How to Repot a Plant

Repotting is an essential part of plant care. Whether your plant has outgrown its container or the soil has become depleted, repotting gives it a fresh start. It can improve root health, boost growth and prevent disease. The process is simple but knowing how and when to do it makes a big difference.

Why You Should Repot Plants

Plants need space to grow. As roots expand, they can become pot-bound, circling the container and limiting access to nutrients and water. Repotting relieves this pressure, replaces tired soil, and reduces the risk of rot or nutrient lockout. It also gives you a chance to check for pests, disease or root damage. Even if a plant isn’t root-bound, repotting every year or two keeps it healthy and thriving.

When to Repot Plants

The best time to repot most plants is in spring or early summer, during their active growing season. This gives them time to adjust and recover. Avoid repotting during winter dormancy, unless absolutely necessary. Signs that a plant needs repotting include roots growing out the drainage holes, water running straight through the pot, stunted growth or yellowing leaves.

Things to Avoid When Repotting Plants

Don’t go straight for a much larger pot — upsizing too quickly can cause the soil to hold excess moisture, which may lead to root rot. Go one size up at a time. Avoid damaging the roots during the process, and never repot a plant that’s already stressed from pests, disease or recent relocation. Also, resist the urge to fertilise immediately after repotting — let the plant settle first.

Can I Repot a Plant When the Soil Is Wet?

It’s better to repot when the soil is slightly damp, not soaking wet. Wet soil can cling to the roots, making it hard to remove the plant cleanly and inspect the root system. Very dry soil, on the other hand, can cause root breakage. Water lightly the day before repotting so the soil is soft but not muddy.

Should I Repot a Plant If It's Flowering or Fruiting?

Repotting a flowering or fruiting plant is best avoided unless it’s absolutely necessary. Disturbing the roots during this stage can cause the plant to drop its blooms or fruit. If repotting can't wait, take extra care to avoid root damage and provide a stable environment afterward. Most plants do better if repotted before or after their flowering phase.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Repotting Plants

One common mistake is using the wrong type of soil. Match the soil to the plant’s needs — cacti and succulents need fast-draining mixes, while tropical plants prefer richer, moisture-retaining blends. Another is forgetting drainage — never use pots without drainage holes. Overwatering right after repotting is another trap. The roots need time to adjust, so let the plant settle before watering deeply. Finally, avoid placing the plant in direct sun straight after repotting — give it a few days in filtered light to recover.

Don’t Always Assume Bigger is Better

It’s a common mistake to jump several pot sizes ahead, thinking it will give the plant more room to grow. But too much space can cause uneven moisture distribution, leaving roots sitting in wet soil and increasing the risk of root rot. A pot that’s just 2 to 5cm wider than the current one is usually enough.

Trim the Roots (When Needed)

If the roots are tightly coiled or circling the pot, tease them apart gently with your fingers. In severe cases, you can trim the root ball slightly with clean scissors. This encourages fresh root growth and prevents the plant from staying pot-bound even after moving to a new container.

Refresh the Soil, Don’t Just Top It Up

Topping up soil around the edges doesn’t do much if the core is still compacted and depleted. Always remove at least some of the old soil — ideally half — and replace with fresh, high-quality compost suited to the plant type. This gives the plant a nutrient boost and improves drainage.

Set the Right Depth

When placing the plant in its new pot, make sure it sits at the same depth as it did before. If it’s planted too deep, the stem can rot. If it’s too shallow, roots can dry out. Adjust the base layer of soil to get the height right before filling in around the sides.

Give It Time to Recover

After repotting, most plants go through a short adjustment phase. You might see a temporary slowdown in growth or mild wilting — this is normal. Keep it out of strong sunlight, avoid fertiliser for a couple of weeks, and water lightly until you see signs of new growth.

Know When to Avoid Repotting Altogether

Some plants prefer to be slightly root-bound and don’t need regular repotting. Examples include orchids, peace lilies and snake plants. In these cases, repotting too often can disrupt the plant unnecessarily. If it’s still thriving and flowering, leave it be.