Few tasks make as much difference in a plant’s long-term health as repotting. Whether a houseplant has outgrown its container or simply needs fresh soil, repotting restores nutrients, helps roots expand, and supports stronger, more vigorous growth. Early spring through midsummer is generally the best time to repot, although some plants benefit from repotting whenever necessary.
Why Repotting Matters
Over time, potting soil becomes compacted and depleted of nutrients, limiting a plant’s ability to take in water and oxygen. Roots may begin circling the pot or emerging from drainage holes, signaling they have no room left to grow. Repotting:
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Refreshes soil structure and nutrients
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Encourages healthy root development
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Improves drainage and aeration
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Reduces plant stress
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Supports new foliage and bloom production
At The Mill, customers frequently bring in houseplants struggling with yellowing leaves, drooping stems, or poor growth—signs that repotting may be overdue.
Signs It’s Time to Repot
A plant is ready for a new container when:
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Roots are circling the soil surface or growing through drainage holes
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Water runs straight through the pot without absorbing
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Soil dries out unusually fast
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The plant becomes top-heavy or unstable
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Growth slows dramatically despite proper care
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A salt crust forms on the soil surface
Most houseplants benefit from repotting every 12–24 months, depending on the species.
Choosing the Right Pot
When selecting a new pot, always size up gradually. A pot one to two inches wider than the current container is usually ideal. Oversized pots hold excess moisture and may contribute to root rot.
Popular choices include:
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Clay or terracotta pots – allow airflow and prevent soggy roots
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Glazed ceramic pots – durable, decorative, great for moisture-loving plants
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Plastic pots – lightweight and budget-friendly
Ensuring good drainage is essential. If a decorative pot doesn’t have holes, keep your plant in a functional nursery pot and place it inside as a cachepot.
Selecting the Best Potting Mix
Houseplants need potting soil—not garden soil—which is lighter and formulated for container use. Different species may require specific blends:
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General indoor potting mix for most tropicals
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Cactus & succulent mix for plants preferring sharp drainage
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Orchid bark mixes for epiphytes
Adding a layer of fresh soil around the root ball provides renewed nutrition and helps plants anchor themselves securely.
How to Repot a Houseplant (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Lay down newspaper or a drop cloth. Gather supplies:
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New pot
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Fresh potting mix
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Snips or pruners
2. Remove the Plant from Its Pot
Gently tap the pot’s sides or squeeze flexible nursery pots to loosen the root ball. If the plant is severely rootbound, score or tease the roots slightly to encourage outward growth.
3. Place Soil in the New Pot
Add enough soil to raise the plant so the top of its root ball sits one inch below the rim. This allows room for watering.
4. Set the Plant in Place
Position the plant centered and upright, then fill in around the root ball with fresh soil. Press lightly to eliminate air pockets but avoid compacting the soil.
5. Water Thoroughly
Water until liquid drains from the bottom. This helps settle the soil around the roots.
Consider applying a gentle houseplant fertilizer a few weeks after repotting to support recovery.
Aftercare: What to Expect
Many houseplants experience mild “transplant shock,” such as temporary wilting or slowed growth. Keep newly repotted plants:
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Out of direct sun for 1–2 weeks
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Slightly moist but not overwatered
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In stable temperatures away from drafts
Within a few weeks, most plants resume normal growth with improved vigor.
Tips for Special Houseplants
Repotting Succulents
Use a gritty, fast-draining mix and avoid watering for several days after repotting to allow roots to heal.
Repotting Large Floor Plants
For heavy pots, consider rolling plant caddies or lightweight resin containers.
Repotting Plants with Woody Stems
Take care not to disturb thick stems. Refresh the soil and size up only when the plant becomes rootbound.
The Mill’s Recommended Supplies
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Decorative and Nursery Pots
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Indoor Plant Tools (pruners, gloves, watering cans)
Repotting Keeps Houseplants Thriving
Repotting is one of the simplest ways to refresh and rejuvenate houseplants, helping them grow stronger, fuller, and more resilient. With fresh soil, the right container, and supportive aftercare, even stressed plants can bounce back quickly.
The Mill’s Garden team is always available to help customers choose the right pot, soil, and tools—and to answer questions about repotting specific plant varieties.
