When Should I Put My Houseplants Back In Their Pots?

Houseplants need to be repotted every two or three years in the next sized pot. Repotting is straightforward and requires little skill, but there are four rules to follow. On average, repotting should be done every year, with slow-growing plants like cacti needing repotting every two to four years.

Signs of rootbound plants include slow growth, yellow leaves, and quickly drying soil. Late winter or early spring is ideal for repotting, as it allows plants to absorb nutrients from new soil and spread out in larger pots just in time for summer. Plants typically need repotting every 12-18 months, depending on their growth rate. For most tropical houseplants, it’s time to repot when roots begin peeking out of the drain holes at the bottom of the container.

The best time to repot is during the plant’s active growth period, typically in spring. 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 roots to fill. Plants typically benefit from being repotted every 12 to 18 months, depending on how actively they are growing. Some slow growers, like cacti, can call for repotting.

Repotting almost always encourages new growth, so it’s best to repot in late winter just as the natural light level is increasing and the plants are awakening. Wait at least three weeks before resuming fertilization.

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.

How long can a plant go without being repotted?

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.

Is it OK if roots break when repotting?

To repot a plant, avoid damaging or breaking any roots by gently using water and not force. If the rootball is dense and compacted, loosen it gently to allow the roots to move into the new potting mix. The soak from the previous day or two can help soften and loosen roots, reducing root damage. If rough handling of the roots is necessary, it may cause some damage, which is where step 4 (recovery) comes in. Remember to use water and avoid shaking the plant or pulling substrate off the roots with your hands.

How long are plants in shock after repotting?

Transplant shock is a stress response that plants experience when they are abruptly moved from one environment to another. This can occur during repotting, indoor/outdoor relocation, or transplanting from nursery pots to garden beds. The plant may exhibit wilting or leaf drop, which is a common sign of stress. Proper plant care is crucial to prevent and treat transplant shock, as it can disrupt the plant’s balance and cause it to wilt or drop leaves.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention methods of transplant shock is essential for ensuring the plant’s success in its new environment. A 5-Step Guide for treating transplant shock is provided in the final section of the blog.

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.

How long do plants stay in shock after transplanting?

Transplant shock is a stress response that plants experience when they are abruptly moved from one environment to another, such as repotting, indoor/outdoor relocation, or transplanting from nursery pots to garden beds. The duration of transplant shock varies depending on the plant type, its health, and its ability to adapt to new conditions. In most cases, the shock is temporary, and with proper care, plants usually recover within a few weeks.

Understanding transplant shock, its causes, symptoms, and prevention and treatment is crucial for ensuring your plants thrive in their new homes. A 5-Step Guide for Treating Transplant Shock is provided in the final section of the blog.

How long should I wait to repot a new 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 you water a plant as soon as you repot it?

If the new potting mix is slightly moist, soaking the root system when done is not necessary. Watering at the end can cause stress on the plant, so most newly-transplanted houseplants, especially cacti and succulents, should go a few days without additional water to allow their new roots to breathe and begin growing in their new space. For moisture-loving plants, watering sooner is recommended. The best bet is to stick to the level of soil moisture and the watering schedule your plant is used to.

If your plant is rootbound and wants to continue growing bigger, repotting in a bigger pot is the best choice. However, if you like the size your plant is now or the pot it’s already in, you might try root-pruning instead. Pruning the root ball may sound risky, but it’s not harmful, especially during the active growing season when the plant is producing new roots quickly. To prune the roots, remove the rootbound plant from its pot, use clean, sharp garden scissors or pruners to remove no more than a third of the root mass, and gently loosen the remaining roots, set the plant back in the container, and fill in with new soil as needed.

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.

Should you break up roots when repotting?

To ensure efficient nutrient absorption, trim tightly packed roots and loosen up the root ball before replanting. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to remove as much as the bottom third of the root ball as necessary, removing a thick tangle of root tissue. Make vertical cuts about a third of the way up the remaining root ball. Cut through any roots growing in a circular pattern to prevent the plant from strangling itself. If the roots are thick along the sides of the root ball, shave or peel away the outer layer or gently untangle the root ball.

The proper size of the new pot depends on the plant’s potential growth rate, current conditions, and desired size. Rely on your own idea of a healthy specimen of a particular species and go with a pot the next size up when in doubt.

How long to let roots dry before repotting?

To repot a plant, ensure it is thoroughly watered and allowed to dry before attempting to repot. If the plant is a terracotta pot, soak it in water to prevent overwatering and avoid wicking away water. If using an old pot, wash it thoroughly with mild soap and water or a heavily diluted bleach solution to remove salt or mineral deposits that can dehydrate the plant. If the previous occupant recently perished, give it a good scrub. Repot in a warm, messy place and wait until spring to avoid dormancy, as plants are sensitive to big changes during dormancy.

Repotting in spring is when the plant is starting to wake up and will be strong enough to withstand a change. Repotting in spring provides a welcome boost of fresh nutrients to fuel growth. Once everything is in place, take a deep breath and proceed with the repotting process.