{"id":45091145,"date":"2023-12-07T21:22:57","date_gmt":"2023-12-07T19:22:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.botanopia.com\/how-to-repot-a-plant\/"},"modified":"2025-03-04T16:50:18","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T14:50:18","slug":"how-to-repot-a-plant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.botanopia.com\/us\/how-to-repot-a-plant\/","title":{"rendered":"How to repot all your plants, a step-by-step guide with video tutorial"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1653634955856{background-color: #e2d1ca !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”How to repot all your plants.
A step-by-step guide with video tutorial” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”tiempos-headline”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1653478468798{margin-top: 35px !important;margin-bottom: 35px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_raw_html]W2x3cHRvY10=[\/vc_raw_html][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Beginner's guide to repotting your houseplants.” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”tiempos-headline”][vc_column_text css=””]So, you\u2019ve finally created your urban jungle? As the novelty wears off, some questions might come up. `My spider plant looks a little too high in its pot\u2019 or `am I a good plant parent?\u2019 Maybe you\u2019ve changed your color scheme for the fifth time (we don\u2019t judge); and you need a matching pot? There\u2019s plenty of reasons a plant may need repotting. Regardless of your situation, this guide will teach you when to repot a plant and what tools are necessary. We\u2019ll tell you how to efficiently do the job, what potting soil to use, and the best way to clean up after repotting. We\u2019ll even cover the controversial topic of drainage holes. So yes, quite extensive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Repotting can be confusing, especially for first-time plant parents. We\u2019re here to help with clear visuals and a video to guide you. Wondering where to start or what to get? Our<\/span> Botanopia repotting kit<\/span><\/a> is the perfect package and includes everything you need in one convenient and cost-efficient kit. Now that the pleasantries are out of the way, let\u2019s dive in!<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”How to know when to repot a plant” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23000000″ use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”tiempos-headline”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]There\u2019s no specific rule for how often plants should be repotted. Approximately 12- 18 months is a close guesstimate. There\u2019s a lot of factors to consider. Here are a few signs your plants need a new home:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Your plant is root-bound. Also known as pot bound. This happens when a plant outgrows its pot and the roots tangle themselves in a spiraling mass around the edges of the pot. This will constrain the growth. It could also be observed in plastic pots. The mass of roots starts to deform the shape.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Your roots are poking out of the pot. While a few smaller roots poking out of the drainage holes may not necessarily be cause for repotting, larger roots may indicate a lack of space for growth.<\/p>\n

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[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text]3. The plant is potted too high in the pot. This leaves no room for watering from the top. Best to repot in a bigger pot to simplify your watering routine.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Your plant is growing slower than usual or has stopped growing altogether.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Your soil is compacted and lacks air pockets that are vital for the roots of your plants. When you water, the water runs along the side of the pot and does not get absorbed. Time to treat your plant to fresh potting soil. <\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”45091158″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https:\/\/www.botanopia.com\/us\/?post_type=product&p=45090433″][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”What do you need to repot a plant?” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23000000″ use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”tiempos-headline”][vc_column_text]You\u2019ll need a pot to start with. if your plant has outgrown its pot, a bigger one should do the trick. Aim for one that is 1-2 inches (2.5 – 5 cm) wider. A pot bigger than that can lead to overwatering and eventually root rot.<\/span><\/p>\n

Repotting can be a messy activity, and we wouldn\u2019t want to add another chore to our list. Our<\/span> Botanopia potting tarp<\/span><\/a> makes repotting hassle-free whether you\u2019re propagating, pruning or spraying! Lastly, a trowel, potting soil, and a watering can will come in handy.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5\/6″][vc_custom_heading text=”Pro-tip for your nails:” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23000000″ use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”tiempos-headline”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

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Don’t like getting dirt under your fingernails?<\/div>\n
You could wear gloves, of course…<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
But another easy way is to dig your fingernails in a bar of soap before you start. You’ll leave a little bit of soap underneath the nails.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
When you’re done, the soap will dissolve quickly under warm water, leaving your nails clean. Easy-peasy.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 
\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][vc_single_image image=”45091157″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Let's get into it!” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23000000″ use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”tiempos-headline”][vc_column_text]While removing your plant from the pot, you might struggle taking it out. Instead of pulling and damaging the roots, moisten the plant. You can do this by soaking the pot for half an hour. After removing the plant, if the leaves are tightly packed, gently untangle them to space them out. Emergency scenario: if the pot is still too tight, cut it off with scissors.<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019re now ready to add your plant back into the new pot. Start by adding a little soil into the pot and for a perfect fit, use your old pot to make the perfect hole in the soil. Add your plant back in and make sure to leave room for watering. Now generously water your plant, and voil\u00e0! Your plant is now repotted and happy to grow in a better environment.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1653483939590{background-color: #e2d1ca !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-md-offset-0 vc_col-md-8″ el_id=”video”][vc_column_text el_class=”tiempos-headline”]<\/p>\n

Step by Step Video Tutorial<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In this tutorial, we show you the repotting basics. <\/strong><\/p>\n

How to recognize when it’s time to repot, what you’ll need and how to go about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 
\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https:\/\/vimeo.com\/703296333″ align=”center”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”Learn all about soil (and soil-less options)” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000″ use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”tiempos-headline”][vc_custom_heading text=”What potting soil do I use?” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23000000″ use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”tiempos-headline”][vc_column_text]As a beginner, you may wonder what soil to use. Should you reuse your old soil? Maybe the soil in your garden? Or do you need a special mix?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Garden soil is not recommended as it\u2019s often compacted and waterlogged, reducing airspace around the roots and preventing circulation in the pot. It may also contain weeds seeds, insects, and diseases if not sterilized.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, what makes for good potting soil?<\/span><\/p>\n

You need your soil to be lightweight, be able to retain moisture, and have plenty of air around the roots. Potting mixes come in varying recipes depending on the plant type. Ultimately, it should contain an organic component such as compost or tree bark, a component to ensure moisture is retained like vermiculite or perlite, and sometimes sand and nutrients.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1652104500597{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”How to make your own potting mix” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000″ use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”tiempos-headline”][vc_column_text]Are all potting mixes the same? While some components of potting mixes are shared, different plants have different needs. These are the more common mixes you can make:<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Aroids<\/b><\/h4>\n

Aroids thrive best in lush jungle like conditions. For a moist and nutrient-packed recipe, try this mix: two parts potting mix, three parts perlite, and four parts orchid bark. Optional: add one part worm castings, or fertilise well with an organic fertiliser during the active growth season.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”45091151″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Orchids<\/b><\/h4>\n

There are three types of orchid categories<\/span><\/p>\n