, snake plants, and hoyas).
- Cons: Dries out very quickly, so plants may need more frequent watering. It can be heavy and fragile.
- Plastic Nursery Pots:
- Pros: Lightweight, inexpensive, and retains moisture well. Flexible, making it easy to check the root ball. Excellent for moisture-loving plants.
- Cons: Less airflow to the roots, which can be a risk for overwaterers. Less decorative (but perfect for slipping inside a decorative “cache pot”).
- Glazed Ceramic or Plastic Decorative Pots:
- Pros: Comes in endless styles and colors. Retains moisture very well, similar to plastic.
- Cons: Can be heavy. Crucially, ensure it has a drainage hole. If it doesn’t, it should only be used as a decorative cache pot to hold a plastic nursery pot.
The Most Important Feature: DRAINAGE!
No matter the size or material, the most critical feature of any pot is at least one drainage hole. If a pot doesn’t have a way to let excess water escape, do not plant directly into it.
Step-by-Step: How to Repot Your Plant
Repotting can be a little messy, but it’s a simple process. Choose a space you can easily clean, like outdoors or on a tarp.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
- Your plant
- Your new pot (just 1-2″ bigger!)
- Fresh, appropriate potting soil
- A trowel or scoop
- Pruning shears or clean scissors
Step 2: Remove the Plant from its Old Pot
Turn the plant sideways and gently tap the bottom of the pot to loosen it. Support the base of the plant’s stems with one hand and try to slide it out. If it’s stuck, you can gently squeeze the sides of a plastic pot or run a butter knife around the inside edge of a rigid pot. Avoid yanking the plant out by its stem.
Step 3: Inspect and Prune the Roots
This is a health check-up for your plant. Gently loosen the root ball with your fingers. Look for any dark, mushy, or foul-smelling roots—these are signs of root rot. Using your sterile shears, prune away any unhealthy roots, leaving only the firm, healthy ones. If the plant is heavily root-bound, you can make a few vertical cuts into the sides of the root ball to encourage new root growth.
Step 4: Add Fresh Soil to the New Pot
Fill the bottom of the new pot with a layer of fresh soil, enough so that when you place the plant inside, the top of its root ball sits about an inch below the rim of the pot.
Step 5: Position Your Plant
Place the plant directly in the center of the new pot. Begin adding fresh soil around the sides of the root ball. Gently press the soil down to eliminate large air pockets, but don’t compact it too tightly. Fill until the soil level is even with the top of the root ball.
Step 6: Water Thoroughly
Give your newly repotted plant a thorough watering until water flows freely from the drainage holes. This helps the soil settle and provides the roots with needed moisture after the stressful move.
Step 7: Post-Repotting Care
Place your plant back in its preferred light conditions. Do not fertilize for at least 4-6 weeks, as this can burn the sensitive, newly disturbed roots. Allow the plant time to acclimate to its new home.
Repotting is a fantastic way to reconnect with your plants and give them the foundation they need for a new chapter of growth. By following these steps, you can ensure a successful and stress-free transition for your green companions.
