Repotting Houseplants 101
Read in: 2 min
Does the thought of repotting your plants keep you up at night? Or maybe you’ve just never done it before so you have no idea what you’re getting yourself into. If you notice your plant is starting to outgrow its current pot, isn’t thriving, or needs a refresh - we’re here to help!
Table of Contents
When to Repot
- Roots are spilling over: If you see lots of roots escaping through drainage holes or circling the surface of the soil, it’s a sign that your plant is feeling cramped.
- Stagnant growth: If your once-vibrant plant is showing slowed growth or the new leaves are getting smaller, it might be struggling to find the resources it needs in its current pot.
- Water doesn’t soak in: When water starts to pool on the soil’s surface rather than being absorbed, it indicates compacted soil.
Pro-tip: It’s best to repot during the growing season - Spring and Summer!
How to Repot Like a Pro
Choose the right pot: Opt for a pot that is no more than 2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Make sure it has drainage holes in the bottom to allow excess water to escape!
- Pro-tip: If you’re reusing a pot, disinfect it before use with a mix of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water! This will reduce potential threats like fungi or harmful bacteria from harming the pot’s new resident.
Terracotta vs. Plastic: If you tend to overwater, terracotta is ideal for you as it wicks away excess moisture from the soil. On the other hand, clear plastic pots allow you to see the roots and moisture levels at a glance.
Grab some new soil: You want to look for something tailored to your home conditions and routines - commercial mixes (like what you may find at big box stores 👀) may not always be suitable! Go for a high-quality blend of mediums including perlite, orchid bark, or coconut coir to keep the soil chunky for aeration. Check out Dirt on Dirt 101 to learn about the purpose of each component!
- Our signature soil - Dirt Bag - is hand-mixed with just the right ingredients, perfect for most species!
Be gentle: Remove your plant from its pot carefully, being mindful of the roots. You don’t have to separate them if they are wound together but while you’re looking, inspect the roots for any signs of disease or damage. If you spot anything, you can trim any affected roots away with sanitized shears.
Transferring: Place your rootball in the center of the new pot on top of a few inches of soil, fill the sides, and top with your fresh soil, ensuring the plant is secure. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and hydrate the roots.
