Why is repotting important?
Whether your plant is growing in a small nursery pot, a large planter box or something in between, its roots have access to a limited amount of potting mix. Over time, the plant may outgrow its container, while the potting mix can settle, break down and become less effective at holding the right balance of moisture and air.
Repotting gives the roots fresh potting mix and room to grow, helping the plant access the water, air and nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Depending on the plant, this may mean moving it into a slightly larger pot or refreshing the mix while keeping it in the same container.
Signs your plant may need repotting
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Water runs straight through the pot without properly soaking into the mix.
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The plant wilts or dries out more quickly than usual.
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Growth has slowed, or the leaves are beginning to yellow despite suitable care.
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Roots are circling inside the pot or growing through the drainage holes.
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The potting mix has compacted, dropped well below the rim or no longer absorbs water evenly.
How Often Should I Repot?
There is no single repotting schedule that suits every plant. How often you need to repot will depend on the plant’s growth rate, the size of its container and the condition of the potting mix. Fast-growing plants may need repotting more regularly, while slower-growing plants can often remain in the same pot for longer.
As a general guide, check your potted plants every year and consider repotting them every two to three years, or sooner if you notice signs that the plant has become root-bound or the potting mix has deteriorated.
When choosing a potting mix in Australia, look for one that is suitable for the type of plant you are growing. A premium potting mix displaying the Australian Standards red tick has been tested against requirements for premium-grade potting mixes.
Top Tip
If a large planter, barrel or container is too heavy to repot completely, remove and replace as much of the upper layer of old mix as practical. Take care not to damage surface roots and use a fresh potting mix suited to the plant.
Topping up can refresh the surface of a large container, but it will not correct severely compacted mix or a plant that has become badly root-bound.
What Happens If I Don’t Repot?
When a plant outgrows its container, its roots can begin circling tightly around the inside of the pot. They may fill much of the available space, leaving less potting mix to hold water and nutrients. This can make the plant harder to water and may lead to wilting, slow growth or declining plant health.
If a plant is root-bound, move it into a clean pot with drainage holes that is only slightly larger than the existing container. Using an oversized pot can leave too much wet potting mix around the roots, particularly for plants that prefer free-draining conditions.
If the current container is still an appropriate size, the plant may be returned to the same pot with fresh potting mix. Gently loosen tightly circling roots and remove any dead or damaged roots before replanting.
Top Tip
After repotting, water thoroughly to help settle the fresh potting mix around the roots and allow excess water to drain freely. To support the plant after repotting, use Scotts Organic Plant Food Concentrate, following the directions on the product label.
Repotting Tips
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Choose a clean container with several unobstructed drainage holes. Never use a pot without adequate drainage.
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Select a fresh potting mix that is suitable for the plant you are growing. Use a specialist mix for plants such as orchids, succulents, cacti or acid-loving plants where required.
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Do not add a layer of stones or broken pottery to the bottom of the pot. This does not improve drainage and can reduce the amount of potting mix available to the roots.
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If needed, place a small piece of mesh over large drainage holes to help prevent potting mix from washing out. Do not block the flow of water.
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Position the plant at the same depth it was growing previously. Avoid burying the stem or trunk more deeply unless the plant specifically benefits from it.
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Leave enough space below the rim of the pot so the plant can be watered thoroughly without the potting mix overflowing.
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Water slowly after repotting until excess water begins draining from the base of the container.
Handle Potting Mix Safely
Always follow the safety directions on the potting mix bag. Wear gloves, open and use potting mix in a well-ventilated area, avoid breathing in dust or mist, and wash your hands thoroughly after use. Lightly dampening dry potting mix before handling can help reduce airborne dust.
