How do I know when to repot my indoor plants?

Think your plant's feeling a bit cramped in its pot? It might be time for an upgrade! Look out for roots poking through the bottom, soil drying out in a flash, or your green mate getting a bit wobbly. Most houseplants enjoy a fresh pot every year or two (faster if they're having a growth spurt). Repotting means more room to stretch those roots and a happy, thriving plant!

Think of repotting as moving your plant into a nicer neighbourhood – more space, fresh resources, and the potential to become the showstopper it was meant to be. It might seem intimidating at first, but it's a key part of keeping your plants happy. Here's how to know when it's time, and how to do it with minimal plant drama.

Repotting SOS: Your Plant's Begging You When You See...

• Roots Bailing Out: If they're poking through the drainage holes, your plant is basically wearing trousers that are too short! More root space is urgently needed.
• Thirsty ALL the Time: Soil drying out super fast means the roots have taken over, and there's hardly any soil left to hold water. This also makes it hard to fertilise effectively, as there's nowhere for the nutrients to go!
• Growth Stunt: No new leaves, or they're much smaller than usual? Your plant wants to put out new growth, but its cramped roots are holding it back.
• Tipsy Trouble: Top-heavy plant falling over a lot? It's outgrown its current home and needs a more stable base.
• Crusty White Patches: Build-up around the pot or on the soil surface is salts from fertilizer. Repotting with fresh soil helps flush those out and prevents damage to the roots.
• Root Jailbreak: Slide the plant out of the pot (be gentle!). If the roots are a tangled mass circling the pot, that poor plant is suffocating.

How Often to Repot: It's Not One-Size-Fits-All

• Speedy Gonzales: Some houseplants are like teenagers – they shoot up fast! These might need repotting every year, especially if they're in smaller pots.
• Slow & Steady: Others, like big statement plants in large containers, put most of their energy into leaves rather than roots. They might only need repotting every 3-4 years.
• Unsure? A peek at the roots (see above) will tell you for sure, without doing a full repot. If there's still plenty of soil visible, you can probably wait a bit longer.

Repot Like a Pro:

1. Bigger, But Not TOO Big: Only go up a pot size or two at a time. A giant pot will hold too much moisture around the roots, which causes rot – that's worse than being a bit cramped!
2. Drainage is King: Your new pot MUST have holes in the bottom. No holes = recipe for disaster! Terracotta is a good choice for beginners, as it dries out slightly faster.
3. The Right Stuff: Use good quality potting mix. For most houseplants, a mix specifically for indoor plants is perfect. Avoid using garden soil, as it's too dense for containers.
4. Loosen & Fluff: Before repotting, gently loosen the roots if they're a tangled mess. Don't rip them, but untangling a bit helps them settle into their new home and reduces transplant shock.
5. Water Therapy : Give your newly repotted plant a deep drink, and let all the excess water drain out. This helps the soil and roots settle together nicely

Extra TLC for Repotting Newbies

• Don't Stress: Repotting is normal plant maintenance! Your plant might sulk for a few days, but will bounce back stronger.
• Timing is Key: Early spring is ideal for most plants, when they're getting ready for a growth spurt and can recover quickly. Avoid repotting when the plant is blooming, or in winter when growth is slower.
• Be Patient: Don't expect instant results. It takes time for the roots to fill out their new space, then you'll see more growth up top.
• Small is Beautiful: If you're nervous, start by repotting a smaller, easy-care plant. This is a great way to gain confidence before tackling your prized specimen!

Houseplant.co.uk – Your Repotting Resource

• The Right Pot for the Job: Terracotta, plastic, ceramic... we've got them all, in tons of sizes to perfectly suit your plant.
• Potting Mix Perfection: From basic mixes to specialist blends (orchid mix etc) we've got you covered.