Repotting Houseplants: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Repotting houseplants is an essential part of plant care, but it can be a daunting task, especially for large plants. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about repotting houseplants, from when to do it to how to do it safely and effectively.

Why Repot Houseplants?

There are several reasons why you might need to repot a houseplant:

The plant’s roots have outgrown the pot. This can happen when the plant has been in the same pot for too long, or if the pot is too small to begin with. When the roots become pot-bound, they can start to circle around the inside of the pot, which can restrict the plant’s growth and make it more susceptible to disease.
The potting soil has become depleted of nutrients. Over time, the potting soil in your plant’s pot can lose its nutrients, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies in the plant. Repotting the plant in fresh potting soil will provide it with the nutrients it needs to thrive.
The plant is wilting or drooping. This can be a sign that the plant is not getting enough water or nutrients, or that the pot is too small. Repotting the plant in a larger pot with fresh potting soil can help to solve these problems.

When to Repot Houseplants

The best time to repot a houseplant is in the spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing. However, you can repot a plant at any time of year if it is necessary.

Avoid repotting a plant that is actively budding or blooming, as this can shock the plant and cause it to drop its buds or flowers.

How to Repot Houseplants

Materials you will need:

New pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot
Fresh potting soil
Water
Bucket or bowl
Knife (optional)
Pencil or skewer (optional)

Step-by-step instructions:

Water the plant thoroughly the day before you plan to repot it. This will help to keep the soil together and make it easier to remove the plant from the pot.
Choose a new pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot. The new pot should have drainage holes in the bottom to allow excess water to drain away.
Fill a bucket or bowl with fresh potting soil. The potting soil should be moist, but not soggy.
Turn the plant on its side and gently slide it out of the pot. If the plant is stuck, you can try running a knife around the edge of the pot, pushing through the drainage holes with a pencil or skewer, or tugging gently on the stem.
If any roots are growing out of the drainage holes, cut them away. These roots can become tangled and restrict the plant’s growth.
Loosen the roots in the root ball and discard the soil that comes loose. This soil is likely depleted of nutrients and may contain harmful salts.
Cut away any roots that are dead or completely circling the root ball. These roots are no longer functional and can restrict the plant’s growth.
Set the plant in the new pot and surround it with moistened potting soil. Gently firm the soil around the base of the plant.
Water the plant thoroughly and keep it out of direct sun for two weeks. This will help the plant to recover from the repotting process.

Troubleshooting Repotting Problems

Problem: The plant is wilting or drooping after repotting.

Possible causes:

The plant is not getting enough water.
The potting soil is too dry.
The plant is in shock from being repotted.

Solutions:

Water the plant thoroughly and make sure the potting soil is moist.
Place the plant in a warm, humid location.
Avoid fertilizing the plant for a few weeks after repotting.

Problem: The plant is not growing after repotting.

Possible causes:

The plant is not getting enough nutrients.
The potting soil is too compacted.
The plant is rootbound.

Solutions:

Fertilize the plant according to the instructions on the fertilizer label.
Loosen the potting soil around the base of the plant.
Repot the plant in a larger pot with fresh potting soil.

Tips for Repotting Large Plants

Repotting a large plant can be a challenge, but it is possible with a little care and planning.

If the plant is too large to move, you can top dress it instead. Top dressing involves removing the top two or three inches of potting soil and replacing it with fresh potting soil. This will help to replenish the nutrients in the pot without disturbing the roots.
If you need to move the plant, be sure to have help. Large plants can be heavy and awkward to move.
Protect the plant’s leaves from damage. When moving the plant, be careful not to bump or scrape the leaves against anything.
Water the plant thoroughly after repotting. This will help to settle the soil and prevent the plant from wilting.
Keep the plant out of direct sun for two weeks after repotting. This will help the plant to recover from the stress of being moved.

With a little care and attention, you can successfully repot any houseplant, regardless of its size.

Repotting Houseplants: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners