How to Repot a Plant: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Most nursery plants in India come in thin black plastic grow bags. They're fine for a few weeks, but sooner or later every plant needs a proper pot. Repotting isn't difficult. Do it at the right time, with the right size pot and soil, and your plant will reward you with a burst of new growth.

Signs your plant needs repotting

• Roots growing out of the drainage hole or circling the surface.
• Water runs straight through without soaking in.
• The plant dries out within a day or two of watering.
• Growth has stalled even in the growing season.
• It's still in a nursery grow bag after a month at home.

When to repot in India

The best time is February to April, or right after the monsoon in September and October, when temperatures are moderate and plants are actively growing. Avoid peak summer heat in May and June, and avoid repotting a plant that is flowering or already stressed.

What you'll need

• A pot 1-2 inches wider than the current one, with a drainage hole. Our pot size guide explains why bigger isn't better.
• Potting mix: roughly 50% garden soil or cocopeat, 30% compost or vermicompost, and 20% perlite, sand or small brick pieces for drainage. Succulents need extra grit, up to 40%.
• A piece of mesh or a pot shard to cover the drainage hole.
• Gloves, a trowel and newspaper to keep things tidy.

8 steps to repot a plant

1. Water the plant a day before. Moist roots slide out more easily and suffer less shock.
2. Prepare the new pot. Place mesh over the drainage hole and add 2-3 cm of fresh mix at the bottom.
3. Remove the plant. Tip the old pot sideways, support the base of the stems and ease it out. For grow bags, simply cut the bag away.
4. Loosen the roots. Gently tease apart circling roots with your fingers. Trim any black, mushy or smelly roots.
5. Position the plant. Set it so the top of the root ball sits about 2 cm below the pot rim, leaving room to water.
6. Fill in around it. Add mix around the sides, pressing lightly to remove air pockets. Don't pack it hard.
7. Water thoroughly. Water until it runs out of the drainage hole, then let it drain completely.
8. Rest it in shade. Keep it out of direct sun for a week while the roots settle. Some droop is normal for a day or two.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Jumping several sizes up. Extra soil stays wet and causes root rot.
• Pots without drainage. Water collects at the bottom and rots the roots. Every Harla planter has a drainage hole. Use a planter with a matching saucer to protect floors and furniture.
• Fertilising straight away. Wait 3-4 weeks before feeding a freshly repotted plant.

Picking the new pot

Glazed ceramic is the most popular choice for indoor plants because it looks good, holds moisture evenly and doesn't topple easily. For small plants from 4" and 5" grow bags, browse our small and extra-small pots. For bigger floor plants, see medium and large planters and extra large planters.

Quick FAQ

How often should I repot? Every 1-2 years for most houseplants. Slow growers like snake plant and ZZ can go 2-3 years.

Can I reuse old soil? Only if the plant was healthy. Mix in fresh compost and perlite. Never reuse soil from a plant that had root rot or pests.

My plant is wilting after repotting. What do I do? Keep it in bright shade, don't add more water than usual, and give it a week. Most plants recover.