Repotting 101: When and How to Repot Your Plants
Master the essential skill of repotting to keep your plants healthy and growing strong.
When to Repot
- Roots growing through drainage holes
- Water running straight through pot
- Soil drying out very quickly
- Plant becoming top-heavy
- Growth has slowed significantly
Best Time
Spring, at the beginning of growing season. Avoid winter when plants are dormant.
How to Repot
- Water plant day before
- Choose pot 1-2 inches larger
- Add fresh potting mix
- Remove plant, loosen roots gently
- Place in new pot, fill with soil
- Water thoroughly
Post-Repot Care
Keep in moderate light, wait week before fertilizing.
Tools and supplies for this
Products we'd actually buy for this job. Linking to Amazon — if you buy through these links we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
- Weston Mill Pottery Terracotta plant pots, 175mm (pack of 10)
Mid-size workhorse terracotta — perfect step-up for plants outgrowing their nursery pots.
- Weston Mill Pottery Terracotta plant pots, 20cm (pack of 5)
Heavyweight 20cm clay for established plants — the porous walls help prevent the soggy roots aroids hate.
- Whitefurze G04012 7.5cm Garden Pot - Terracotta (Set of 10)
Cheap, cheerful plastic propagation pots — what we actually use for cuttings and small offsets.
- Whitefurze G04013 10cm Garden Pot - Terracotta (Set of 7)
Reliable mid-size nursery pots with proper drainage holes — the boring essential every plant parent runs out of.
Maria Rodriguez
Horticulturist
Passionate about helping plant parents succeed with expert tips and proven techniques.
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Comments(7)
I learned the hard way that timing is everything with repotting—rushed mine too early in spring and it stressed out my monstera for weeks! I'm curious though, do you have a preference between repotting in spring versus fall? I've been thinking my fiddle leaf fig might need it soon, but I'm always second-guessing myself on the best window.
Spring's ideal for most tropicals because they're ramping up growth, but honestly I've had better luck repotting my *Ficus lyrata* in early summer when it's already in full swing—less shock that way. Fall repotting can work if your plant's actively growing, but if growth slows down (which it does indoors for most of us), you're asking for trouble. Check if your fig's actually root-bound first; that's what really matters more than the calendar.
I've found that waiting for roots to actually circle the pot matters way more than sticking to a calendar—some of my plants are happy in the same pot for years, others need moving every spring. The timing really depends on your watering habits and light conditions, which I think gets overlooked in generic guides. What's your take on repotting during dormancy versus the growing season?
You're totally right about the root-bound check—I've got a rosemary and oregano that I've left alone for three years while my basil basically begs to be upsized every summer. I do try to repot herbs during their active growing season since they bounce back faster, but honestly I've had better luck moving things when I *see* the roots circling rather than waiting for some perfect window. Have you noticed a difference in how quickly plants recover if you repot them while they're actively putting out new growth versus when they're slower?
I learned the hard way that timing is everything—I repotted two of my succulents too early in spring and they sulked for weeks, but waiting until they were clearly rootbound made all the difference. The gentle handling part is still my weak point (I always manage to shake off half the soil), but knowing *when* to repot has honestly saved me from killing things with kindness. This is such a useful foundation to have!
I've learned the hard way that timing is everything with repotting—I once got overzealous with a *Monstera deliciosa* in spring and it sulked for weeks before bouncing back. Now I wait until I actually see roots circling the drainage holes rather than repotting on a schedule, and the difference in recovery time is night and day. Would love to know if you recommend a particular soil mix for tropical plants, since that's made almost as much difference for me as the timing itself.
I've been putting off repotting my Monstera deliciosa for months because I wasn't sure if I'd damage the roots, but this is really helpful! I have nine plants total and most are still in their nursery pots—I'm realizing that's probably why some aren't growing as fast as I'd hoped. If I could upload a photo, I'd show you my pothos because the soil seems to dry out way too quickly now, which made me wonder if it was actually root-bound. How do you know if a plant needs repotting versus just needing better watering habits?