How to Get a Big Plant Out of its Pot

Potted plants can brighten up any room, but over time they can outgrow their pots and become root bound. When this happens, it's time to repot the plant. However, getting a big plant out of its snug home can be a challenge. Thankfully, with the right tools and approach, you can safely remove your plant and put it in a larger pot.

Tools You’ll Need

The first step in getting your big plant out of its pot is to gather the necessary tools. You’ll need a pair of gardening gloves to protect your hands, a trowel or hand shovel to dig around the edges of the pot, and a bucket or large container to hold the plant after you have removed it from the pot.

Preparations Before Removing the Plant from Its Pot

Before you attempt to remove the plant from its pot, there are a few things you should do to prepare. First, water your plant a few hours before you plan to remove it. This will moisten the soil and make it easier to remove the plant from its pot. Second, place a tarp or drop cloth on the ground to catch any soil that falls out of the pot during the process.

How to Get a Big Plant Out of Its Pot

Getting a big plant out of its pot requires a bit of patience and gentle handling. Follow these steps to safely remove your plant:

Put on your gardening gloves.

Place the plant on its side and gently tap the sides of the pot to loosen the soil.

Insert the trowel or hand shovel around the edges of the pot, loosening the soil and roots from the sides of the pot.

Gently lift the plant out of the pot by grasping the base of the stem and supporting the bottom of the root ball.

If your plant seems stuck, gently wiggle the pot back and forth to loosen it. It may also be necessary to run a knife or other sharp object around the inside of the pot to help loosen any roots that may be clinging to the sides.

Repotting the Plant

Once you have successfully removed the plant from its pot, it's time to repot it. Choose a new pot that is at least 2 inches larger in diameter than the old pot. Fill the bottom of the new pot with fresh potting soil and add a layer of compost or fertilizer. Place the plant in the new pot and add more soil, gently patting it down to remove any air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly and continue to care for it as usual.

Conclusion

Getting a big plant out of its pot may seem daunting, but with the right tools and approach, it’s a manageable task. Remember to gently loosen the soil and roots from the edges of the pot and to be patient when lifting the plant out of the pot. Repotting your plant in fresh soil and a larger pot will give it the room it needs to grow big and strong.