Plants looking a little wilted? Are they getting big and outgrowing their current pots? If you’ve been keeping plants in the same pots for a while, it might be time to repot them. 

Repotting your plants does take some work, but it’s worth it! And to help you do it successfully, here are some tips and tricks for repotting your plants. Follow these guidelines, and you will be on your way to healthy, thriving plants!

• Prepare your plant for repotting by removing the old soil and roots: Remove all excess dirt from around the base of your plant with a small garden trowel or shovel. Work slowly so as not to damage any delicate roots that might be hiding beneath clumps of earth. Once you have removed as much loose soil, use scissors to carefully trim away dead leaves and stems.
  • Before you start repotting your plants, be sure to loosen up the soil around the roots with your fingers or a spoon. This will help make the process easier. Then, carefully place it in the new pot. Fill in around the roots with fresh soil and tuck them in gently. Water thoroughly, and then place your plant in a sunny spot to help it get back on its feet.
• Use fresh, high-quality potting mix: Of course, you want to repot your plants in new pots with fresh potting mix. But, you also want to be sure to test your plants before repotting them. Plants need different amounts of water depending on their environment, so it’s essential to test out the potting mix you’ll be using for each type of plant first. Add water to see how quickly it’s absorbed. This will help prevent overwatering – which could easily kill off your plants – especially if they are young or experiencing “shock” from the transplant/repotting process. 
  • Additionally, choose a high-quality potting mix. When potting your plants, always use a high-quality potting mix that is specifically designed for indoor plants. This type of soil will have the right balance of nutrients and moisture to help your plants thrive. If you’re not sure what’s suitable for your plants, ask at your local nursery. They can assist you with the repotting process from start to finish.
• Pick the right-sized pot: When choosing a new pot for your plant, be sure to pick one that is large enough to accommodate the root system comfortably. If the pot is too small, the roots will become cramped and might not grow properly.
  • But don’t choose a pot that’s too large either. You may think that the bigger the pot, the better – but this is not the case. This can actually do more harm than good, as it will be difficult to water and fertilize the soil adequately in a very large pot.
• Choose proper drainage materials: Plants need to be able to drain excess water so that the roots don’t rot – so be sure to use proper drainage materials. Make sure your pots have proper drainage holes so excess water can escape easily. (If you’re worried about excess water draining on your floor or furniture, place a plate underneath your plant.)

You can buy special drainage materials like gravel or charcoal at garden stores or use broken pieces of clay pots or bricks that have been baked in an oven until they’re dry. Don’t use pebbles as drainage materials because they may impede airflow through the soil and cause roots to suffocate over time.

Don’t let those plants become root-bound! Instead, repot them! With these tips in hand, you’re sure to have successful outcomes every time.