How and When to Repot Your Houseplants

Spring is the time of year when many people like to do a little bit of cleaning. The same goes for your houseplants! If you notice that your plants are starting to look a little bit cramped, it might be time to repot your houseplants.

We will discuss how and when to repot houseplants. We will also provide tips on making the process easier and less stressful for you and your plants!

When to Repot Houseplants

As a general rule of thumb, you should repot your houseplants every one to two years.

If you notice any of the following signs, it’s probably time to repot your plant:

• The plant is starting to outgrow its pot.
• The roots are coming out of the drainage holes.
• The plant is rootbound (the roots are tightly packed and circling inside the pot).
• The plant is top-heavy and unstable.
• The plant is not draining properly, and the potting mix is always wet.
• The plant looks stressed (the leaves are yellowing or falling off).
• You can’t remember the last time you repotted the plant.

If you’re unsure whether your plant needs to be repotted, you can always err on the side of caution and repot it anyway. Just be sure to use a pot that is only slightly larger than the one it’s currently in.

How to Repot Your Houseplants

Now that you know when to repot your houseplants let’s talk about how to actually do it. The first thing you will need to do is gather all of the supplies you will need. This includes a new pot that is slightly larger than the old one, some fresh potting mix, and a few small rocks or pebbles.

If you are re-using a pot, clean it thoroughly with soapy water to eliminate any insect larvae or microorganisms.

Lightly water plant

Once you have your supplies, it’s time to start! The first step is to lightly water your plant and wait an hour. This will help to make the roots softer and easier to work with. if you are using a clay pot, you will need to soak the pot overnight before using it.

Remove the plant from the old pot.

If you’re repotting a houseplant, the first step is to remove it from its old pot. You’ll want to be careful not to damage the plant, so start by loosening the soil around the edges of the pot with your fingers.

If the plant is stuck, you can try gently tapping the pot on the ground or running a blunt knife around the edge of the pot. Once the plant is loose, turn it upside down and hold it over the new pot.

Gently push on the bottom of the old pot until the plant slides out. If roots are still attached to the pot, carefully cut them away with a sharp knife.

Place rocks and soil in the pot

Once your plant is out of its old pot, it’s time to put it in its new home. Start by adding a layer of small rocks or pebbles to the bottom of the pot. This will help with drainage. Next, add a layer of potting mix and moisten it before adding the plant. Be sure to pack it down slightly as you go.

Place the plant in the new pot

Finally, it’s time to add your plant. Gently place it in the center of the pot, with the top of the root ball at least 1/2 inch below the rim. Then fill in the sides with more potting mix.

Once you have added all of the potting mix, give your plant a good watering.

And that’s it! You have successfully repotted your houseplant. Just be sure to give it a few weeks to adjust to its new home before you start fertilizing it again.

Now that you know the signs that your plant needs to be repotted and how to do it, there’s no excuse not to keep your plants healthy and thriving. Don’t wait until your plant is wilting or the roots are coming out of the drainage holes before taking action. Be proactive and repot your plants when they need it so they can continue to grow and thrive. With a little bit of care, you can keep your houseplants happy and healthy for years to come.

For more information:

Repotting Houseplants –step-by-step instructions

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