Repotting refreshes a plant’s root environment — new space, new mix, better drainage. Done at the right time and the right way, it revives a struggling plant; done wrong (or into the wrong pot), it can set a plant back. This guide covers the signs a plant needs repotting, how to choose the next pot, and the step-by-step method and aftercare.
Signs a plant needs repotting
- Root-bound: roots circling the inside of the pot, growing out of the drainage holes, or pushing the plant up out of the pot.
- Drainage problems: water runs straight through (roots have filled the pot) or sits on top too long (mix has broken down).
- Declining potting mix: the medium looks compacted, muddy or exhausted, or has shrunk away from the sides.
- Stalled growth or fast drying-out despite regular watering.
Choosing the next pot size
- Go up one size — usually 2–5 cm (1–2 in) wider than the current pot.
- Why overly large pots cause problems: a big pot holds a large volume of wet, unused mix around small roots, which stays soggy and invites root rot. Bigger is not better.
- Drainage holes are essential — if you love a decorative pot without holes, use it as an outer cover pot around an inner pot that drains.
- See best plant pots & containers for materials and sizing.
How to repot, step by step
- Water a day before so the root ball is moist and slides out easily.
- Remove the plant gently — support the base, tip the pot, and ease it out rather than pulling the stem.
- Inspect the roots. Tease apart circling roots; on a badly root-bound plant, loosen or lightly score the outer roots to encourage them outward.
- Trim damaged or dead roots — remove soft, brown or mushy roots with clean, sterilised tools; keep the firm, healthy ones.
- Position the plant in the new pot at the same depth as before, centred, with room for fresh mix around and beneath.
- Add fresh growing medium around the roots, firming gently to remove big air pockets without compacting. Use a mix suited to the plant (see soil & growing media). Leave a gap below the rim for watering.
- Water in thoroughly to settle the mix, then let excess drain away.
Aftercare
- Keep the plant out of harsh direct sun for a week or two while roots settle.
- Water carefully — fresh mix holds moisture, so don’t overwater; let the surface dry appropriately for the plant.
- Hold off feeding for a few weeks; fresh mix usually contains nutrients and tender new roots can be sensitive.
- Some wilting or pause in growth is normal briefly after repotting.
Seasonal considerations
The best time to repot most plants is at the start of their active growing season, when they recover fastest. Repotting during dormancy or the hottest, most stressful part of the year is harder on the plant.
When to delay repotting
- While in bud or full bloom — wait until flowering finishes unless the mix has collapsed.
- Just after buying or after a big move — let the plant acclimatise first (a week or two) unless it is clearly in trouble.
- When a plant is sick or pest-infested — stabilise it first (an exception is suspected root rot, where repotting into fresh medium is part of the fix).
- If it isn’t actually pot-bound — many plants flower better slightly snug; don’t repot just because time passed.
Related guides
- Best plant pots & containers — choosing pot type & size
- Soil & growing media — the mix to repot into
- Root rot — when repotting is part of the cure
