How to Repot a Houseplant in 7 Easy Steps
Repotting your houseplants is one of the best ways to keep them healthy and thriving. Fresh soil provides new nutrients, while a slightly larger grow pot gives the roots room to expand, helping your plant produce stronger foliage and healthier growth.
If you've noticed roots growing out of the drainage holes, your plant drying out quickly, or growth slowing down, it may be time to repot. Follow these seven simple steps to give your houseplant the best start in its new home.
When Should You Repot a Houseplant?
The best time to repot most houseplants is during spring and early summer when they are actively growing. They will be more able to quickly adapt to the new environment and the subsequent changes in soil and moisture levels. During the Winter, when plants are more dormant, repotting can shock them or leave them unable to produce the new root growth required to pull the required nutrients and water from new soil.
Common signs that your houseplant needs repotting include:
- Roots growing through the drainage holes.
- Soil drying out much faster than normal.
- Water running straight through the pot.
- Slower growth or smaller new leaves.
- The plant becoming top-heavy or unstable.
If you're unsure, read our guide on How Do I Know When My Houseplant Needs a Bigger Pot?
What You'll Need Before You Start
Before you begin, gather everything you'll need:
- A clean grow pot one size larger than the current pot
- Fresh houseplant soil
- A watering can
- Gardening gloves (optional)
- A trowel or small scoop
Having everything ready will make the process much quicker and less stressful for your plant.
Step 1: Choose the Right Size Grow Pot
One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing a pot that's far too large. Instead, move your plant up by just one pot size, typically around 2–3cm wider in diameter.
This gives the roots enough room to grow without leaving too much damp soil around them, which can increase the risk of overwatering.
Step 2: Prepare the New Pot
Make sure your new grow pot has drainage holes. Add a small layer of fresh soil to the bottom so the plant will sit at the same height it did in its previous pot.
Avoid burying the stem deeper than before, as this can encourage rot in some plants.
Step 3: Remove the Plant Carefully
Gently squeeze the sides of the grow pot if it's plastic, then tip the plant sideways while supporting the base of the stems. Carefully slide the root ball out.
If the plant is stubborn, gently tap the sides of the pot or run a knife around the inside edge to loosen it.
Step 4: Loosen the Roots
If the roots have formed a tight circle around the outside of the soil, gently tease them apart with your fingers.
You don't need to remove all the old soil, but loosening the outer roots encourages them to grow into the fresh soil more quickly.
Step 5: Add Fresh Soil
Place your plant into the new pot and fill around the sides with fresh soil. Lightly firm it down as you go, but don't pack it too tightly.
Leave around 1–2cm of space below the rim of the pot to make watering easier.
Step 6: Water Thoroughly
Give your newly repotted plant a good watering until water drains freely from the bottom of the pot.
This helps settle the soil around the roots and removes any air pockets.
Step 7: Give Your Plant Time to Recover
After repotting, place your houseplant somewhere with bright, indirect light for a week or two.
Avoid feeding immediately after repotting, as fresh soil already contains nutrients. Wait around four to six weeks before resuming your normal feeding routine.
Common Repotting Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a pot that's much too large.
- Using pots without drainage holes.
- Repotting during winter unless absolutely necessary.
- Packing soil too tightly around the roots.
A little care during repotting goes a long way towards helping your plant settle into its new home.
Final Thoughts
Repotting doesn't need to be complicated. By choosing the right size grow pot, using fresh soil and following these seven simple steps, you'll give your houseplants the best chance to continue growing for years to come.
At Tom's Plant Pots, we stock a wide range of high-quality grow pots in various sizes, making it easy to find the perfect next home for your favourite houseplants.