Signs it's time to repot
- Roots visible at the soil surface or coming out of the drainage hole
- Growth that slows noticeably despite proper care
- Soil that dries out unusually fast after watering
- A pot that looks disproportionately small for the plant
Generally, repotting every 1-2 years is enough for most moderately fast-growing houseplants — slow growers (like succulents) can wait longer.
The right timing
Spring or early summer, during active growth, is ideal — the plant recovers faster from the stress of repotting. Avoid repotting in the dead of winter, a dormant period.
How to do it
- Choose a pot slightly larger (2-4 cm / 1-1.5 in more in diameter is enough — an oversized pot encourages excess moisture)
- Water the plant lightly the day before to ease removal
- Gently remove it from its pot, tapping the sides if needed
- Gently loosen the roots if they've formed a tight mass
- Place in the new pot with fresh, appropriate soil, without burying the plant's base
- Water moderately after repotting, avoiding excess in the first few days