Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Home Maintenance

How to repot a houseplant without killing it in the process

Repot your house plants the right way so they can flourish in their new homes

By

Having indoor plants has so many benefits on so many levels. Not only are they visual aesthetic, but their also beneficial to your physical and mental health. If you love having your green babies indoors, you want to make sure they’re getting all the care and attention they need so they can flourish for a long time. It’s a good idea to repot your indoor plants on occasion, and not just to match your newly redecorated space. Repotting is also beneficial to your plants’ continual growth. We’re going to walk through how to repot plants safely without harming or stunting the growth of your beautiful indoor greenery.

Indoor plant in wicker container against white wall
Content Pixie / Pexels

Why repot a plant?

While replacing and updating your decorative pots is a good way to spice up and refresh your indoor space’s decor, the biggest reason to repot a plant is for the plant’s health. Potted plants often start to outgrow their pots, meaning that their root system becomes too big for the space, stunting growth. Plants eventually need to be transported to a larger pot to continue to grow and flourish. The soil in the pot also needs to be replaced on occasion. As the plant grows, it absorbs nutrients from the soil, and in the case of a potted plant, replacing the soil allows your plant to continue to be fed.

Woman in a comfy sweater holding a large plant with other plants surrounding her
Image used with permission by copyright holder

When to repot a plant

Believe it or not, repotting your plants is not something you should frequently do. The repotting process can put stress on the plant and cause damage to it or hinder its growth. You should only repot your indoor plants at certain points throughout the life of the plant, and the process should be carefully done to minimize plant stress. Here are the best times to repot that pretty little plant.

Recommended Videos

After purchasing the plant

When you purchase a new house plant, wait several days to repot it. Give your new green baby some time to get accustomed to your home’s light, climate, and airflow. That way, it has become strengthened and acclimated to its surroundings before you put it through the stress of repotting.

Related

After 12-18 months

As we mentioned, potted plants need their soil to be replenished occasionally so that they continue to soak up nutrients. It’s a good idea to repot every year or so, even if the plant isn’t showing signs of outgrowing its pot. This timeline will ensure that the soil around the roots is continually beneficial to the plant.

When the plant outgrows its pot

If your plant gets too big for its planter, it will eventually stop growing and possibly even start to yellow or wither. After you’ve had your plant for a while, you may notice some tell-tale signs that it’s starting to outgrow its potted home. Look for these signs and be ready to repot your plant into a bigger home soon after the signs start to show.

  • Roots are growing out of the drainage holes
  • The plant dries out more frequently than when you first got it
  • You can see excessive amounts of roots amid the soil
  • The top of the plant is tilting from being too top-heavy
  • The plant’s growth has slowed or stopped

indoor plant in wicker pot on light wood windowsill

What kind of pot should you transfer to?

Consider the size, material, and drainage in your new pot. A too-big pot will make it so that water drains without reaching the plant’s roots. It’s best to gradually increase the pot size by 1 or two inches for smaller plants and 3 or 4 inches for larger floor plants. If your plant requires lots of water, pick a pot that traps moisture, like plastic or ceramic. If your plant requires less water, a terra cotta pot pulls moisture away from the soil. Definitely select a pot with drainage holes or use rocks at the bottom of the pot to help with drainage.

close up of large plant leaves against sheer white curtains
ARTFULLY PHOTOGRAPHER / Shutterstock

How to repot a houseplant

Remove the plant from its old pot

Hold onto the thickest part of the stem and gently tip the plant. Tap on the bottom of the pot, and the plant should eventually slide out of the pot. Be careful with any roots that are coming out of the bottom.

Examine and trim roots

This is a good time to take a close look at your plant’s roots. Give them a gentle shake to loosen them up so you can see all the roots easily. If you see any that look dead or are super long, trim them off with pruning scissors.

Add the plant and soil to the new pot

Keep about a third of the soil from the old pot, as its presence will make an easier transition for your plant and create less of a shock. Place the plant in the new pot and top it off with the new soil. Press the soil down gently to remove any air pockets, but don’t push down too hard as the soil may become compacted. You want your plant’s roots to remain a bit loose so they can continue to grow in the new soil.

Water appropriately

You may be tempted to excessively water your newly potted plant, but only water until you see some of the water start to drain out of the bottom. Then, check the soil with your fingers daily in the following week to ensure the soil is still moist.

You’ve worked hard to maintain your lovely indoor garden, and you want to create the best possible growing conditions for your beloved plants. While repotting your indoor plants is necessary for them to live a long life, it can be a tricky process. Avoid damaging or stressing out your plants by repotting them the right way so they can flourish in their new homes.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Veronica Sparks
Veronica Sparks
Contributor
Veronica Sparks is a writer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who loves writing about gardening, home décor, and DIY life. She’s…
How to paint over wallpaper without making the room look worse
You don't have to remove the wallpaper. Instead, save the hassle and paint over it
Small blue paint can with paint brush set on top.

Outdated or damaged wallpaper can be an eyesore. A fresh coat of paint can revitalize out-of-style rooms, but first, you have to figure out what to do about the wallpaper. Home improvement experts often advise homeowners not to paint over wallpaper — if it isn’t done right or the wallpaper is in bad condition, the results can be disastrous.

Sometimes, though, it's much easier to paint over it than it is to deal with the time-consuming process of removing it. If this is the case for you, be sure to follow a few expert tips to ensure your paint job won't look like an amateur, rushed DIY project.
Why experts recommend removing wallpaper

Read more
How to fix laminate countertops without calling a professional
You may not need to hire the pros to get your counters looking new
Modern kitchen with porcelain countertops

If your laminate countertops are stained, dated, cracked, or damaged, they can be an eyesore. If you want to give your kitchen or bathroom a quick DIY facelift, addressing a drab-looking countertop is a great first step. If you feel your countertop is salvageable with some DIY love, however, here's how to fix laminate countertops without calling a professional.

While some minor damage or basic refinishing can go a long way, there is a certain point where the damage should be addressed by a professional. If your countertop has major cracks or stains and damage covering a large portion of the surface, it may be a good idea to call in some help to repair or replace it entirely.
Removing stains

Read more
How to eliminate that musty ‘basement’ smell
Mold and mildew are big basement problems, but they can be solved
Finished basement with wood paneling

Do you avoid spending time in your basement because of its unpleasant odors? Whether it's finished or not, basements are typically cool, damp, and have little airflow going through them, which are all factors that contribute to its musty smell. Unfortunately, it takes more than general cleaning practices and air fresheners to rid the space of mustiness for good. Take a look at some of these tried-and-true methods for how to get rid of musty smell in basement spaces, so you can keep it smelling light, airy, and fresh.
1. Find the culprit of the musty smell

If you smell that common musty stench, the culprit is often mold or mildew. Since basements tend to be damp and have little airflow, they are common hot spots for mold and mildew growth. The first step in preventing further growth by sealing any leaky spots and inefficient drains.
Leaking windows and doors
Check your basement's exterior doors and windows for signs of moisture. Since leaks on the first floor can often drain into the basement, check the windows and doors on the main floor as well. If you find moisture around these entry points from rain or condensation, re-seal the area or call a professional to repair it.
Leaking pipes
Whether pipes are visible in your basement or not, you need to check them regularly for leaks. Examine any water and sewage pipes for signs of leaks and repair any cracks or poor seals. If plumber's tape or epoxy putty can't repair the leak, it's time to call a professional.
Dried-up drains
Basement floor drains direct water out of the home to keep the floors dry and prevent them from flooding. The stagnant water in this drain also traps bad odors emanating from the sewage system below. However, these drains can dry up from infrequent use, releasing stench into the air. If you notice smells arising near your floor drains, just pour a few cups of water into the drain to block the gases from escaping.
2. Clean up the basement

Read more