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How to Repot a Houseplant

Tap each step to work through how to repot a houseplant.

  1. Check for signs it's time to repot

    Roots poking out of the drainage holes, water running straight through the soil without soaking in, or growth that seems to have stalled compared to before are all signs it may be time to repot.

  2. Choose the right timing

    Spring, right as the growing season kicks in and roots recover quickly, is generally the best time to repot. Repotting during dormancy, like the middle of winter, can stress the plant more than it can easily bounce back from.

  3. Pick a pot about one size up

    A pot roughly 1-2 inches (a few centimeters) wider in diameter than the current one is usually right. Jumping to a much bigger pot at once leaves excess soil that stays wet too long, raising the risk of overwatering and root rot.

  4. Loosen the roots and remove old soil

    Gently ease the plant out of its pot, loosen old soil clinging to the roots by hand, and if the roots have become tightly wound in the shape of the pot, gently tease them apart so they can make good contact with fresh soil.

  5. Add fresh potting mix and replant

    Add a layer of fresh potting mix to the bottom of the new pot, center the plant, then fill in around the roots, pressing gently so there are no large air pockets.

  6. Avoid direct sun for a few days afterward

    Right after repotting, the roots are still settling in and are more vulnerable to stress, so keep the plant in bright, indirect light for a few days and hold off on watering until the soil has had a day or two to settle.

What happens if you put off repotting too long

When roots fill a pot and are left that way for too long, the plant can't properly take up water and nutrients, growth slows, and in more serious cases the pot can crack or the roots can become so tangled they damage each other.

Save any cuttings for propagation

If you trim off stems or roots while repotting, don't throw them away β€” many houseplants can be propagated from a healthy cutting, so it's an easy way to turn one repotting session into a couple of new plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does a houseplant need repotting?

It depends on the species and how fast it grows, but checking root condition roughly once every 1-2 years and repotting when needed is a reasonable general rule.

My plant's leaves are drooping after repotting β€” is that normal?

Some temporary drooping is a normal stress response while roots adjust to their new environment. Keeping the plant out of direct sun and watering carefully for a few days usually lets it recover.