Do you remember how you outgrew your old clothes and footwear? Well, plants outgrow their homes too because the pots can become too small and congested for them. This and a few other concerning reasons add up to the decision of repotting your houseplants. So, if you are unaware of how to repot your houseplants, we have come to your rescue. Take a look at a few main causes and signs to recognise if your outdoor or indoor house plant needs to be repotted.
The plant is getting pushed out of the pot by the roots
The growth rate has reduced significantly
The potting mix dries out faster even with regular watering sessions
The overall plant is drooping or falling out of the pot
There is a mineral and salt build-up on plant or pot
If you are not convinced with the above tips for houseplants repotting, think of this exercise as giving your green buddies a makeover. Just like you, they also require a little pedicure and a fresh pot to look and feel better.
How to Repot Houseplants
So, now you are willing to take on this endeavour, and to make sure you do not get lost in the process, we have curated a list of 7 useful tips on how to repot houseplants. So, let's dig into these pointers and come out with a fresh intake for healthier plants.
1. Bring a new Pot
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After noticing the signs to repot your houseplants, you need to get a new pot. Ideally, it should be larger than the previous one and have a drainage hole.
2. Remove Plant from Current Pot
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Turn your houseplant sideways and hold it gently from its stems or leaves. Then, you tap the bottom of the pot and twist the plant a bit to allow it to come out smoothly. You might need to tug and pull the stems a little, so be prepared.
3. Untwine the roots
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="479"] Source: Giphy[/caption]
In step two of how to repot houseplants, you loosen the roots with your hands. It will be a bit messy, so best to wear gloves. You have to detach all the tangled roots and prune the extra-long, thin, or unhealthy ones. The idea is to have the thick roots at the base for proper growth.
4. Discard old potting mix
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="310"] Source: Giphy[/caption]
The third tip for houseplants repotting, is to get rid of the old mix. While your plant was potted, it consumed most of the nutrients, so it is time to say goodbye to it, as it is nearly drained of everything now. However, we advise you to use one-third of the old one with the new potting mix to make full use of its nutritional value.
5. Add fresh Potting mix
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="476"] Source: Giphy[/caption]
Now, it is time to pull out the big guns! Bring your fresh potting mix and pour it into the empty planter. Make sure to pack down as you add the soil to avoid any air pockets. If your new pot does not have a drainage hole, add a layer of lava rocks at the bottom and then pour the soil. Also, do not fill the entire pot with the mix, instead only fill half of it at first.
6. Put the plant back
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="478"] Source: Giphy[/caption]
The sixth tip on how to repot houseplants is to add your freshly pruned plant. Make sure your plant is in the centre, steady, and well-balanced as you add in more potting mix. Remember not to fill the pot to its brim because the roots need some space to breathe too.
7. Water Generously
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="478"] Source: Giphy[/caption]
Gently press down on the soil to make it even. Once done, you should water the plant generously and place it in its ideal growth spot. This concludes our guide on 7 useful tips on how to repot houseplants for better and healthier green buddies.
Gurnika Talwar is FNP’s marketing and creative content writer and has been with the firm since 2020. She is based in Delhi, India and has been in this field for 2+ years.
She started her journey as a freshman but since then has created content on several mediums. With blogging on gift ideas, food, gardening tips and whatnot as her primary goal, she has also curated content for social media and brand films. As a storyteller, she creates original, genuine, and relatable content to connect with the mass. Besides work, you’ll find her chit-chatting about movies or making sarcastic jokes.
Source: Giphy[/caption]
Source: Giphy[/caption]
After noticing the signs to repot your houseplants, you need to get a new pot. Ideally, it should be larger than the previous one and have a drainage hole.
Source: Giphy[/caption]
Turn your houseplant sideways and hold it gently from its stems or leaves. Then, you tap the bottom of the pot and twist the plant a bit to allow it to come out smoothly. You might need to tug and pull the stems a little, so be prepared.
Source: Giphy[/caption]
In step two of how to repot houseplants, you loosen the roots with your hands. It will be a bit messy, so best to wear gloves. You have to detach all the tangled roots and prune the extra-long, thin, or unhealthy ones. The idea is to have the thick roots at the base for proper growth.
Source: Giphy[/caption]
The third tip for houseplants repotting, is to get rid of the old mix. While your plant was potted, it consumed most of the nutrients, so it is time to say goodbye to it, as it is nearly drained of everything now.
However, we advise you to use one-third of the old one with the new potting mix to make full use of its nutritional value.
Source: Giphy[/caption]
Now, it is time to pull out the big guns! Bring your fresh potting mix and pour it into the empty planter. Make sure to pack down as you add the soil to avoid any air pockets.
If your new pot does not have a drainage hole, add a layer of lava rocks at the bottom and then pour the soil. Also, do not fill the entire pot with the mix, instead only fill half of it at first.
Source: Giphy[/caption]
The sixth tip on how to repot houseplants is to add your freshly pruned plant. Make sure your plant is in the centre, steady, and well-balanced as you add in more potting mix. Remember not to fill the pot to its brim because the roots need some space to breathe too.
Source: Giphy[/caption]
Gently press down on the soil to make it even. Once done, you should water the plant generously and place it in its ideal growth spot.
This concludes our guide on 7 useful tips on how to repot houseplants for better and healthier green buddies. 
