Repotting Plants 101: The Root of the Matter

Are your houseplants looking a little cramped and unhappy? It might be time for them to bust out of their current pots and into some roomier digs. But don't worry, repotting your green babies doesn't have to be a chore. In fact, it can be downright fun! 

Just follow these simple instructions and you'll have your plants comfy in their new crib in no time!

To re-pot a houseplant, follow these steps

• First, choose a new pot that is slightly larger than the current one and has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
• Next, remove the plant from its current pot by gently grasping the base of the stem and pulling it out. If the plant is stuck, you can gently loosen the soil around the edges of the pot with a knife or spoon.
• Once the plant is out of the pot, carefully inspect the roots to look for any that are damaged or diseased. If you find any damaged roots, carefully trim them away with scissors.
• Fill the new pot with fresh potting soil, making sure to leave enough space at the top for the plant to be placed. (We have a whole blog post about soil blends available!)
• Place the plant in the new pot and carefully fill in the gaps around the roots with more potting soil. Gently press down on the soil to firm it around the roots.
• Water the plant thoroughly, making sure to moisten the entire root system.
• Place the plant in a location that receives the appropriate amount of light and water it regularly, following the specific care instructions for the plant.

We Will Leaf You With This

It's important to handle the plant gently and carefully throughout the re-potting process to avoid damaging the roots or stem. Re-potting a plant can give it the fresh soil and space it needs to continue growing and thriving.