How to Repot a Plant Correctly and 7 Signs That Your Plant Need a New Home

Before you start, you need to get the right things and prepare your work area. This will make the job easier. It will also help you avoid mistakes that could hurt your plant.

Step 1: Choose the Right Pot

Pick a new pot that is only 1 to 2 inches wider than the old one. A pot that is too big can cause problems. The soil will hold too much water. Make sure your new pot has holes in the bottom. Water needs to drain out.

Step 2: Get Your Things Ready

Get fresh potting soil. Do not use dirt from your garden. You will also need clean water and a small shovel or spoon. Put a newspaper down to protect your work area. If your plant has thick roots, you might need clean scissors to cut them.

Step 3: Water Your Plant First

Give your plant some water a few hours before you start. This makes the soil soft. It helps the plant come out of its old pot more easily. Do not make the soil too wet. Just make it damp.

Step 4: Take Out the Plant

Turn the pot on its side. Gently pull the plant out. Hold the main stem near the soil. Do not hold the leaves. If the plant does not come out easily, tap the bottom of the pot. You can also squeeze the sides gently.

Step 5: Check and Clean the Roots

Look at the roots carefully. If they are brown or smell bad, cut them off with clean scissors. If the roots are wrapped around each other in circles, gently pull them apart with your fingers.

Step 6: Add New Soil

Put a layer of fresh soil in the bottom of the new pot. Place your plant in the center. Add more soil around the sides. Press the soil down lightly. Do not pack it too hard.

Step 7: Water and Care

Give your plant a good drink of water. Water until you see water coming out of the holes at the bottom. Keep the plant away from bright sunlight for a few days. It needs time to get used to its new home.

Now that you know how to repot a plant, you may be wondering why your plant needs a new pot. The soil in plant pots does not last forever. Just like what House Plant Resource explains, plants can't grow well in old, damaged soil. Over time, the materials in potting soil slowly decay and become unhealthy for plants. Old soil can also become too hard and tight. This makes it hard for water to reach the roots. This can cause big problems like root rot. It can also make your plant very thirsty even when you water it often.

Space is another important reason to repot your plants. RHS notes that potted plants have limits. They can only grow in the small area of their pot. They can only get food from the small amount of soil in that pot. When plants get too big for their pots, their roots become too full. The roots cannot do their job well. This means the plant cannot get enough food and water. This happens even if you take good care of it.

Fresh soil brings new food to your plant. Even if you use plant food or fertilizer, the soil itself needs to be changed sometimes. New soil gives your plant a fresh start. It helps the plant grow strong and healthy. Repotting also lets you check your plant's roots for any problems. You can fix problems before they become big.

Knowing the right time to repot can save your plant's life. It can also help your plant grow better. Here are the most common signs that tell you it is time to give your plant a new home.

1. Roots Growing from Water Holes

When you see roots coming out of the holes at the bottom of the pot, your plant is telling you something. It needs more space. These roots are looking for room to grow.

2. Plant Dries Out Very Fast

If your plant needs water much more often than before, it might need a bigger pot. This happens because the roots have used up all the space. They cannot hold water well anymore.

3. Slow or No Growth

If your plant has stopped growing, it might be stuck in a pot that is too small. Plants that grow much slower than before might have the same problem. Plants need room for their roots to spread out. This helps them grow above ground, too.

4. Soil Problems

The soil might look very hard and tight. Water might sit on top instead of going into the soil. Sometimes water runs straight through without helping the plant at all.

5. Plant Looks Too Big for Its Pot

When your plant looks like it might fall over, it is time for a bigger home. This happens because the plant is too heavy for its pot. The plant should look balanced. It should not look like it is about to tip over.

6. Salt Build-up on Pot or Soil

You might see many roots growing out from the top of the soil. You might also see roots coming through the holes at the bottom of your pot. You might also notice white marks on your pot or soil. This means minerals have built up over time.

7. It Has Been 2-3 Years

Even if your plant looks fine, most plants need new soil every 2 to 3 years. This keeps them healthy. It also gives them fresh food to grow strong.