Repotting 101

Giving Your Houseplants Room to Grow

Repotting is one of the simplest ways to keep your houseplants healthy and thriving. This guide will help you know when to repot, how to choose the right pot, and how to set your plant up for success in its new home.

WHEN SHOULD YOU REPOT?

Most houseplants benefit from repotting every 12–18 months, especially during spring and early summer when plants are actively growing. Tip: Repot based on plant health — not just the calendar.

AVOID REPOTTING IF:

Your plant is dormant
You’ve just brought it home (unless there’s a problem)

SIGNS YOUR PLANT IS READY FOR A NEW POT

LOOK FOR ONE OR MORE OF THESE SIGNS:

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot
Soil drying out very quickly
Slower growth or yellowing leaves
Roots circling the surface or pushing the plant up

CHOOSING THE RIGHT NEW POT

SIZE MATTERS

Choose a pot only 1–2 inches larger than the current one
A pot that’s too big can hold excess moisture and lead to root rot

DRAINAGE IS KEY

Drainage holes help prevent overwatering
Decorative pots work best when paired with a nursery pot inside

POT MATERIALS

Terracotta: Breathable, dries quickly
Ceramic: Holds moisture longer
Plastic: Lightweight and retains moisture

CHOOSING THE RIGHT POTTING MEDIUM

The soil you choose is just as important as the pot itself. A good potting mix provides support, airflow, and proper drainage, helping roots stay healthy and avoid rot.

START WITH A QUALITY POTTING MIX

Always use a potting mix made for houseplants — not garden soil.
Potting mixes are lighter, drain better, and are designed for container growing.

COMMON HOUSEPLANT MIXES ARE FORMULATED FOR:

Tropical foliage plants
Succulents and cacti
Orchids and specialty plants

When in doubt, a high-quality all-purpose indoor potting mix works for most houseplants. Match your pot to your plant and your watering habits.

IMPROVING DRAINAGE WITH SOIL AMENDMENTS

Many houseplants prefer soil that drains quickly. You can improve airflow and drainage by mixing in one or more of these amendments:

Perlite – Lightweight and airy; improves drainage and prevents compacted soil
Pumice – Similar to perlite but heavier; adds stability and airflow
Orchid bark – Great for plants that like chunkier soil and extra oxygen around roots
Horticultural charcoal – Helps with drainage and odor control in containers

Tip: A common blend is 70–80% potting mix with 20–30% drainage amendment.

MATCHING SOIL TO YOUR PLANT

Different plants prefer different soil conditions. Plants who are sensitive to overwatering appreciate extra drainage amendments.

Tropical houseplants: Moist but well-draining mix
Succulents & cacti: Fast-draining, gritty mix
Aroids (a specific type of tropical plant) (pothos, philodendron, monstera): Chunky mix with added bark or perlite

SOIL REFRESH

Even if you aren’t moving to a larger pot, refreshing old soil helps:

Replace depleted nutrients
Improve drainage and airflow
Support healthy root growth

HOW TO REPOT: STEP-BY-STEP

Gently remove the plant from its current pot
Loosen the roots, especially if they’re tightly bound
Add fresh, high-quality potting mix to the new pot
Place the plant so it sits at the same height as before
Fill in around the roots and lightly press the soil
Water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain

AFTERCARE: HELPING YOUR PLANT ADJUST

Keep the plant in similar light at first
Monitor watering closely while the plant settles in

Some plants may look a little stressed at first — that’s normal!

COMMON REPOTTING MISTAKES TO AVOID

Choosing a pot that’s too large
Skipping drainage
Burying the plant too deep
Overwatering after repotting