Do You Automatically Buy a Larger Pot for a Plant?

It's a common assumption that when we buy a plant, we'll eventually need to buy a bigger and bigger pot to accommodate its growth. But is this really necessary? Let's take a closer look.

The Myth of Root Bound Plants

One reason why people believe they need to constantly upsize their plant's pots is the fear of "root bound" plants. The idea is that if the roots of a plant reach the edge of the pot, they'll become cramped and won't be able to grow properly. However, research has shown that plants can actually benefit from being root bound.

Root binding can cause roots to fork, which creates more fine roots and leads to better nutrient absorption. It can also encourage the plant to flower and fruit earlier. Plus, if a plant is too large for its pot, it may become too top-heavy and topple over.

When to Repot Your Plant

So, if root binding isn't a problem, when should you repot your plant? The answer is: only when it's necessary. Here are some signs that your plant needs a new pot:

The roots are growing out of the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. This can indicate that the plant has outgrown its current pot.

The plant is drying out frequently. This can be a sign that the pot is too small to accommodate the plant's water needs.

The plant isn't thriving. If your plant seems to be struggling despite proper watering and care, it could be a sign that it needs more space to grow.

How to Repot Your Plant

So, you've determined that your plant needs a new pot. How do you go about moving it? Here are the steps:

Water your plant a day or two before repotting. A well-hydrated plant is less likely to experience transplant shock.

Gently remove the plant from its current pot. If the roots are tangled or crowded, don't be afraid to gently loosen them with your fingers.

Choose a new pot that's only slightly larger than the current one. You don't want to overwhelm the plant with too much space.

Add fresh potting soil to the bottom of the new pot.

Place your plant in the new pot and add soil around the sides. Be sure to leave enough room at the top for watering.

Water your plant thoroughly.

The Bottom Line

While it's tempting to automatically buy a larger pot for every plant you own, it's not always necessary. Most plants can thrive in their current pot as long as they're not showing signs of distress. Only repot when it's necessary, and choose a slightly larger pot to give your plant room to grow.