How to Repot a Plant in a Bigger Pot

If your houseplant has outgrown its current container, it's time to repot it into a bigger, more spacious pot. Repotting can be intimidating, but with the right tools and technique, you can give your plant the extra room it needs to grow and thrive. Here are the steps you'll need to follow:

Gather Your Supplies

The first step in repotting a plant is to gather all the tools and materials you'll need. These include:

A new pot that's one to two sizes larger than your plant's current pot

Potting soil

A trowel or small shovel

A watering can or spray bottle

A saucer or tray for the bottom of the pot

Prep Your Pot

Before you start repotting, make sure your new pot is clean and has drainage holes in the bottom. If it doesn't have drainage holes, you'll need to drill some in yourself. Once your pot is ready, fill the bottom with a layer of small rocks or stones to help with drainage.

Prepare Your Plant

Next, carefully remove your plant from its current pot. Turn the plant sideways and gently tap the sides of the pot to loosen the root ball. You may need to use your hands to gently pull the plant out of the pot. Be careful not to damage the roots as you do this.

Once your plant is out of the pot, check the roots for any signs of rot or damage. If there are any brown or soft roots, trim them with a pair of clean, sharp scissors. If the roots are tightly bound and circling around the root ball, gently tease them apart with your fingers to encourage new growth.

Add Soil to Your New Pot

Place a layer of fresh potting soil in the bottom of your new pot. The layer should be deep enough so that the top of the root ball will sit about an inch below the top of the pot. Make a small mound in the center of the pot, where you'll place your plant.

Add Your Plant

Set your plant in the center of the pot, on top of the mound of soil. Make sure the plant is straight and centered. Add more soil around the sides of the root ball, gently pressing down to ensure it's firmly planted in the pot. Leave about an inch of space between the soil surface and the top of the pot to allow for watering.

Water Your Plant

After you've filled your pot with soil, give your plant a thorough watering to help settle the soil and remove any air pockets. Water your plant slowly and evenly, making sure the soil is moist all the way to the bottom of the pot. If you're using a spray bottle, mist the soil until it's evenly damp.

Care for Your Newly Repotted Plant

After repotting, move your plant to a bright location where it will receive the light it needs. Keep the soil moist but not soaked, and avoid fertilizing for a few weeks to give your plant time to adjust to its new home. With proper care, your newly repotted plant will thrive in its bigger, more spacious pot.

Repotting a plant can seem daunting at first, but it's an important part of caring for your houseplants. By following these steps and giving your plant the space it needs to grow, you'll be rewarded with healthy, vibrant foliage that will brighten up your home.