How to Repot Plants in 6 Simple Steps
Starting your plant journey or giving an old favourite a fresh new home? Follow our 6 easy steps!
When should you repot your plants?
Whether it’s your favourite indoor plant or a statement pot on the patio, most plants need a fresh home every 12–18 months to avoid becoming root-bound. The best time to repot is spring, when roots are actively growing. This gives them the perfect chance to settle into new potting mix and thrive.
How to tell when your plant needs a new pot
Look out for these signs below before your plant feels cramped.
- Growth has slowed or stopped
- Roots are visible on the surface or poking through drainage holes
- Potting mix looks dry, compacted, or has ‘slumped’ in the pot
- Water pools on top instead of soaking in
- Nutrients in the potting mix have run out (check the packaging for how long it lasts)
Gather your supplies
Before you start, give your plants a good drink a few days ahead so they’re well hydrated and ready for the move.
What you’ll need:
- A clean pot that’s the right size and has good drainage
- Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix for outdoor plants.
- Scotts Osmocote Premium Potting Mix for indoor plants.
- Hand trowel
- Scissors, secateurs or a sharp knife to trim roots if needed
- Protective gloves and a dust mask
Explore our full range of potting mixes to find the perfect match for your plant.
Pick the perfect pot
Your plant’s new home matters! Choose a pot with good drainage that’s about 2–3cm bigger than the old one. Go too big and the extra potting mix can stay soggy, which may lead to root rot.
Reusing a pot? Give it a good clean first—remove any old mix, roots, or fertiliser so your plant gets a fresh start.
Ideally, your pot should have drainage holes. If it doesn’t, pop your plant into a slightly smaller plastic pot with drainage and place it inside your decorative pot. Or, add a layer of pebbles or gravel at the bottom to create a little water reservoir and keep roots happy.
Start with the best
Add a thin layer of your chosen potting mix to the base of your new pot (or over your drainage pebbles).
Press it down gently to remove any air pockets, this gives your plant a solid foundation to grow strong and healthy.
Time to make the move
Gently loosen the roots before lifting your plant out of its old pot. If it’s a bit snug, place your hand over the top of the mix, tilt the pot, and give it a gentle tap on the bench. Still stuck? A light tug at the base of the stem should do the trick.
Once it’s out, tease the roots and shake off any tired old mix, just don’t go too rough. Snip away any damaged or twisted roots to help your plant settle in and grow strong. If you’re trimming, remember to wipe your blades with rubbing alcohol between cuts to keep things clean.
Pop your plant in the centre of its new pot and check the height, it should sit about the same level as before. Too low? Lift it out, add a little more mix, and try again until it’s just right.
Pour on the love
Fill the pot with fresh potting mix, leaving about 2–3cm at the top for easy watering. Give the pot a gentle tap to help the mix settle in around the roots and remove any sneaky air pockets.
Welcome home
Your plant’s all moved in, now give it a big drink to help it settle! Keep an eye on how it’s adjusting to its new space and tweak your watering routine if needed.
Happy roots = happy plant.
