When and How to Repot a Houseplant

By Priya Hollis · Published Sep 27, 2026 · 5 min read

In this guide

Signs a plant needs repotting
Timing
Choosing the pot
Step by step
Use the right mix

Most houseplants need repotting every one to two years, either into a slightly larger pot or into fresh soil in the same pot.

Done at the right time and in the right way, repotting gives a plant a burst of new growth. Done badly, it sets it back for months.

Signs a plant needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes or circling the surface
Water running straight through without soaking in
The plant drying out much faster than it used to
Growth slowing during the growing season
The plant becoming top-heavy and tipping over

Timing

Spring and early summer are best, when plants are actively growing and recover quickly. Avoid repotting a plant that is already stressed, flowering, or dormant unless it is an emergency such as root rot.

Choosing the pot

Go up just one size — usually 2–5 cm wider than the current pot. A much larger pot holds excess wet soil around the roots and increases the risk of rot. Make sure it has drainage holes.

Step by step

Water the plant a day before. Tip it out gently, loosen circling roots with your fingers, and remove any dead or rotten ones. Add fresh potting mix to the new pot, set the plant at the same depth it was growing before, fill around the sides, and firm lightly. Water well and keep it out of strong direct sun for a week.

Use the right mix

General houseplant compost suits most plants. Succulents and cacti need a gritty, fast-draining mix; orchids need a chunky bark mix; and many aroids such as monsteras appreciate added bark and perlite for airflow around the roots.

This is general gardening information. Results depend on your climate, soil, and conditions. Follow label directions for any fertiliser or treatment, and check whether plants are toxic to pets or children before bringing them home.

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