All You Need to Know About Houseplant Repotting [A Step-by-step Guide] 👌

🌿 Have you ever wondered if your indoor plants are looking for more room to grow?

This is why we created this comprehensive guide!  

After reading it, you'll learn all the nuances of houseplant repotting, as well as pro tips and best practices. 

Here's what to expect:

• 🌱 Understanding the Need for Repotting: Discover why and when your plants crave a new home.

• 📏 Identifying the Signs: Learn to spot the telltale symptoms that signal it's time to repot.

• 📅 Best Repotting Practices: Find out the best time to repot and how often you should do it.

• 🛠️ Gathering the Right Tools: Tools you need for a smooth repotting process.

• 🧤 Step-by-Step Guide: Follow our detailed, step-by-step instructions to repot your plant successfully.

• 🤔 Final Thoughts & FAQ: Conclude with helpful tips and answer common questions about repotting.

👍 Ready to dive in? 

Then keep reading!

#1 Why Do I Need to Repot? 🤔

Is your houseplant looking a bit under the weather, or perhaps too big for its boots?
It might be time to consider repotting.

Here are the main reasons why you might want to repot it:

🥘 Nutrients Depletion

• Essential Nutrients: Indoor plants rely on soil for vital nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

• Depletion Over Time: As plants grow, they absorb these nutrients, gradually depleting the soil.

• Consequences: Without repotting, plants can suffer from stunted growth, poor health, and fewer blooms.

👉 You Might Also Like: The Ultimate Guide to Fertilizing Indoor Plants [5 Things You Should Know] 🌱

🏠 Indoor Plant Became Too Big

• Growth and Care: If you are reading and following our other guides, then you are giving the best care to your indoor plants. Proper care leads to growth, making your indoor plant too big for its current pot.

• Need for Space: Roots need room to expand. A cramped pot can hinder growth and health.

• Outgrowing the Pot: When a plant outgrows its pot, it can become root-bound, leading to poor water and nutrient uptake.

🚑 Indoor Plant Has Problems with Its Root System

• Root Rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, a harmful condition where roots decay.

• Identifying Root Rot: We'll delve deeper into spotting root rot in Chapter 2.

• Importance of Repotting: Repotting can save a plant suffering from root rot by providing fresh, healthy soil and better drainage.

🔄 You Want to Change the Pot

• Change to a Pot with Drainage Holes: Pots lacking drainage holes can lead to waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot and other health issues

• Upgrading to Self-Watering: Self-watering pots offer a consistent moisture level, ideal for plants that require steady watering. This system can reduce the risk of both underwatering and overwatering, promoting healthier root and plant growth.

🌼 You Just Bought a Plant and Want to Refresh the Potting Mix

• Quality of Soil: The existing soil in store-bought plants can be suboptimal. It might be too compact, poorly aerated, or not nutrient-rich enough for long-term growth. Some plants are sold in a seedling mix, which is only intended for early-stage growth.

Now that we understand the why of repotting, let's explore the signs 🕵 that indicate your houseplant is ready for a new home.

#2 Signs That My Indoor Plants Need Repotting 🪧

🌱 Wondering if it's time to repot your indoor plants? 

More often than not, your plants will show clear signs that they need a new home.

Here is how:

Roots Are Growing Out of the Drainage Holes 🌳

• Why It Happens: Roots growing out of drainage holes indicate the plant is searching for more space and resources.

• Root Growth Pattern: Plants typically grow roots in the following directions: downwards ⬇first, then outwards ➡, then inwards ⬅. When they reach the pot's limits, they may start to emerge from the bottom.

• What It Indicates: This is a clear sign your plant is root-bound and needs more room to continue its healthy growth. 👉 Root-bound refers to a condition where a plant's roots have filled the pot, leaving no room for further growth or expansion.

Roots Are on the Soil Surface 🌿

• Why This Happens: Roots on the surface suggest the plant has filled the pot and there's no more room for growth within the soil.

• What It Means: Same as with the Drainange Holes Roots, this means that your indoor plant is root-bound and urgently needs a larger space for a healthy growth.

📏 Stunted Growth

• Possible Reasons: This may be due to limited space, depleted nutrients, or compacted soil. In this case your plant signals you that itneeds repotting.

• Other Causes: However, stunted growth could also result from insufficient light, pests, or disease. Check our other blog sections for detailed guides on these issues.

💧 The Soil Is Constantly Moist

• Reasons for Concern: This could be due to poor drainage or compacted soil, which repotting can resolve.
• Alternative Explanations: Other causes like overwatering or inadequate light should also be considered. Explore our guides for more information.

🌬️ The Soil Dries Out Extremely Fast

• Rapid Drying: If the soil dries out too quickly, it could mean the plant has outgrown its pot.
• Why Is That: This may be because the roots have taken up too much space, leaving little room for soil and moisture.
• Look Out For: While this can be a repotting cue, consider factors like heat exposure or low humidity. Our blog has more on these topics.

⏳ It’s Been More Than 2 Years Since You Repotted Your Houseplant

• Time Factor: Generally, repotting every 2-3 years is beneficial for continued plant growth.
• Why Repot: This refreshes the soil, provides more space, and enhances nutrient availability.
• Other Considerations: Some plants may need more frequent repotting, while others less so. Refer to our plant-specific guides for more details.

🤕 Root Rot

• Identifying Root Rot: Look for soft, brown roots – a sign of decay. Other signs might also be: wilting leaves, yellowing or browning of leaves, a mushy base or stem, a foul smell from the soil, and a general decline in the plant's overall health.
• Threat to Plants: Root rot impedes the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, severely impacting its health.
• Need for Repotting: Repotting in fresh, well-draining soil is often necessary to save the plant and encourage healthy root regeneration.

🌟 Ready to learn more? Keep reading to discover how to master the repotting process in our next chapter.

#3 Best Practices to Repot Your Houseplant 👌

📅 When Do You Repot?

• Active Growing Season: The ideal time to repot is during your plant's active growing season, usually in spring and summer.
• New Growth Indicator: However, sometimes indoor plants grow all year round (for example under the growing lamps). Look for signs of new growth, such as new leaves or stems. If they are present, you can repot then too. 
• Urgent Repotting Needs: If your plant is facing critical issues like root problems or dense, compacted, contaminated soil, don’t wait. Repot immediately and provide the best care to help it recover.

🔄 How Often To Repot?

• Young and Fast-Growing Plants: These may need repotting more frequently, sometimes every few months, to keep up with their rapid growth.
• Mature Plants: Generally, repotting mature plants every 2-3 years is sufficient to maintain their health by refreshing nutrients and accommodate growth rates.

🌟 Up next: let's explore the essential tools you'll need for this operation in the next chapter.

#4 What Do You Need to Repot? 📜

🌱 Now as we identified what plant plant might need repotting, let’s ensure you have all the right tools! 

Here’s the list:

🌼 New Pot

• What’s important: A pot with drainage holes is a must to prevent waterlogging and ensure healthy root growth.
• Size Consideration: Opt for a pot that's 1-2 inches larger than the current root ball size, providing enough room for root expansion while maintaining a balanced environment.

🧹 Repotting Mat

• Purpose: A repotting mat helps contain soil and mess, facilitating an easier cleanup.
• DIY Alternatives: If you don’t have a specialized mat, an old newspaper or a plastic sheet can also do the trick.

🌱 Potting Mix

• Right Match: The soil should be appropriate for the type of plant. For specific soil requirements, refer to other sections of our blog.

👉 You Might Also Like: What is The Best Potting Soil to Use For Indoor Plants?

🧤 Gloves

• Purpose: Gloves protect your hands from soil, potential irritants within the soil, and any sharp parts of the plant. Wear them throughout the repotting process, especially when handling soil or plants that might cause skin irritation.

✂️ Scissors

• Tool Requirement: Choose sharp, clean scissors for precise and healthy cuts on the plant.  Ensure they are sterilized to avoid transmitting any pathogens from other plants.
• When to Use: Utilize them for pruning dead or diseased roots, trimming long roots that won’t fit in the new pot, or untangling roots before repotting.

💧 Watering Can

• Why You Need It: A watering can is essential for watering the plant after repotting, ensuring the soil is evenly moistened.

🌟 With your tools ready, let's move on to the step-by-step guide on how to repot your houseplant in the next chapter.

#5 Step-by-Step Repotting Guide 🤓

🌿It’s time to repot!

Here's your detailed step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace 

• Lay out your repotting mat or alternative covering to protect the surface and contain the mess.

• Have all your tools (new pot, soil, scissors, gloves, and watering can) ready.

Step 2: Remove the Plant from Its Current Pot

• Gently tilt the pot and tap the bottom to loosen the plant. If it’s stuck, you can carefully squeeze a pot (make sure not to overdo to avoid the root damage). Hold the plant at the base of the stems. 

• If the plant is root-bound, you may need to carefully run a knife around the inside edge of the pot.

Step 3: Inspect and Prune the Roots if Needed

• For Root-Bound Plants: Carefully untangle the tightly packed roots. Gently tease them apart to loosen the root ball, facilitating healthier growth in the new pot.

• For Root Rot: Identify and cut away any soft, brown, or mushy roots using clean scissors. Healthy roots typically appear firm and are white or light in color. Removing the damaged roots will encourage new, healthy root growth.

• Healthy Root System Maintenance: For healthy plants, try to remove as much of the old soil as possible without damaging the roots. This helps the plant adjust better to the fresh soil in its new pot.

Step 4: Add Fresh Soil to the New Pot

• Fill the new pot with a layer of fresh soil, suitable for your plant type.

• The depth should be such that the plant sits at the same level it was in the old pot.

Step 5: Repot the Plant

• Place the plant in the center of the new pot.

• Gradually add soil around the roots, gently tapping the pot to settle the soil without compacting it.

Step 6: Water the Plant

• Water the plant thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain out of the drainage holes.

• This helps settle the soil and hydrates the roots.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully repotted your indoor plant! 🥳

Final Thoughts 🤔

🌟 Congratulations on completing our Houseplant Repotting 101 guide! 

Here’s a quick recap of the key learnings:

• Recognizing Repotting Needs: Understand the signs like root-bound conditions, nutrient depletion, and soil issues indicating it's time to repot.
• Optimal Repotting Time: Repot during the active growth season, primarily in spring and summer, unless urgent care is needed.
• Choosing the Right Tools: Gather essentials like a new pot, repotting mat, appropriate soil, gloves, scissors, and a watering can.
• Step-by-Step Repotting Process: Follow the detailed guide to remove, inspect, prune, and repot your plant effectively.
• Post-Repotting Care: Ensure proper care after repotting, such as adequate watering and avoiding immediate fertilization.

🌱 Sharing is Caring! If you found this guide helpful, please share it with your friends and fellow plant enthusiasts.

Happy planting! 🌼

FAQ

❄️ Can You Repot Houseplants in Winter?

• Generally, it's best to avoid repotting in winter since most plants are dormant during this period. However, if a plant is showing urgent signs of needing a repot (like severe root bound or root rot), it’s okay to repot during winter. Just ensure you provide extra care and a stable environment post-repotting.

📅 How Often Should You Repot Houseplants?

• Young and fast-growing plants might need repotting every few months, while mature plants typically require repotting every 2-3 years. Always look for signs like roots growing out of drainage holes or stunted growth to determine if it’s time to repot.

🌱 What Is the Best Soil to Use When Repotting?

• The ideal soil depends on the type of plant. Generally, use a well-draining potting mix. For specific plants like succulents or orchids, use soil mixes designed for those specific needs.

💦 Should I Water My Plant Immediately After Repotting?

• Yes, water your plant thoroughly after repotting. This helps settle the new soil around the roots and provides necessary hydration.

🌤️ Where Should I Place My Plant After Repotting?

• Place your repotted plant in a location with similar light conditions as before. Avoid direct sunlight immediately after repotting to reduce stress on the plant.

🌼 Is It Normal for Plants to Look Wilted After Repotting?

• It's not uncommon for plants to experience a bit of stress and look wilted after repotting. Give them some time to adjust to their new environment. Ensure proper care, and they should bounce back soon.