Repotting without the drama
When to move a plant into a bigger pot, how big to go, and why it may sulk for a week afterwards.
Does it really need repotting?
Look for roots growing out of the drainage hole, water running straight through without soaking in, or a plant that has stopped growing during spring and summer. If none of these apply, it is happy where it is.
Most houseplants need a new pot every one to two years. Slow growers such as ZZ plants and snake plants can go three years or more.
Choose the right moment and size
Repot in spring or early summer, when the plant is growing and can recover quickly. Avoid winter unless the plant is in trouble.
Go up only 2 to 5 cm in diameter. A much larger pot holds more wet soil than the roots can use, and that is how root rot starts.
Step by step
Water the plant the day before. Tip it out of its pot, supporting the base of the stems. Gently loosen circling roots with your fingers, and trim any that are brown and soft.
Add fresh compost to the new pot so the top of the root ball sits about 2 cm below the rim. Fill around the sides, firm lightly, and water until it drains.
Aftercare
Keep the plant out of direct sun for a week and skip fertiliser for a month; fresh compost already contains nutrients. A few droopy or yellow leaves are normal while the roots settle.
