How to repot a plant: A step-by-step guide for healthy growth

Use a potting mix suitable for your plant type. (Image: Canva)

You bought a plant from the nursery and immediately repotted it, but notice that most of the time your plant doesn’t survive. There is a right time and a right way to repot your plant. Here’s a simple guide to help you repot your plant to maximise its chances of survival:

Choose the right time

Repot your plant during its growing season—monsoons are the best time to repot, or spring—to minimise stress. Avoid repotting when the plant is dormant. When you bring a new plant from the nursery, avoid digging it out and repotting it immediately. The shock of being taken out of its natural environment and brought to a new place has already put your plant under stress. Leave it alone for a few days before you repot.

Select a new pot

Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Make sure it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Prepare the potting mix

Use a potting mix suitable for your plant type. Most houseplants do well with standard potting mix—garden soil and vermicompost or cow manure—but some may need specialised soil, like a cactus mix for succulents.

Remove the plant from its current pot

Gently tap the sides of the pot to loosen the soil. Hold the plant’s base and carefully ease it out. Avoid pulling the stem, as this could damage the plant.

Inspect and trim the roots

Check the roots for signs of rot or overcrowding. Trim any dead or damaged roots using clean, sharp scissors or pruners. If the roots are circling the bottom, gently untangle them.

Add potting mix to the new pot

Place a layer of potting mix at the bottom of the new pot. This should support the plant at the right height, with the top of the root ball level with or slightly below the pot’s rim.

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Position the plant

Centre the plant in the new pot and fill in around it with potting mix. Gently tap the pot or use a stick to settle the soil around the roots. Avoid packing the soil too tightly, as roots need air to grow.

Water thoroughly

Water the plant well to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Ensure that excess water drains out of the bottom of the pot.

Place the plant in a suitable location

Put the plant in a spot with appropriate light and temperature conditions. Avoid direct sunlight right after repotting, as the plant may be stressed.

Monitor the plant

Keep an eye on your plant for a few weeks after repotting. Adjust watering and care as needed, and watch for signs of stress or adaptation.

Caring for a plant doesn’t end with just bringing it home. You need to ensure your plant has the best environment for healthy growth and long-term success.