when to repot, and the seven steps for doing it without stressing the plant 🌱 roots out the drainage holes, soil drying too fast, growth stalling — the signs are all there. full step-by-step in the details. 🎥 @littleredbalcony (Instagram)
When and How to Repot Your Houseplants
When to repot: roots growing out of drainage holes or circling the pot, soil drying out much faster than usual, slowed growth, or the plant pushing itself out. General rule — every 12–18 months for most houseplants, every 3–4 years for mature ones.
Steps
- 1
Prepare: water the plant a couple of days before repotting to help the soil release, and choose a new pot 1–2 inches larger with drainage holes.
- 2
Remove the plant: gently squeeze the old pot, tilt it, and support the plant at its base as you ease it out.
- 3
Inspect the roots: loosen tangled roots with your fingers and trim any dead or circling ones.
- 4
Add a layer of fresh potting mix to the new pot.
- 5
Position the plant in the center, with the top of the root ball about an inch below the rim.
- 6
Fill around the root ball with soil, pressing gently to remove large air pockets without compacting it.
- 7
Water thoroughly to help the soil settle.