Should I repot my houseplant?

Welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com! Today, we’re going to talk about when to repot your houseplant.

Just because your houseplant has been in the same pot for many years doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to repot. What you really want to look for are various signs that indicate it’s time for a change.

One important thing to look for is the plant-to-pot ratio. Ideally, the ratio should be two-thirds plant and one-third pot. Once your plant starts to outgrow that ratio, which this plant has done, it’s time to repot. This plant is no longer two-thirds plant and one-third pot; it’s more like three-quarters plant and one-quarter pot, so it’s definitely time for a bigger container.

Another sign is roots coming out of the drainage hole. As you can see here, there are roots coming out, trying to find more soil and moisture. This is another strong indication that it’s time to repot.

If your plant starts to ail, that’s another reason to consider repotting. This plant, for example, was recently repotted, and it’s now in a good two-thirds plant, one-third pot ratio. Since being repotted, it has really taken off, with new, healthier foliage that’s much shinier compared to the old, dried-out leaves. The old foliage is a clear sign that it was time for a new pot, and as you can see, the plant is doing much better now. In a few months, it will likely outgrow its pot again.

African violets also need to be repotted when the stem starts to come out of the soil. This one is a perfect example—it’s time for a new pot.

Another sign is when your plant’s soil dries out too quickly. For instance, this plant was watered earlier today, and it’s already dry again. That’s a strong indication that the plant needs more room and should be repotted.

You should also look out for salt marks on the soil surface. While salt marks don’t necessarily mean the plant needs a bigger pot, they do indicate a buildup of salts in the soil, which can cause salt burn and damage the roots. In this case, repotting in the same size pot with fresh soil might be necessary.

If you see roots coming out of the top of the plant, like this one, it’s another sign that repotting is needed. However, if you’re not quite ready to repot, you can add some soil on top as an interim solution, as soil levels naturally go down over time.

When choosing a new pot, remember the two-thirds plant to one-third pot ratio. This pot is probably the next size up for this plant, and it looks like a good fit. Choosing the right size pot is key to your plant’s health.

Thank you for watching! Please leave any comments about other indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. And don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video.

Frequently Asked Questions About Repotting Houseplants

How do I know when to repot my houseplant?

Look for signs such as the plant-to-pot ratio being more than two-thirds plant, roots growing out of the drainage hole, the plant ailing, and the soil drying out too quickly. These are clear indicators that your plant needs to be repotted.

What is the ideal plant-to-pot ratio?

The ideal ratio is two-thirds plant and one-third pot. If the plant takes up more than two-thirds of the pot, it’s time to repot into a larger container.

Why are roots coming out of the drainage hole?

Roots coming out of the drainage hole indicate that the plant has outgrown its current pot and is searching for more soil and moisture. This is a strong sign that repotting is necessary.

What should I do if my plant starts to ail?

If your plant starts to show signs of stress, such as yellowing or wilting leaves, repotting can help. A plant that has outgrown its pot will often struggle to absorb enough nutrients and water.

Do African violets need to be repotted?

Yes, African violets should be repotted when you notice the stem beginning to rise out of the soil. This is a sign that the plant needs fresh soil and possibly a larger pot.

Why does my plant’s soil dry out so quickly?

If the soil dries out soon after watering, it could mean the plant needs a larger pot. When plants are root-bound, they can’t retain moisture as efficiently.

What do salt marks on the soil mean?

Salt marks indicate a buildup of minerals in the soil, which can cause salt burn and damage the roots. You may need to repot the plant with fresh soil to avoid further harm.

What should I do if roots are growing out of the top of the soil?

If roots are growing out of the top, the plant might need repotting. As an interim solution, you can add more soil on top if you’re not ready to repot immediately.

What size pot should I choose for repotting?

When repotting, choose a pot that maintains the two-thirds plant to one-third pot ratio. This will give your plant enough room to grow and stay healthy.

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