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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

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  1. Home
  2. Garden

How to know when your plant needs to be re-potted

Sometimes it’s hard to tell. - by Laura Barry
  • 25 Jul 2019
How to know when your plant needs to be re-potted

One of the most important parts of looking after indoor plants is knowing how to identify when your plant is struggling. It might be yellowing leaves, brown tips, wilting or even unexpected leaf fall. While many of these issues are usually due to environmental factors such as too much sun, not enough water or root rot, some symptoms are actually a sign that your plant needs to be re-potted.

How can you tell if your plant needs to be re-potted?

There are a few ways you can tell if you plant needs to be re-potted.

  • Some new leaves are small and have deficiencies
  • A mass of foliage looks unbalanced
  • The roots are starting to circle around the pot
  • Root are protruding from holes in pot
  • The soil quality has decreased and no longer dries out completely, or holds water.
  • Matted roots on the soil surface
  • Water is not absorbing
  • It’s been years since a plant was re-potted
repotting plant
Getty

How to re-pot your plant

Here is a basic guide to re-potting a healthy plant. 

  1. Give your plant a good drink a day or two before re-potting.
  2. Purchase a high-quality potting mix suitable for your type of plant.
  3. Purchase a pot slightly larger than the pot your plant is currently in, and partially fill it one-third full with the new soil.
  4. Turn your plant upside down, with the stem/body or the plant between thumb and forefinger.
  5. Try tapping the pot lightly to loosen the soil and plant from its pot.
  6. Once loose, pull the plant and roots free, gently.
  7. Gently remove old excess soil from plant and root system.
  8. Trim any unhealthy or rotted roots.
  9. Make a well in the soil of the new pot and place your plant into it, getting the roots close to the bottom of the pot.
  10. Add new soil, packing it in tightly around the plant to reduce air pockets in the soil.
  11. Once the plant is well supported, give it a water and return to its usual home.

You might also like:

How to save a dying plant 

How to repot bromeliads 

Want to see how it’s done? Watch Graham re-pot an orchid in the video below.

  • Garden
  • Indoor Plants
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

The music you play at home can affect how your plants grow

The music you play at home can affect how your plants grow

Air purifying plants: 20 of the best for your home

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{headline}

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Common indoor plant problems and how to solve them

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{headline}

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The new way to treat your plants that has experts divided

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Aldi has announced a huge plant sale with everything under $20

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Where to buy plants online: 9 stores that deliver plants to your door

3 of the best ways to get rid of gnats in indoor plants

3 of the best ways to get rid of gnats in indoor plants

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7 of the best plants that will survive on your office desk

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How to care for a Bird of Paradise Plant

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The ultimate guide to Australian native flowers

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