When to repot, how to do it, and which soil suits which plant
For many plant owners, repotting feels like the biggest source of stress. When is the right time? Which pot should you choose? What soil does your plant need? It’s easier than you think.
Every houseplant will eventually need a larger pot. The roots keep growing, the nutrients in the soil get used up, and water runs straight through – these are the signs that it’s time to repot.
Most plants need repotting every one to two years. Fast growers like monstera or pothos may even need it every year, while slower plants such as cacti or sansevieria only need repotting every three to four years.
When is the right time?
The best time to repot is in spring (March to May). The plant is just entering its growing phase and can settle quickly into its new pot. Repotting in autumn and winter is possible, but the plant will take longer to recover.
Signs that it’s time to repot:
- Roots are growing out of the drainage hole – The clearest sign of all.
- The plant tips over easily – The growth above the soil has become too large for the pot.
- Water runs straight through – The root ball has completely filled the pot and the soil can no longer retain moisture.
- The plant has almost stopped growing – There’s no room for new roots and the soil has run out of nutrients.
How to repot properly
- Choose the new pot – no more than two to three centimeters wider in diameter. Pots that are too large can lead to waterlogging.
- Ensure good drainage: place broken clay shards, expanded clay, or gravel at the bottom of the pot. Always use a pot with a drainage hole.
- Gently remove the plant from its old pot. Tapping lightly around the rim usually helps.
- Carefully shake the old soil off the roots. Trim away any rotten or dead roots.
- Fill in fresh soil, place the plant inside, and press the soil down around it. Not too firmly – the roots need air.
- Water thoroughly and let it drain well.
Which soil for which plant?
Standard flower potting soil: For most green houseplants (monstera, ficus, peace lily, pothos)
Orchid substrate: Coarse bark, no peat. Orchids need air around their roots.
Cactus soil: Mineral-rich, free-draining. For cacti, succulents, aloe vera.
Rhododendron soil (acidic): For azaleas, hydrangeas, camellias.
Palm soil: Free-draining, nutrient-rich. For palms, dragon tree, yucca.
Seed-starting soil: Low in nutrients, fine texture. For cuttings and sowing seeds.
Tip: Cheap potting soil from the supermarket often contains a lot of peat and has very little structure. This leads to compaction and waterlogging. It’s better to invest a little more in quality branded soil or mix standard soil with perlite (20%) for better drainage.
Clay or plastic pot?
Clay pots are porous and allow excess moisture to evaporate. Perfect for plants that hate waterlogging (cacti, succulents, sansevieria). Downside: the soil dries out faster.
Plastic pots retain moisture for longer. Great for plants that like consistent moisture (peace lily, ferns, calathea). Lighter and more affordable than clay.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Repotting
It’s best to wait two to three weeks so the plant can get used to its new location. Exception: if the pot is far too small or the soil is completely waterlogged and compacted, repot immediately.
Yes. Orchids don’t grow in soil, but in coarse bark substrate. When repotting, remove the old substrate completely, trim off any rotten roots, and place the plant in fresh orchid substrate. Clear pots are ideal because orchid roots need light.
That’s completely normal and is called transplant shock. The fine root hairs were damaged during repotting, so the plant can temporarily absorb less water. Don’t water more – that will only make it worse. Just wait one to two weeks and the plant will recover.
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