Repotting Houseplants: How to Do It and The Warning Signs to Look Out For

You’ll be hard pressed to find a home these days without at least one houseplant or two! The advantages these easy-to-grow and ornate plants offer to us all are well documented, from their decorative look to the air cleansing qualities.

Available in a wide range of colours and sizes to suit more-or-less any home décor, from the rose-pink leaves of Aglaonema ‘Red Valentine’ to the peculiarly punched holes in the foliage of the Swiss Cheese Plant.

Plus, they’re not just delightful to look at as studies have shown houseplants improve the air quality of the home as they filter out unwanted pollutants. So, as your charming little houseplants help your health, isn’t it right that you do what you can to help them in return?

One essential task to keep them happy and healthy is repotting. This ensures your plants have plenty of room to grow and can access essential nutrients.

Signs Your Houseplants Need Repotting

The first step is to understand what signals your houseplants may throw out to show you they need to be repotted.

Look at the leaves and if foliage appears to be yellowing or more leaves are being lost than normal, this can be a sign that the roots have become overcrowded, and the plant is struggling to access an adequate amount or quality of nutrients.

You may notice the growth of your plant is starting to slow, or if you’re lucky enough to have a flowering houseplant, perhaps the blooms aren’t showing as impressively as they have in previous years.

One of the clearest signs is roots stretching out of the drainage holes at the base of the pot.

Dangers From Not Repotting

In time, your plant will drain the soil it is growing in of nutrients, which can lead to stunted growth and yellowing leaves. Refreshing the soil will help your houseplant to look the best it can!

When roots become overcrowded in the base of the pot, this can cause rot as excess water is unable to drain away, so the roots are left sitting in water.

Just like us, our plants can fall victim to stress when subject to issues, like those outlined above. And stress in plants can make them more susceptible to pest infestations, such as from aphids.

How to Repot a Houseplant

Now you have spotted signs that your houseplant needs to be repotted, it’s time for the exciting part - choosing a new pot!

Thankfully, there is a range of choice out there, with some made from plastic, ceramic, metal, and other materials, in a rainbow of colours, and boasting different textured feels. There really is one to suit any home décor.

Just be sure to pick a pot that is only slightly larger than the one your plant is currently growing in. Aim for a pot that is roughly 3-5cm in diameter larger, but no bigger than this, and ensure there are plenty of drainage holes. If you are happy with the size of your plant, you can even repot it into the same container.

To prepare your plant for the move, give it a good water on the day prior to repotting. This will make it easier for you to remove it from the existing pot. Lay the plant on its side then ease out the rootball. If your houseplant has become overly pot bound with overcrowded roots, then you may need to tap on the base to loosen it.

Now the plant is out of the pot, take a good look at the roots. Carefully remove any brown or soft roots, as they may be dead or damaged, before gently teasing apart any that have become tangled.

Spread a layer of fresh, peat-free compost across the bottom of the new pot, then carefully lower the plant inside, filling in any gaps with more compost. Once the plant is in place, give it another watering. This will ensure the compost is evenly moistened.

Pick the right potting mix for your houseplant’s move, with peat-free ideal as it contains the essential nutrients needed while also promoting good drainage.

Always remember to keep the needs of your individual houseplant in mind when repotting and choosing where to place it in your home, as some require plenty of sun while others thrive in a shaded spot.

Have you got any exceptional houseplants in your home? Share your pictures and tips for growing them on our dedicated Facebook page here!