When should I repot my plant?

repottingcare-basicsplant-health

When Should I Repot My Plant?

Knowing when to repot your plant is crucial for maintaining its health. Here are the definitive signs and best timing:

Clear Signs It’s Time to Repot

Roots Growing Through Drainage Holes:

  • Most obvious sign
  • Roots emerging from bottom
  • Indicates root-bound condition
  • Time to move up a pot size

Water Drains Too Quickly:

  • Water runs straight through without being absorbed
  • Happens when roots fill most of the pot
  • Little soil left to retain moisture
  • Plant may need watering daily or more

Root-Bound Plant:

  • Roots circling around inside of pot
  • Visible roots at soil surface
  • When removed from pot, root ball holds pot shape
  • Dense mass of roots with little soil visible

Stunted Growth:

  • Plant stops growing despite proper care
  • New leaves smaller than old leaves
  • Overall lack of vigor during growing season
  • No obvious pest or disease issues

Soil Issues:

  • Soil pulls away from pot edges when dry
  • Soil breaks down into fine particles
  • Visible salt buildup (white crust)
  • Water sits on top instead of absorbing

Plant Pushing Upward:

  • Crown rising above pot rim
  • Roots pushing plant out of soil
  • Indicates no room for roots to grow downward

Best Time of Year to Repot

Spring (March-May):

  • Ideal time for most plants
  • Entering active growth period
  • Best recovery from transplant stress
  • Plenty of time to establish before winter

Early Summer (June):

  • Still acceptable for most plants
  • Active growth continues
  • Good recovery period

Avoid Fall and Winter:

  • Most plants dormant or semi-dormant
  • Slower recovery from repotting stress
  • Less growth to establish in new pot
  • Wait until spring unless emergency

Exception:

  • If plant is severely root-bound and suffering
  • Emergency repotting acceptable any time
  • Better than leaving in failing condition

How Often to Repot Different Plants

Fast-Growing Plants (Every 6-12 Months):

  • Pothos
  • Philodendron
  • Spider plants
  • Peace lilies (when young)

Moderate Growers (Every 1-2 Years):

  • Monstera
  • Snake plants
  • Rubber plants
  • Dracaena

Slow-Growing Plants (Every 2-3+ Years):

  • Succulents
  • Cacti
  • ZZ plants
  • Mature specimens

Plants That Prefer Being Root-Bound:

  • African violets
  • Peace lilies (for blooming)
  • Snake plants
  • Clivias
  • Only repot when absolutely necessary

How to Check If Repotting Is Needed

The Inspection Method:

  1. Gently tip plant sideways
  2. Slide plant out of pot (may need to tap bottom)
  3. Inspect root ball
  4. If roots are circling densely, repot
  5. If plenty of soil visible, put back

Quick Check Without Removing Plant:

  • Look at drainage holes (roots visible?)
  • Check how quickly water drains
  • Note if plant pushing upward
  • Assess growth rate and vigor

What If Plant Was Just Purchased?

Inspect Within First Month:

  • Nurseries often keep plants root-bound
  • Check condition of roots and soil
  • May need immediate repotting even though just bought

Signs to Repot New Plant:

  • Obviously root-bound when you check
  • In nursery pot (not meant for long-term)
  • Soil quality very poor
  • Growing season just starting

When to Wait:

  • If in good condition
  • Purchased in fall/winter
  • Currently flowering
  • Wait for spring

Size to Move Up

General Rule:

  • Go up 1-2 inches in diameter
  • For severely root-bound plants, 2 inches appropriate
  • Don’t jump to much larger pot

Why Not Too Big?

  • Excess soil retains too much water
  • Increases root rot risk
  • Plant may focus on roots over foliage
  • Harder to manage watering

Plants That Don’t Need Repotting

Very Large Plants:

  • May be too big to repot practically
  • Refresh top few inches of soil instead
  • Called “top-dressing”
  • Temporary solution but can sustain for 1-2 years

Mature Plants at Desired Size:

  • Can maintain in same pot
  • Root prune if needed
  • Refresh soil periodically
  • Keeps plant at manageable size

Emergency Situations Requiring Immediate Repotting

Root Rot:

  • Needs immediate repotting regardless of season
  • Remove from wet soil
  • Trim rotted roots
  • Repot in fresh, well-draining soil
  • May need smaller pot

Severely Root-Bound and Declining:

  • Wilting constantly
  • Can’t retain water
  • Clearly suffering
  • Repot even if not ideal season

Pest Infestation in Soil:

  • Fungus gnats breeding in soil
  • Other soil-dwelling pests
  • Fresh soil helps resolve issue

What You’ll Need for Repotting

Materials:

  • New pot (1-2 inches larger, with drainage)
  • Fresh potting soil (appropriate for your plant)
  • Newspaper or tarp (protect work surface)
  • Watering can
  • Optional: pruning shears (for trimming roots)

Steps:

  1. Water plant 1-2 hours before repotting
  2. Remove from current pot
  3. Loosen roots gently
  4. Trim any dead/rotted roots
  5. Place in new pot with fresh soil
  6. Water thoroughly
  7. Place in appropriate light

After Repotting Care

First Week:

  • Keep evenly moist (not soggy)
  • Avoid direct sun
  • Don’t fertilize yet

First Month:

  • Monitor watering carefully (new soil retains water differently)
  • Watch for signs of stress (slight wilting normal initially)
  • Resume normal care after 2 weeks
  • Wait 4-6 weeks before fertilizing

What to Expect:

  • Slight shock for a few days (normal)
  • Slowed growth for 1-2 weeks (plant adjusting)
  • New growth within 2-4 weeks (in growing season)
  • Fuller, healthier plant within 2-3 months

Bottom Line

Repot when you see:

  • Roots through drainage holes
  • Water draining too quickly
  • Stunted growth during growing season
  • Root-bound condition
  • Soil depleted or breaking down

Best timing:

  • Spring (ideal)
  • Early summer (acceptable)
  • Avoid fall and winter unless emergency

Frequency:

  • Fast growers: 6-12 months
  • Moderate growers: 1-2 years
  • Slow growers: 2-3+ years
  • Or when showing signs, whichever comes first

When in doubt, check the roots! A quick inspection will tell you definitively whether repotting is needed. Your plant will reward proper repotting with renewed vigor and healthy growth.