Repotting Houseplants: Complete Guide

Repotting is essential for plant health, but it doesn't need to be scary. This guide will help you repot with confidence and give your plants room to grow. ## When to Repot ### Clear Signs It's Time - **Roots through drainage holes**: Most obvious sign - **Water runs straight through**: Soil doesn't absorb water - **Top-heavy plant**: Plant tips over easily - **Slow growth**: Despite good care and growing season - **Soil pulls away from pot edges**: Indicates compacted soil ### Timing Guidelines - **Best time**: Spring, when plants start active growth - **Frequency**: Most plants every 1-3 years - **Avoid**: Winter dormancy period - **Emergency only**: If plant is severely rootbound or has root rot ## What You'll Need ### Essential Supplies - New pot (1-2 inches larger in diameter) - Fresh potting soil appropriate for your plant - Newspaper or tarp to protect surfaces - Watering can or spray bottle - Clean scissors or pruners (for root trimming) ### Optional Tools - Chopstick or pencil (for settling soil) - Gloves (for protection) - Small shovel or spoon - Root hormone (for damaged roots) ## Step-by-Step Process ### 1. Prepare Your Space - Lay out newspaper or tarp - Have all supplies ready - Water plant lightly 1-2 days before (not day of) - Choose a time when you won't be interrupted ### 2. Remove Plant from Old Pot - Gently squeeze sides of plastic pots - For stuck plants, run a knife around the edges - Turn pot sideways and gently pull plant out - Never pull by the stems ### 3. Examine the Roots - **Healthy roots**: White or light-colored, firm - **Unhealthy roots**: Black, mushy, or smelly - **Rootbound**: Roots circling around root ball - Take photos to track root health over time ### 4. Prepare the Roots - Gently tease apart circled roots - Trim any black, mushy, or dead roots - For severely rootbound plants, make 3-4 vertical cuts in root ball - Don't remove more than 25% of roots ### 5. Choose the Right Pot - Only 1-2 inches larger in diameter - Must have drainage holes - Consider weight if plant will be large - Terra cotta vs plastic affects watering frequency ### 6. Add Soil and Plant - Add layer of fresh soil to bottom - Center plant at same depth as before - Fill around sides with soil - Don't pack soil too tightly ### 7. Settle and Water - Gently tap pot to settle soil - Add more soil if needed - Water lightly to settle soil - Don't fertilize for 4-6 weeks ## Pot Selection Guide ### Material Considerations **Terra Cotta Pots** - Pros: Breathable, helps prevent overwatering - Cons: Dry out faster, can be heavy - Best for: Succulents, plants prone to overwatering **Plastic Pots** - Pros: Lightweight, retain moisture longer - Cons: No breathability, can lead to overwatering - Best for: Most houseplants, beginners **Ceramic/Glazed Pots** - Pros: Beautiful, stable for tall plants - Cons: Heavy, no breathability, expensive - Best for: Statement plants, stable placement ### Size Guidelines - **1 inch larger**: For slow-growing plants - **2 inches larger**: For fast-growing plants - **Same size**: When refreshing soil only - **Never**: More than 2-3 inches larger ## Soil Selection ### Basic Potting Mix Good for most houseplants: - Well-draining commercial potting mix - Avoid garden soil (too heavy) - Look for perlite or vermiculite for drainage ### Specialized Mixes - **Succulents**: Cactus/succulent mix with extra drainage - **Orchids**: Bark-based orchid mix - **African violets**: Acidic, well-draining mix - **Ferns**: Moisture-retaining mix with peat ## After Repotting Care ### First Few Weeks - **Watering**: Less frequent until roots establish - **Light**: Avoid direct sun for a few days - **Fertilizer**: Wait 4-6 weeks before fertilizing - **Monitoring**: Watch for stress signs ### Signs of Success - New growth appears - Plant perks up and looks healthier - Water absorption improves - Overall more vigorous appearance ## Common Mistakes to Avoid 1. **Pot too large**: Leads to overwatering 2. **Wrong soil type**: Drainage issues 3. **Burying stem too deep**: Can cause rot 4. **Immediate fertilizing**: Stress on damaged roots 5. **Repotting sick plants**: Address health issues first ## Emergency Repotting Sometimes you need to repot outside ideal timing: - Root rot (remove affected roots immediately) - Severely rootbound plant suffering - Pot broken or drainage compromised - Plant falling over repeatedly In these cases, proceed carefully and provide extra aftercare. Remember: Repotting is temporarily stressful for plants, but the long-term benefits of fresh soil and room to grow are worth it!