Repotting gives a plant fresh soil and more room for its roots. Done at the right time, it makes the plant stronger. Done badly, it can set the plant back. Here is a simple way to do it well.
Signs that a plant needs repotting
- Roots grow out of the drainage hole or circle at the top of the soil.
- Water runs straight through the pot, because there is more root than soil.
- The plant is top-heavy or keeps falling over.
- Growth has slowed down although you water and feed it as usual.
- The soil dries out very quickly.
When to repot
The best time is when the plant is growing well and the weather is mild. In most of Pakistan that means roughly February to April, or September to October. Avoid the hottest weeks of summer and the coldest weeks of winter.
Choose the right pot
Pick a pot only about two to five centimetres wider than the old one. A pot that is much too big holds extra wet soil that the roots cannot use, and that leads to rot. Always choose a pot with a drainage hole. Our planters can add style, and you can use a plain pot inside them.
Choose the right soil
- Use good potting mix for most houseplants.
- For succulents and snake plants, mix in coarse sand or perlite so water drains faster.
- Avoid using heavy garden soil on its own, because it packs down and holds too much water.
Step by step
- Water the plant a day before, so the roots are not dry.
- Cover the drainage hole with a small piece of broken pot or a mesh so soil does not wash out.
- Add a little fresh soil to the bottom of the new pot.
- Tip the plant out gently, holding the base of the stem. Tap the pot if it is stuck.
- Loosen the outer roots with your fingers, and trim any that are black, soft or mushy.
- Place the plant in the new pot so the top of the root ball sits a little below the rim.
- Fill the gaps with soil and press lightly. Do not pack it hard.
Aftercare
- Water well once, then let the water drain out.
- Keep the plant in bright indirect light or light shade for about a week while it settles.
- Do not feed with fertiliser for about four weeks.
- Do not worry if a few leaves drop. That is normal after a move.
Which plants do not mind being root-bound
Some plants, such as the snake plant and the spider plant, grow happily in a snug pot and need repotting only every two to three years. Fast growers, such as the money plant, may need it more often.
A quick pot size guide
- A plant in a 10 centimetre pot can move to a 12 to 15 centimetre pot.
- A plant in a 15 centimetre pot can move to an 18 to 20 centimetre pot.
- A plant in a 20 centimetre pot can move to a 23 to 25 centimetre pot.
Always go up by only one size.
Repotting succulents and snake plants
These plants like a gritty mix and little water. Use half potting mix and half coarse sand or perlite. After repotting, wait about a week before you water for the first time, so that any damaged roots can heal.
Loosening tight roots
If roots are wrapped in a tight ball, gently tease them apart with your fingers. If they are very tight, you can make a few shallow cuts down the side of the root ball. This helps the roots grow out into the new soil.
Common repotting mistakes
- Choosing a pot that is far too big.
- Burying the stem deeper than it was before, which can cause rot.
- Packing the soil very hard.
- Feeding fertiliser straight away.
- Repotting in the peak of summer or in the coldest weeks.
- Using a pot with no drainage hole.
Questions people ask
Can I repot a plant that is flowering?
It is better to wait until the flowers finish, unless the plant is badly root-bound.
How often should I repot?
Fast growers, such as the money plant, may need it every year. Slow growers, such as the snake plant, may need it only every two to three years.
Should I water after repotting?
Yes, for most plants. Water once, let it drain, and then go back to your normal routine. Succulents are the exception, so wait a few days.
If you are unsure whether your plant needs repotting, call or WhatsApp us on 03128018787 and describe it to us.