How do I know when to repot a plant?

Repot when roots grow out of the drainage holes or circle visibly at the surface, when water runs straight through without soaking in, when the plant dries out very fast, or when growth has stalled despite good care. Most plants need repotting every 1–2 years.

What time of year should I repot?

Spring is best, at the start of the growing season, so the plant can quickly establish into its new soil. Avoid repotting in winter when growth is dormant, unless you're rescuing a plant from root rot.

Should I repot into a much bigger pot?

No — go up just one size, about 2–4 cm wider. A pot that's too large holds excess wet soil around the roots, which leads to overwatering and rot. Bigger is not better with pots.

How-to

When to repot a houseplant (and how to do it right)

Published May 27, 2026

Repotting is one of the most over-thought and occasionally over-done tasks in plant care. Plants don’t need a bigger pot just because time has passed — they need one when they’ve genuinely outgrown the old one. Knowing the signs (and resisting the urge to “size up generously”) keeps plants healthy.

Signs it’s time to repot

Roots growing out of the drainage holes — the clearest signal.
Roots circling the surface or visible coiling when you slide the plant out.
Water runs straight through without soaking in — the pot is more root than soil.
The plant dries out very fast, needing water far more often than before.
Growth has stalled despite good light, water, and feeding.
The plant is top-heavy and tips over easily.

If none of these are happening, the plant is fine where it is. Roots snug in their pot are normal and even healthy for many species.

The best time

Spring, at the start of the growing season, is ideal — the plant recovers fastest when it’s actively growing. Avoid repotting in autumn and winter dormancy, with one exception: if you suspect root rot, repot immediately, whatever the season, to save the plant.

Go up just one size

This is the rule people break most often. Move to a pot only 2–4 cm wider than the current one. An oversized pot holds a large volume of soil that the roots can’t yet occupy; that soil stays wet for too long after watering, and the result is the very root rot you were trying to avoid. One size up. No more.

How to repot

Water the plant a day before — moist roots handle the move better.
Ease it out by tipping and supporting the base; don’t yank the stem.
Loosen the roots gently, and if they’re tightly circled, tease them apart so they grow outward.
Trim any soft, brown, or mushy roots with clean scissors.
Part-fill the new pot with fresh, appropriate mix, set the plant at the same depth as before, and fill around it — firm gently, don’t compact.
Water in and let it drain. Then hold off on fertiliser for a few weeks while it settles.

After repotting

A little sulking — a drooped leaf or two — is normal for a week or so. Keep it out of harsh sun while it re-establishes, and don’t overwater the fresh soil while the roots haven’t yet filled it.

The honest summary

Repot when the roots tell you to, do it in spring, and go up only one size. Fresh soil every year or two also refreshes nutrients — which is why repotting and feeding go hand in hand.

LeafPal tracks each plant’s last repot and prompts you the following spring, so a rootbound plant doesn’t quietly stall for a year before you notice.