4 Steps to Repot Your Plants

Plants that rapidly dry between each watering, show little to no new growth, have compacted roots, or roots growing through the drainage holes need a new residence. These signs mean they need more space to grow and more soil that allows the roots to have ample moisture in order to stay hydrated.

But how do you repot them?

1. Find a new pot for your plant.

   
   

   When looking for a larger home for your plant friend, look for a pot or planter that is around 1”- 2” bigger than your current pot and has ample drainage holes. If the pot is too big or can’t drain properly, the roots will be unable to use the excess water trapped in the soil (becomes waterlogged). This could cause root rot, which is the main cause of plant death—second being under-watering.

   
   

   You can always add holes to any pot with the right tools. For ceramic or terracotta pots, you’ll need a specific drill bit that you can find in your local hardware store or a plastic pot with holes that can let the soil drain, and can be added to the decorative pot after watering.

   
   

2. Remove your plant from its current pot.

   
   

   First, the soil around your plant. there are different techniques to do it depending on the type of pot your plant is currently in. For plastic pots, you can gently squeeze the pot to separate the soil; for a ceramic or terracotta pot, you can use a trowel or butter knife in between the pot walls and the plant to free it.

After it has loosened up, grab the base of the plant and remove it from its current pot. Gently break up the soil to reveal and release the root ball. This allows the roots more room to grow and helps them gain more access to water and nutrients from the soil; whereas if you leave them coiled, they will continue to coil instead of branching out into their new home.

When you’re breaking up the root ball, check that there isn’t any type of casting around it. This cast is known as hydroponic mesh, root mesh, or ‘death mesh’. Be sure to remove this, as it could lead to many issues, including stunted plant growth and possibly death—hence the name ‘death mesh’.

You might have some root breakage, but not to worry. A few broken roots won’t kill your plant or stop it from growing beautifully after replanting.

3. Let’s get potting!

Make a ‘nest’ with the soil to prep for the transfer from the old pot to the new pot. To do this, just fill the new pot with enough soil in the bottom to where the base of your plant’s stems are just under the top of the pot (1/4”- 1”). Place the root ball in the soil, then add soil below the plant to reach the desired height. Surround the plant with soil to fill the empty spaces between the walls of the pot and the plants.

Next, gently press the soil around the plant with your hands to secure the plant. You can also tap the pot lightly on your working surface to settle the soil into place.

4. Water generously.

Most plants go into ‘shock’ when they’re repotted. Saturate the soil enough that the pot feels heavier and water drains from the bottom of the pot. This will ensure that your plant has the hydration that it needs to perk back up.

Now, you’ve successfully repotted your plant and have freed up a smaller pot—which you can use as an excuse to get yet another leafy friend!

Precautionary Statement: Wet Your Plants Blog and its employees are not responsible for the use, misuse, or damage caused by the application or misapplication of products or information mentioned in this document.