When To Repot Houseplants (And How To Do It)

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By J.Blackstone · Updated October 16, 2026

Quick AnswerIt is time to repot a houseplant when roots grow out of the drainage holes or circle the pot, water runs straight through, or the plant stops growing. Move it to a pot about one size larger with fresh potting soil, ideally in spring.

Busy families, listen up! Keeping your houseplants happy doesn’t have to be a chore. If you’re noticing your green friends looking a bit cramped, it might be time to give them a new home. We’re here to guide you on when to repot houseplants and how to make the process smooth and stress-free for both you and your plants.

🌱 When To Repot Houseplants

As a general rule of thumb, you should repot your houseplants every one to two years. But, if you spot any of these signs, it’s probably time to act:

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 on the fence about whether your plant needs a new pot, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Go ahead and repot it, but make sure to choose a pot that’s just a bit larger than its current one. And while you’re at it, why not clean your living room and entry area to give your plants a fresh environment?

Remember, repotting is not just about giving your plant more space. It’s also about refreshing the soil, which can become compacted and less nutritious over time. For a greener home, check out our guide on recycling for a greener home.

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.

💡 Quick Tip: Make sure to follow the repotting instructions closely for each type of houseplant you have. Some may need more specific care during the process.

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

Remember, some links in this article may be affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through one of these links.

FAQ

When And How To Fertilize After Repotting?

Wait a few weeks to fertilize your plant after repotting it. This will give it time to adjust to its new environment. Once it has adjusted, you can start fertilizing it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

How Often Should I Water My Plant After Repotting?

For the first week or so after repotting, water your plant when the soil feels dry to the touch. After that, you can resume your normal watering schedule.

What If I Can’t Repot My Plant Right Away?

If you can’t repot your plant immediately, you can try transplanting it into a temporary pot. This pot should be large enough to accommodate the roots and should have drainage holes. Be sure to water the plant regularly and repot it as soon as possible.

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About J.Blackstone

Jordan writes the gift guides, holiday checklists and home tips here at Dobibe, tests the ideas on his own busy household, and builds the tools behind FabaShelf, KeyHUD and Root And Coop. Have a question or an idea for a page? Use the message button in the corner; he answers every one.

When To Repot Houseplants: Signs And Tips

🌱 When To Repot Houseplants