How to repot a plant in 6 easy steps

When your plant has outgrown its pot, here is how to move it to a bigger one without shock – step by step.

Repot when roots grow out of the drainage hole, water runs straight through, or the plant stops growing. Spring and early autumn are the best times.

The 6 steps

• Choose a pot only 2–5 cm wider than the old one, with a drainage hole.
• Water the plant the day before – moist roots slide out more easily.
• Turn the pot on its side and gently ease the plant out. Tap the pot if it sticks.
• Loosen circling roots with your fingers and trim any brown, mushy ones.
• Add fresh potting soil to the new pot, set the plant at the same depth as before, and fill around it.
• Water well and keep it out of strong sun for a week while it settles.

Don't fertilize for 4–6 weeks after repotting. Fresh potting mix already has nutrients, and new roots burn easily.