When to repot
- Roots are escaping from the drainage hole or circling the surface.
- The plant is top-heavy and tips its pot over.
- The soil has broken down and stays wet for a long time after watering.
- You suspect root rot, or the plant came in dense nursery soil.
- It’s been 2–3 years — fresh soil is good for any plant.
The best time is early in the plant’s growing season — usually spring.
How to repot, step by step
- Start with a dry plant. Dry roots are tougher and the soil falls away more easily. Don’t water for a few days beforehand.
- Ease it out. Squeeze or tap the pot and slide the plant out, holding it at the base. Wear gloves or wrap spiny plants in folded newspaper.
- Loosen the old soil. Gently tease away as much of the old soil as you can without tearing roots.
- Check the roots. Healthy roots are firm and pale. Snip off any that are black, mushy, or hollow.
- Plant at the same depth in a pot just slightly bigger, filled with dry, gritty mix. Firm the soil gently.
- Wait to water. Keep it in bright, indirect light and wait about a week before watering. This lets any damaged roots seal over first, which helps prevent rot.
After repotting
It’s normal for a plant to look a little sulky for a week or two. Move it back to its normal sunny spot once you’ve given it its first watering.