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When to Repot a Plant

In general, plan on repotting a plant about once a year to make sure the container is suitable for the plant's growth. Timing varies by plant and conditions however, so here are some signs that a plant needs to be repotted:

The plant is top heavy and easily tips over.
The plant's diameter is three times that of the pot.
Roots are extending through drainage holes in the container.
Roots are forcing the plant up and out of the container.
The soil in the container dries out faster than expected.
Plant growth has slowed or stopped.
The foliage looks unhealthy.
You see white residue on the pot or soil (indicating excess nutrients or minerals)

You should also repot any outdoor container plants you bring inside for the fall or winter. Replacing the soil in the containers will help remove any insects or insect eggs.

Good to Know

Often the best time of year to repot a plant is toward the end of winter. Repotting can create new growth and this timing allows the plant to take advantage of more light as the hours of daylight increase.

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Choosing Pots For Plants

A green arrowroot plant in a pot set on a desk.

While the new container needs to be bigger than the existing one, a pot that's too large isn't good for the plant. It'll hold more soil and that soil will in turn hold more moisture than the plant needs, potentially leading to root rot.

When shopping for new pots for plants, a good general rule is to choose the next size up from the plant's current pot, but the growth rate of the plant is a factor to consider. If the plant grows slowly, increase the pot size by an inch or so. If you're repotting a fast-growing plant, choose a container that's about 4 inches larger. Here are some other things to think about:

The height of the new container should allow the top of the plant's root ball to rest just under the rim, with a bit of space under the root ball for soil.
The new pot should have drainage holes.
Terra cotta and clay pots can help absorb excess water, so they're good options for plants that need dryer soil.
Ceramic or plastic pots are good choices for plants that require extra moisture.

Take a look at our guide to planters for more tips on finding the right containers for your plants.

Decorative Planters

A decorative planter or pot gives you more options for the look of your plant, but some decorative containers don't have drainage holes. If you plan on keeping a plant in a container that doesn't allow drainage, repot the plant in a container with drainage holes and place it on a layer of gravel at the bottom of the decorative container. This will allow water to drain from the soil and protect the plant roots from rot.

Tip

Check for standing water in a planter before watering the plant. You don't want the roots to be submerged.

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Finding the Right Potting Soil

Potting mix with a garden trowel and hand tiller in front of two potted plants and a bag of soil.

When repotting, you'll want to have fresh, high-quality soil for your plant. While a general potting mix works well for most plants, you can find some potting mixes formulated for particular types of plants, such as vegetables, succulents and cacti.

Take a look at our potting soil guide to learn about the different types available as well as amendments you can add to boost plant performance.

Tip

If you're using a light soil, such as a mix for succulents, you may want to cover the pot's drainage holes with coconut coir or pieces of screen. This will help keep the soil from washing away.

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Steps for Repotting Plants

We've got general steps for repotting plants below, as well as specific tips for some popular plants. The work can be messy, so it's a good idea to do your repotting on a drop cloth.

Tip

If you have a lot of container plants, you may want to invest in a potting bench.

Instructions

A person at a potting bench removing a plant from a brown pot.

If you're repotting a small plant, carefully turn the pot upside down while holding the plant near its base.

If you're repotting a large plant, you may need to tilt the pot onto its side.

Gently pull the plant out of the pot. If it doesn't move easily, try patting the bottom of the pot to loosen the soil and roots. If needed, use a trowel or knife to separate the soil and root ball from the sides of the pot.

Use your hands, a garden trowel or a knife to remove the soil collected in the root ball. Getting rid of most or all of the existing soil allows the roots to get the full benefit of the new soil.

You may notice the plant is rootbound, with the roots growing in a tight tangle. Gently untangle and loosen the roots so they're not coiled densely together. You can make a few cuts in the root ball to release the tangles, but avoid cutting any of the thick roots. Releasing the roots a bit will make it easier for them to take up oxygen and nutrients from the new soil and help them spread out in the larger container.

A person at a potting bench using a garden trowel to add new soil to a plant in a new white pot.

Start with enough potting mix at the bottom of the new pot to position the top of the root ball 1/2 inch to an inch below the rim of the pot. Holding the plant in place, fill in around the roots with more fresh soil. Make sure you cover the top of the root ball.

Tip

The soil should be level, not mounded around the plant. You may want to gently shake or tap the pot to help the soil settle. If necessary, tamp the soil lightly so it holds the plant in place.

Most plants will need plenty of water to help ease the stress of repotting. Water the plant until the water begins flowing out of the drainage holes in the pot.

If the pot has a built-in saucer to collect excess water, empty or drain it so the roots and soil aren't sitting in water. Otherwise, place the pot on a saucer (or on drainage rock in a decorative pot) once the water stops flowing freely. Add more potting mix as needed if watering settles it too much.

Good to Know

If you're repotting a succulent or cactus, you need to wait several days (up to a week) before watering your repotted plant.

Repotting Popular Houseplants

While the steps above work for most plants, we have tips specific to some of the most popular houseplants:

Snake plant
Jade plant
Spider plant
Aloe plant

These plants tend to be great candidates for dividing and propagating; if you're dividing one you may be able to repot it in the same container.

Repotting Snake Plants

A green snake plant growing in a white container next to a brown couch.

Also known as Saint George's sword or viper's bowstring hemp, a snake plant is a low-maintenance succulent that adapts to a lot of growing conditions.

Botanical Name: Sansevieria trifasciata or Dracaena trifasciata
Prefers about 3 to 4 hours of indirect sunlight each day
Grows to a height of about 48 inches

A snake plant likes to be a bit rootbound so it typically only needs repotting every 3 to 5 years. However, if the roots have caused the pot to bulge or break, it's time to replant regardless of timing.

Choose a pot that's a couple of inches larger than the existing container. Since a snake plant tends to be top heavy, you'll want a pot that’s reasonably wide.
Water the plant thoroughly an hour or so before repotting.
Choose a light potting mix, such as one designed for succulents and cacti
If you see a J-shaped extension with small roots (known as a pup) at the base of the plant, you can cut it away from the main plant and pot it as a new plant.
After repotting, water the plant and place it in indirect sunlight.

Repotting Spider Plants

A green and white spider plant growing in a hanging basket.

Thin, arching foliage and stems make the spider plant a favorite for hanging planters, while plantlets that develop from the small, white flowers at the ends of the stems give the plant its common name. This plant has thick roots that help it store water, allowing it to survive even if you forget to water it regularly.

Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
Prefers an hour or two of bright, indirect light daily
Grows to 24 inches at maturity

A spider plant likes to be a bit rootbound, but the plant and roots grow quickly. A spider plant may need repotting more often than other types.

Choose a durable container. The thick roots can crack thin-walled or delicate pots. Make sure the container has plenty of drainage holes; a spider plant won't do well in wet soil.
Standard potting mix works for this plant, but you may want to mix in a bit of perlite to improve drainage.
You can cut away the plantlets (or spiderlettes) that grow at the blooms and plant them in a small container with moist soil. As an alternative, you can place them in water to begin growing roots.
Once replanted, water your spider plant thoroughly and place it in indirect sunlight.

Repotting Jade Plants

A green jade plant with red-tipped foliage in a brown pot outdoors.

While popular as low-maintenance house plants, jade plants also do well outside if there's no danger of frost. Jade plants grow well with cacti, creating an attractive blend of colors, shapes and textures.

Botanical Name: Crassula obliqua
Does best in full sun (6 or more hours of direct sun each day)
Grows to about 35 inches at maturity

Jade plants usually need repotting every two to three years, but large plants can do well for up to five years before repotting.

Choose a wide, heavy pot. A jade plant has thick stems and plump leaves that tend to make it a top-heavy container plant.
The soil needs to be able to drain well, so a succulent or cactus potting mix is a good option for replanting.
Once you remove the jade from its pot, clean away as much of the soil from the roots as you can.
If the plant has more than one branch, consider dividing it. Make a single cut through the roots to separate the branch. Leave the cutting out of the soil for a couple of days and then plant it. Begin watering after two or three weeks when it's had time to develop roots.
Replant the main jade plant deep in the new soil but make sure the leaves don't touch the surface of the soil.
Give any cuts you made to the roots time to heal. Don't water the plant for a couple of weeks.

Repotting Aloe Plants

A green aloe in a brown pot set on an end table in a living room.

The aloe plant is known for its medicinal use, such as relieving discomfort from minor scrapes and sunburn. This is another plant that does well indoors but can also make a nice outdoor plant if there's no frost to worry about.

Botanical Name: Aloe vera
Prefers full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight each day)
Grows to about 24 inches in height

An aloe is another example of a container plant that does best when it's somewhat rootbound, but it'll outgrow its container eventually. In addition to the general signs noted above, look for small plantlets or pups growing around the main plant. Pups mean you need to repot and that you can divide the aloe and pot new plants.

Look for a pot that's about as tall as it is wide and heavy enough that the aloe won't cause it to tip over. A porous material is best to help pull excess moisture from the soil.
Repot your plant in succulent or cactus potting mix.
Once you remove the parent plant from the pot, you may be able to gently pull the pups loose. If not, use a clean knife or shears to remove them. Don't plant them immediately. They'll need some time in a dry, warm location before they're ready for planting. Leave them out of the soil for a day or so.
Plant the parent aloe so that the branch tips are just above the surface of the soil. Don't water it for about a week.

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How to Repot Plants