How do I know when to repot a houseplant?
Repot a houseplant if the roots are circling around in a tight ball inside the pot, poking out through the drain hole, or sucking down your water supply much too rapidly. You might also notice repeated wilting despite correct watering practices. Choose a slightly bigger container and use new soil for repotting. Ideally, repot during spring or summer, except for plants that are extremely waterlogged or rootbound.
When should you repot a houseplant?
Here are a few telltale signs that your houseplant may require a larger container: The roots have grown out of most of the space, are coiled up around each other, or have started growing out of the bottom drainage hole. Your plant may be drying out too fast, tipping over easily, or constantly wilting despite adequate watering.
Examine the roots by removing the plant from its container and observing the root ball. Most healthy plants have a solid, pale root system, though there can be differences between varieties. Wet, spongy or foul smelling roots can indicate overwatering or root rot.
When repotting, use a pot that is only a little bit larger than the one you're replacing. A pot that is too large can retain a lot of moist soil in contact with the roots. Pot up in a good potting mix appropriate for your plants, and be sure the new container has drainage holes.
How to repot
- Have the new pot and fresh soil nearby.
- Remove the plant gently; do not pull on the stems.
- Gently pull any roots that are wound tight around the root ball using your fingers.
- Trim off any roots that are damaged or diseased with clean scissors.
- Put the plant in the new pot up to the same soil level as it was before.
- Fill in around the roots, then water as needed.
Many people repot their plants during the spring and summer months since that is when most of them are actively growing. You don't have to repot every year, though. If your plant is in good condition with a nice potting mix, proper drainage, and plenty of space for its roots, there's no reason why it shouldn't be able to live in the same pot for several years. A very soggy or rootbound plant, on the other hand, could probably use some fresh soil right away.