Successful Repotting: The Complete Guide to Repotting Your Houseplants

Repotting is one of the most important things you can do for the health of your houseplants. Done well, it gives them a fresh start: more room for the roots, fresh nutritious substrate and renewed growth. Done badly, it can stress the plant for several weeks. Here is the complete guide to repotting like an expert.

When should you repot?

• Roots come out of the drainage holes or form a compact mass
• The plant dries out very quickly after watering
• Growth has stopped despite good light and regular watering
• The potting mix shrinks away from the edges or smells rancid
• The plant tips over because it is too heavy for its pot

The ideal time is spring (March-April). Avoid midsummer and winter unless it is an emergency.

Which pot should you choose?

Golden rule: choose a pot 2 to 3 cm wider in diameter. A pot that is too big holds too much moisture and encourages root rot.

• Terracotta: breathes well, ideal for plants sensitive to excess water
• Plastic: retains moisture better, suited to tropical plants
• Always drainage holes

Which substrate should you use?

• Add 20 to 30% perlite or clay pebbles to improve drainage
• For orchids: bark or sphagnum
• For succulents/cacti: a very free-draining mix (50% coarse sand)

The 6 steps of repotting

Step 1: Prepare your equipment

New pot, fresh substrate, clay pebbles for the bottom, watering can, room-temperature water. Ideally on a repotting mat to avoid mess.

Step 2: Prepare the new pot

Put a 2-3 cm layer of clay pebbles at the bottom. They ensure optimal drainage and prevent the roots from suffocating.

Step 3: Take the plant out of its pot

Water 24 hours beforehand to make removal easier. Tilt the pot, support the base and ease the plant out gently with a twisting motion. If it resists, run a knife along the edges.

Step 4: Inspect and clean the roots

• Gently remove the old potting mix
• Cut off dead roots (black, soft) with clean, disinfected scissors
• If you see white larvae in the potting mix, treat with Jungle Buddies nematodes before repotting

Step 5: Settle the plant in

Add a layer of fresh substrate on top of the pebbles, position the plant in the centre and fill in the gaps. Firm lightly without compacting. Leave 2-3 cm between the substrate and the rim of the pot.

Step 6: Water and look after it

Water moderately after repotting. Mist the leaves to reduce water stress.

After repotting: the essential care

• Place in the shade for 1-2 weeks
• Do not fertilise straight away — wait 4-6 weeks
• After that, kick-start growth with nitrogen-rich nettle fermented extract, then a Jungle Boost
• Keep an eye on watering — the new substrate holds water differently

FAQ: repotting

Can you repot a sick plant?

Never repot a sick or infested plant without treating it first. The stress of repotting would make its condition worse. Treat it, wait for it to stabilise, then repot.

How many times a year should you repot?

Most plants need repotting every 1-2 years. Fast-growing plants (Monstera, Pothos) may need it annually. Slow-growing plants (cacti, succulents) every 3-5 years.

What should you do if the roots are all tangled?

Gently untangle them with your fingers or a small fork. If some are spiralling (a pot-bound plant), carefully tease them apart so that they head outwards again. Cleanly trim any that are too long.