Repotting looks intimidating, but it’s one of the easiest ways to keep a houseplant healthy. This takes about 20 minutes, costs around $38 in supplies, and is firmly in beginner territory.
If the plant’s outgrowing its pot, a self-watering planter solves two problems in the same session, and our guide to air-purifying apartment plants is a good place to start if you’re repotting a new addition.
What you'll need
Water the plant a day before
Moist roots slide out of the old pot more easily and suffer less transplant shock.
Ease the plant out
Tip the pot and support the base of the stems. Gently squeeze a plastic pot or run a knife around the edge of a rigid one.
Loosen the roots
Tease apart circling roots with your fingers so they grow outward into the new soil.
Pot up and backfill
Add fresh mix to the new pot, center the plant at the same depth as before, and backfill around the sides. Water it in.
Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t jump up several pot sizes. Too much soil holds water and rots roots.
- Keep the plant at the same soil depth; burying the stem invites rot.
- Skip fertilizer for a few weeks while the roots settle.
Planting deeper than the original soil line is the most common repotting mistake. Keep the crown right at the surface.
Take It Further: Recommended Products
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when a plant needs repotting?
Roots growing out of the drainage holes, water running straight through, or soil drying out very fast all signal it's time.
What's the best time of year to repot?
Spring and early summer, when plants are actively growing, gives the fastest recovery.
