How to Repot Plants Correctly
Learn how to repot plants.
You don't need to be an expert to repot your plants, so long as you do it correctly. As temperatures outside start to increase, it is the perfect time to give your plants room to spread their roots. Use this guide to learn how to repot plants to promote growth and root health for your greenery.
Tip!
There are a few ways to tell when it is time to repot your plants. Read How You Know When to Repot a Plant to find out exactly how How You Know When to Re-Pot a Plant.
What You Need for Repotting
As potted plants begin to outgrow their containers, their growth can begin to slow down and become restricted, particularly when the pot is too small. For this reason, you should learn how to repot plants and successfully transplant them into their new home. Whether you have indoor or outdoor plants, the steps are basically the same. Before you begin, you should gather your repotting essentials.
Your Plant: You will need to have the plant you want to repot on hand. If you are only replacing the soil, then you will likely be using the same planter, so keep it nearby.
New Planter: If you are repotting a plant into a new planter, you will need to choose one that is between 1" and 2" larger than the current one – you only need a little extra room for the plant growth over the next year. Make sure the new planter pot has drainage holes. You can also choose a plastic planter pot with drainage holes to place within a decorative pot.
Tip!
Make sure the planter isn't too large as this will require more soil which could potentially lead to overwatering, and eventually root rot.
Gardening Accessories: Make sure you have fresh potting mix for this task. You would also do well to have a small gardening trowel on hand to help with the repotting. Small shears or clippers may come in handy too.
Tip!
To make it easier on your back, you can repot using a potting table. Find out more with our guide Choosing the Best Potting Benches & Potting Tables for Your Garden.
Once you have your tools ready, you are properly equipped for repotting a plant. Below is a step-by-step guide to show you just how to repot plants.
1. Remove Your Plant From Its Current Pot
Gently remove your plant from the current pot. If it is a plastic pot, squeeze the sides to help release the plant. You can also slide your trowel between the plant and pot to help slide it out. As the plant begins to come out, turn the pot sideways. Hold the plant by the stem or leaves and gently tap the bottom on the planter. You may need to gently pull to give it a little bit of help.
2. Loosen the Plant’s Roots
If your plant is root-bound, then loosen the root ball by massaging and rubbing the roots until they are no longer in a tight coil. Use your shears to prune any threadlike roots but be sure to keep the stronger and thicker ones intact. Doing this will allow your roots room to grow.
3. Prepare Your New Pot
Fill the bottom third of your planter with fresh potting soil and pack it down lightly to remove air pockets. If you want to reuse some of your old potting mix, only keep about a third or so, as it will not contain as many nutrients as the new soil.
Tip!
If your current planter pot doesn't have drainage holes, then lay down some small stones, lava rock, or gravel to help prevent water from pooling on your roots in order to avoid root rot.
4. Repot Your Plant
Hold it up so the base of the stem is about 1/4" – 1/2" below the top of the pot. Adjust the soil accordingly and while you hold the plant, add the rest. Make sure your plant is securely centered. Gently pat down the soil but avoid over packing it to ensure the roots have room to breathe.
Tip!
A freshly repotted plant does not need fertilizer.
5. Plant Aftercare
Transplanting places stress on your plants, so be sure to take care of them so they survive. Slowly water the soil until it is all soaked in, the pot is heavy, and water runs out of the drainage holes. Your repotted plant may require less watering in the first few weeks because there is more soil to absorb water – this will change as the roots grow.
Now you know how to repot plants, you can make sure they will thrive and look great year round.
