When Should Houseplants Be Potted?

Repotting houseplants is crucial for promoting growth and preventing root rot. It is recommended to repot plants every year or every two years, with the ideal time being once a year when roots are coming up from the bottom of the pot. The process typically takes around 10 minutes, and it is essential to choose the right pot size.

Repotting houseplants can be done in late winter or early spring, just before the new growing season. If the roots demand it immediately, do so, otherwise wait until they are ready to move up in size. Indoor plants can be potted anytime, but if the plant has a period of dormancy, this is the best time. Repotting every 12-18 months refreshes soil nutrients and allows actively growing roots to grow into newly added potting mix.

For most tropical houseplants, it’s time to repot when roots begin peeking out of the drain holes at the bottom of the container. To ensure a successful transition, follow these steps:

1. Select a pot that is approximately 2″ larger than the current pot size.
2. Choose an organic potting mix that is suitable for your plants.
3. Repot your plants in late winter or early spring, just as the natural light level is increasing and the plants are awakening.
4. Wait until the roots are ready to move up in size, then repot your plants in the spring.

How do you know when a plant is ready to repot?

When to repot indoor plants is crucial for their health and growth. Common signs to look for include roots growing through the bottom drainage holes, pushing the plant up and out of the container, top heavy plants, soil drying out quickly or pulling away from the container sides, and plants growing more slowly than usual. The best time to repot indoor plants is early Spring, right at the beginning of the active growing season.

Wait at least two days after the most recent watering to ensure the soil holds together better when handling the plants. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, our Garden Center staff is always happy to provide guidance.

Can I repot houseplants in summer?

It is recommended that houseplants be repotted between March and May, but only if necessary, and only into a pot of the next size. It is advisable to refrain from attempting this procedure at other times of the year. Furthermore, the use of compost should be limited to instances where it is truly necessary. It is advisable to refrain from accessing the bag of compost unless it is required.

When to pot up indoor plants?

Plants should be repotted every 12 to 18 months, depending on their growth rate. Slow growers, like cacti, can live in the same pot for years but only need soil replenishment. The growing season, early spring through late summer, is the best time to repot plants, as they get the most out of additional space and fresh nutrients. If you notice signs of repotting, such as roots growing through drainage holes, the plant pushing up and out of the pot, slower growth, top-heavy plants, drier potting mix, larger foliage, noticeable salt and mineral build-up, or it’s been over a year since last repotted, it’s a good time to repot your plants. This helps ensure they receive the most out of additional space and fresh nutrients.

Should I repot my plant immediately?

Repotting and potting up are not the same, as repotting involves removing old potting mix and is best done before or after the growing season (early Spring and late Autumn). Potting up is less drastic and involves shifting a plant, old potting mix, and all to a new pot size with little to no damage or disruption to the roots. It can be done any time of year, but it is best to avoid the middle of winter unless necessary. When space is available, repotting and repotting can be done all year round. This guide provides a step-by-step guide on how to pot up and repot plants.

Can I repot indoor plants in winter?

Winter is an ideal time to repot houseplants as they grow and require larger containers for better soil nourishment. Overwintering can prevent root-bound plants from dying, which can be a concern for avid gardeners. Signs of plant needing repotting include roots on the surface of the pots, roots growing out of drainage holes at the bottom, slow growth, coiling roots around the outside of the pot, or spiraling roots around the rootball.

Repotting plants is recommended before the new growing season, as many indoor plants prefer it before the spring season. Meadows Farms and the Great Big Greenhouse stock pottery from around the globe, receiving early shipments in winter, allowing them to have a wide selection at its peak. Repotting plants in the winter allows gardeners to keep their thumbs green instead of frostbite.

Is repotting traumatic for plants?

Plants need to be repotted as they grow out of their containers, and incorrect transplants can cause repot plant stress, which can lead to dropped or yellowing leaves, failure to thrive, or plant wilting. Treatment during the transplant process can cause transplant shock, which can result in wilted leaves and other symptoms. The worst culprits are repotting at the wrong time, especially before blooming, and using different potting soil than the plant’s previous environment.

Other causes include placing the transplanted plant under different lighting conditions, leaving the roots exposed to air for extended periods, and using different potting soil than the plant’s previous environment. It takes time and care for a plant to heal from repotting stress.

Can you repot houseplants in summer?

It is recommended that houseplants be repotted between March and May, but only if necessary, and only into a pot of the next size. It is advisable to refrain from attempting this procedure at other times of the year. Furthermore, the use of compost should be limited to instances where it is truly necessary. It is advisable to refrain from accessing the bag of compost unless it is required.

Do indoor plants need big pots?

Plastic and terra cotta are common pot materials for houseplants. Plastic pots are lightweight, colorful, and low-cost, but tend to retain moisture, so they need less water. Terra cotta pots are heavier, have beautiful patterns, and are porous, so they need more water. They are ideal for plants that prefer dry or well-aerated soil, such as cacti, succulents, orchids, and bromeliads. Pots need drainage holes at the bottom to allow water out and air in.

If you want to use a pot without drainage holes for decorative purposes, use it as a cachepot, which holds the growing pot in a pretty container. This technique, also known as double potting, does not require drainage holes but should accommodate a saucer.

How soon is too soon to repot a plant?

Repotting houseplants is best during active growth, which occurs from April through August in Iowa. After this time, plants go dormant and should be avoided unless they show signs of being severely rootbound. If a new houseplant is brought home, give it 3-5 days to adjust to its new environment before repotting. Overplanting is a common problem with houseplants, as it occurs when plants are repotted into containers that are too large, leaving a small root system in a large volume of potting soil.

Most plants prefer smaller containers and it’s okay for them to be a little rootbound. It’s recommended to sizing up no more than one size from the current pot, usually done in 2″ increments. Orchids may need a specialized container with large holes for extra air circulation around the roots.

Should I cut roots when repotting?

Root pruning is a simple process that can help plants grow by removing dead or dead-looking roots. Most plants tolerate simple root pruning, but it is important to focus on the thread roots, not the tap roots. Cut the tap roots apart, removing no more than one-third of the thread roots. Trim the thread roots using clippers and avoid shortening the tap roots. Root pruning is essential for repotting plants, as it keeps the plant smaller and longer in a smaller pot. Rootbound plants may eventually die, so if you notice yellowing leaves or wilting plants, you may need to perform root pruning to help them survive.

When cutting roots, be careful as it can injure sick or unhealthy plants. If you need to repot plants, do it selectively and carefully. Pruning roots is a normal part of houseplants’ growth, but be cautious when handling the root structure and provide plenty of water and fertilizer as recommended in the plant instructions. Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter to receive a free download of our DIY eBook “Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter”.

How to tell if a houseplant needs repotting?

Repotting plants is necessary when they dry out between waterings, top-heavy plants fall over, produce small leaves with little new growth, or if a salty crust is seen on the soil surface. Repotting is best in late winter, when natural light levels increase and plants are awakening from winter doldrums. Most plants grow as large as their root system allows, so larger pots lead to larger root masses and larger plants. However, large plants require more room inside the home and are more difficult to move outside during summer.

It is generally okay to let some plants get rootbound, as it keeps them smaller and easier to manage. Pot size should be gradually increased, starting with small pots and gradually increasing as the plant grows.