🌱 Repotting
🪴 Pot selection
🌿 Potting soil
🛠️ Practical guide
🪴 In brief — quick answer
The best time to repot is spring (March–May), when the plant comes out of dormancy. Choose a pot 2 to 3 cm larger than the old one, with a mandatory drainage hole. Water after repotting, avoid fertilizer for 4–6 weeks, and keep the plant in the shade for a few days.
Repotting is one of the most important actions for the health of your indoor plants. With the right advice, it’s also one of the simplest — and most rewarding.
The 5 signs a plant needs repotting
Roots coming out of the drainage holes — The clearest sign it lacks space
Growth slows down or stops — Even with good care, the plant stagnates
Water no longer drains properly — The substrate is too compact or the roots occupy all the space
The plant dries out very quickly — The roots have absorbed all available water
The pot deforms or cracks — Root pressure has become too strong
💡 Good to know
Some plants like Sansevieria or Pothos like to be cramped and can stay in the same pot for several years without problems.
When to repot your indoor plants?
The best period: spring
The ideal time is spring (March to May), when plants come out of their winter dormancy and enter an active growth phase. They then recover much more easily from repotting stress. Early June is still acceptable, but absolutely avoid autumn and winter, except in emergencies (rot, pot breakage).
⛔ Winter repotting: a common mistake
In winter, roots do not absorb or grow. A substrate that is too large and wet around an inactive root system = high risk of rot. Wait until March.
Frequency depending on age
- Every year
- Fast growth = increased space needs
- Every 2–3 years
- Watch for warning signs
- Every 3–5 years
- Simple surface refresh possible (replacing the top layer of potting soil)
How to repot a plant: step-by-step guide
Necessary materials
- A new pot (2–3 cm larger in diameter than the old one)
- Potting soil suitable for your plant
- Clay pellets or gravel for drainage
- A knife or spatula
- Gloves (recommended for irritating plants)
- A watering can
The 6 steps of repotting
-
Prepare the new pot
Place a layer of clay pebbles at the bottom (2–3 cm) to ensure drainage, then add a first layer of fresh potting soil. -
Carefully remove the plant from its pot
Turn the pot upside down while holding the plant base, tap the bottom and sides to loosen the root ball. If roots are very compact, gently untangle with your fingers.
-
Inspect the roots
Cut dead (brown and soft) or damaged roots with a clean, disinfected tool. This is also the time to check for pests. -
Set the plant in its new pot
Center the root ball and add potting soil all around, pressing lightly. The collar (base of the stem) should stay at the same level as before. -
Water generously
Good watering helps the soil settle and the roots establish well. Let excess water drain freely. -
Place the plant in the shade for a few days
Avoid direct sunlight for 3–5 days to limit post-repotting stress. Be patient — recovery is quick.
Choosing the right pot: size, material, and drainage
The golden rule on size
⚠️ +2 to +3 cm maximum
A pot that’s too large retains too much moisture around the roots and promotes rot. Never go "big to last" — it’s one of the most common mistakes.
Which material to choose?
- Breathable, ideal for plants sensitive to excess water
- Perfect for succulents, cacti, Mediterranean plants
- Dries out faster → more frequent watering
- Aesthetic and heavy — ideal for large plants
- Retains moisture better than terracotta
- Check for a drainage hole
- Lightweight and economical
- Ideal for hanging plants
- Retains moisture well
- Purely decorative — the plant stays in its pot with drainage
- Empty stagnant water after each watering
- Never plant directly in a decorative pot without a hole
🛒 Find the perfect pot for your plant
All our pots & decorative pots · Ceramic · Recycled pots · Natural fiber & rattan
Drainage: essential
Make sure the pot has at least one drainage hole. Without drainage, water stagnates and roots inevitably rot. If you want a decorative pot without a hole, always place the plant in an inner pot with drainage.
Which potting soil to choose for repotting?
Not all plants have the same substrate needs. Here are the recommended mixes by species:
- Monstera, Pothos, Philodendron, Calathea
- Universal potting soil + 20–30% perlite or bark for aeration
- Special cactus soil, very draining
- 50% soil + 50% quartz sand or perlite
- Substrate based exclusively on pine bark
- Never use regular soil — it would suffocate aerial roots
- Soil rich in organic matter
- That retains moisture well
💡 Universal tip
Whatever the species, always add 20–30% perlite or vermiculite to your soil to improve drainage and root aeration. It’s the simplest step to prevent rot.
Repotting schedule by popular species
| Plant | Frequency | Best period | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monstera | Every 2 years | March–April | Likes a slightly tight pot |
| Pothos | Every 2–3 years | April–May | Very tolerant, easy to repot |
| Ficus | Every 3–4 years | March–April | Avoid disturbing the roots too much |
| Sansevieria | Every 3–5 years | Spring | Prefers to be snug — don’t press too much |
| Calathea | Every 2 years | April–May | Rich and moist soil |
| Succulents | Every 2–3 years | March–April | Highly draining soil required |
After repotting: the right steps
Post-repotting watering
Water generously right after repotting, then wait for the soil to dry before the next watering. Roots need time to settle into the new substrate before absorbing effectively.
Managing post-repotting stress (1–2 weeks)
It is completely normal for your plant to show signs of stress during the first days:
- A few leaves falling
- Slowed or stopped growth
- Slightly tired appearance
To help it recover:
- Place in shade or partial shade for a few days
- Avoid fertilizer for 4–6 weeks — the new soil already contains nutrients
- Maintain stable ambient humidity
- Do not move the plant for 2 weeks
📖 To go further
Discover our guide how to welcome a new plant properly — the same principles apply after repotting.
The 6 mistakes to absolutely avoid
Repotting in winter — The plant is resting and recovers poorly. Wait until spring.
Choosing a pot that is way too big — The substrate stays wet too long = root rot.
Forgetting drainage — A pot without a drainage hole = stagnant water = root rot, inevitably.
Pressing the soil too hard — Roots need air to grow. Only press lightly.
Overwatering after repotting — Water generously once, then wait for the soil to dry before watering again.
Repotting a sick plant — Treat pests or rot first. Repotting a weakened plant increases stress.
📖 More mistakes to avoid
Check out our guide 10 Common Mistakes with Indoor Plants for a complete overview.
FAQ — Repotting Indoor Plants
The ideal time is spring (March to May), when plants come out of their winter rest and enter an active growth phase. They recover much more easily from repotting stress then. Early June is still possible, but avoid autumn and winter unless it’s urgent (rot, pot breakage).
It’s best to avoid it: repotting can cause flower buds and blooms to drop. Wait until after flowering, unless it’s an absolute emergency. If you must repot, handle the root ball as little as possible.
Water after repotting to help the soil settle and the roots establish well in the new substrate. Before repotting, the soil can be slightly moist to make removing the plant easier — but not soggy.
Gently untangle them with your fingers or a clean tool. If they form a very tight knot (sometimes called "rootbound"), make a few vertical cuts 1 to 2 cm deep on the sides with a clean knife: this stimulates new root growth in the new substrate.
Yes, if you want to limit the plant’s growth. In this case, lightly trim the roots (about 10–15%) with a clean, disinfected tool, and replace all the old soil with fresh substrate.
If the plant is healthy and the roots aren’t coming out of the pot, wait at least 2 to 3 weeks for it to acclimate to its new environment before repotting. If it’s clearly cramped (roots coming out, soil drying in 24 hours), you can repot sooner — preferably in spring.
Ready to Repot?
Repotting is not a chore — it’s a true act of care that helps your plants thrive. By respecting the right timing (spring!), choosing the right pot and soil, and following the steps in this guide, you give your plants the best conditions to flourish.
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