How to Repot a Houseplant

Do you need to repot your houseplants but not sure how?  This post will answer the questions you need to know before repotting!  Pictures and step-by-step directions will help you learn How to Repot a Houseplant.

Spring is right around the corner, and now is the perfect time to start repotting your houseplants. When you repot your houseplants in the Spring, you are giving them more room to grow in the active growing seasons. By repotting your plants, the right way, you are setting them up to grow big and strong!

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Every year around March, I go around the entire house and figure out which plants need to be repotted. I mark them by sticking a toothpick in the soil, just so I don’t forget. Then I go around and make a list of which size pots I’ll need for those plants. After I’ve gathered my pots, it’s time to repot. Keep reading for tips on how to know if your plants need repotting.

How do I know when it’s time?

In general, plants will exhibit signs.  If you see root exposed on the top of the soil or growing out the drainage hole, it’s time to repot!  You can also hold the plant on its side and gently pull out the plant.  If the roots are coiled up around the bottom and the whole thing comes out of the pot easily, it’s time!  One other way is if you notice the plant hasn’t grown in a while or it’s been in the same pot for 2-3 years, its probably time.

Watch how I repot on AM Northwest!

When do I repot?

The best time to repot is in the spring.  Most plants are starting to actively grow in the spring and will need the room to grow big and strong!

Pro Tips

1. You’ll want to use a pot no larger than 3″ bigger around the entire root system of the plant.

      2. If you are repotting a new plant that you just brought home from the store (still in plastic container), wait at least a week or two. It will need to acclimate to its new environment and then you can repot.

What kind of pot do I use?

There are a ton of beautiful pots out there! I love terracotta and talk about why, here. The one thing I can’t stress enough, is buying a pot that has a drainage hole.  If you have to buy the beautiful pot with no hole, plant your houseplant in plastic container with drainage holes and place it inside the other one. Use the decorative pot as a cache pot. You can also drill a drainage hole in your container, here’s how! Not having drainage in place is a bad idea.  Save yourself some time and heartache by potting your plant in a vessel with drainage to begin with!

What kind of soil do I use?

The best thing to do is ask someone at your local nursery.  Tell them what you are planting and they’ll give you suggestions.  If it’s a tropical houseplant, I’ll use an organic indoor potting soil.  I often amend the soil with orchid bark and/or perlite. If you’re repotting a succulent or cactus, you’ll need a soil with better drainage. Typically amended with pumice, vermiculite, or perlite. 

What do I need?

-Potting soil

-New pot

-Root bound plant

-Small shovel (cup or your hands) for shoveling dirt

-A bit of water

-Clean scissors (If you need to trim roots)

Let’s get started!

-Wash your pot before repotting.  (Especially if you are using an old pot)

-If possible, water the plant in it’s current container a few hours prior.  This will help loosen the soil and the roots.  For larger plants it’s good to water 24 hours in advance.

-Create a workspace for you to get messy!

Step by Step

1.  Gently take the plant out of its current container.  You can lightly pull the bottom of the plant as you hold the container on its side. Tap tap tap!!!
2. Loosen the dirt and gently massage the roots out of the coil.  Trim roots if needed. 
3. Place a layer of soil at the bottom of the new pot.  About 1″-3″ will do (but every pot is different).
4. Place your plant inside the pot in the center and fill the sides of the pot with soil.  Press firmly to push soil down but do not pack it too tight.  If desired, add Systemic Insect Control as directed.  I do this with ALL my plants. 
5. Water the soil evenly until the water starts to drain out of the hole.

I hope this post was helpful for you!  If you have questions, leave a comment and I’ll answer them the best I can.  Don’t forget your local nursery is a great source of knowledge.  Head over to My IG where I share daily plant inspiration!!  Happy repotting!

Repin for later!