Namaste, plant parents! Today I'm going to share my personal journey and tips about one of the most crucial aspects of plant care that often gets overlooked – repotting! I remember the first time I tried to repot my money plant; it was quite the adventure filled with soil spills and anxious moments wondering if my plant would survive the transition.

You could be dealing with a tulsi plant that's outgrown its pot or a peace lily that's not looking its best. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about repotting. And the best part? You don't need to run around the city looking for supplies, because Urvann has made plant care incredibly convenient for us! Let’s see how you, too, can repot your plant without a fuss. 

Treatment of Pots Before Repotting

Before we even think about moving our precious plants, let's talk about preparing the new homes they'll be moving into. I've learned through many repotting sessions that the preparation of pots is just as important as the repotting process itself.

If you're using brand new plastic pots, you're in luck! These don't need any special preparation and are ready to use right out of the packaging. If you're like me and prefer the aesthetic appeal of clay or terracotta pots (which are so popular in traditional Indian gardening), there's an important step you can't skip.

New clay pots need an overnight soaking in water before use. Why? Because clay is porous and will absorb moisture from your potting mix when first used if not pre-soaked. So take my advice and do the following: fill your sink with water, submerge those clay pots, and let them have a good drink overnight!

For previously used containers, cleanliness is next to plant-godliness! I always thoroughly wash old pots with warm soapy water and rinse well. For extra protection against lingering pests or diseases, I soak them in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water for about 10 minutes, followed by a thorough rinse. This cleaning ritual ensures that your plants start their new life in a clean, healthy environment.

What about decorative pots without drainage holes that are so trendy these days? I've found a great workaround – I repot my plants in plain plastic pots with proper drainage, and then place these inside the decorative pots. This method gives you the best of both worlds: proper drainage for plant health and beautiful aesthetics for your home décor!

Pot Size for Repotting

Go big or go home might work for many things in life, but when it comes to repotting plants, it's actually not the best advice! I made this common mistake during my early plant parenting days, thinking a much larger pot would help my money plant grow bigger and faster. Boy, was I wrong!

Here's what I've learned: plants actually prefer a more gradual transition. When choosing a new pot, look for one that's just 2-4 inches larger in diameter than the current pot. This might seem counterintuitive (especially when that gorgeous large pot is calling your name at the store!), but trust me on this.

Why not go much bigger? It's all about the relationship between roots and soil moisture. When a plant sits in too much soil, the roots can't absorb water quickly enough, which leads to soggy soil staying wet for too long. This is basically an invitation for root rot to develop.

The horticultural industry follows a sizing system that goes by increments of 2 inches: 2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, 8 inches, and so on. So if your plant is currently in a 6-inch pot, you'll want to move it to an 8-inch pot. I always keep a measuring tape in my gardening kit for this very reason.

Removing the Plant from the Old Pot

Now comes the part that used to make me the most nervous – getting the plant out of its current pot without causing damage! Over time, I've perfected a gentle technique that works like a charm.

First things first, preparation is key. I always stop watering my plant a day or two before repotting. This slight drying of the soil makes it easier to remove the plant and reduces the chances of root damage. Think of it as similar to how a tandoor roti shrinks slightly from the sides of the tandoor when it's done – the soil will contract a bit from the sides of the pot, making removal easier.

When you're ready to remove the plant, gently turn the pot on its side and hold the plant stem close to the soil level. Using your other hand, tap the bottom and sides of the pot to loosen the root ball. If you're working with a plastic pot, gently squeeze the sides to further loosen the soil.

For stubborn plants that don't want to leave their homes (we've all had those!), you can run a butter knife or old kitchen spatula around the inside edge of the pot to separate the soil from the container. I keep an old kitchen knife specifically for this purpose in my gardening toolkit!

Once your plant is free from its old home, take a moment to inspect the roots. Healthy roots should be firm and light in color. If you notice the plant is root-bound (with roots circling around and around), don't panic! This is actually one of the main reasons for repotting and we'll address this in the next section.

Repotting the Plant in a New Pot

1. Drainage Layers

Let's talk about the foundation of a happy potted plant, which is proper drainage! In India's monsoon season, when humidity levels soar and rainfall can be intense, good drainage is more important than ever.

I always start by ensuring my pots have adequate drainage holes. If I'm using decorative pots without drainage, I either drill holes very carefully so or use them as cachepots with a properly draining pot inside. For clay or terracotta pots, I place a few broken pieces of old clay pots over the drainage hole. This creates the perfect balance, allowing water to escape while keeping the soil in place.

The concept of a drainage layer at the bottom of pots has been evolving in recent years. While some gardeners still swear by adding a layer of pebbles or broken pottery at the bottom, many plant experts now suggest that this can actually create problems by raising the water table in the pot. I've found that using a good quality, well-draining potting mix throughout the pot works best for most of my indoor plants.

For plants that need extra drainage, like succulents or cacti that are popular in Indian homes due to their low maintenance nature, I create a custom mix. I order specialized succulent soil from Urvann, which already has the right components for proper drainage. 

2. Pruning Damaged Roots

Before placing your plant in its new home, it's important to check those roots and give them some TLC if needed. Think of root pruning as a haircut for your plant, as it is just like removing the damaged parts, which promotes healthier new growth!

When I examine roots, I'm looking for any that are black, mushy, or have an unpleasant odor, as these are signs of root rot and need to be removed immediately. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, I carefully cut away these affected sections.

For root-bound plants where the roots have formed a tight circular pattern, gentle intervention is needed. I use my fingers to carefully loosen the outer roots, teasing them apart to encourage outward growth in the new pot. For severely root-bound plants, I may make a few vertical cuts in the root ball – about 1-2 cm deep – which signals to the plant to send out new growth in those directions.

3. Adding Potting Soil

The foundation of healthy plant growth lies in the soil, and this is especially true during repotting. I've tried making my own potting mix in the past, but honestly, the convenience and consistent quality of pre-made mixes from Urvann have won me over completely!

When repotting, I start by filling the bottom third of the new pot with fresh potting soil, gently pressing it down to create a stable base. This isn't about compacting the soil – just firming it enough so it doesn't settle too much later.

Next comes positioning the plant. I center it in the pot, making sure it sits at the same depth as it was in its previous container. Know that planting too deep can cause stem rot, while positioning too high might expose roots. Once positioned, I fill in around the plant with more potting soil, using my fingers to work it between and around the roots.

For different types of plants, I adjust my soil selection. For instance, succulents and cacti flourish in specialised sandy mixes that drain quickly, while ferns prefer soil that retains more moisture. 

A common question I get from fellow plant enthusiasts is: What about using garden soil from outside? While tempting (and free!), I strongly advise against this for potted plants. Garden soil can contain pests, diseases, and weed seeds, and it often becomes compacted in pots, leading to poor drainage and aeration. Stick with quality potting mix for container plants, your green friends will thank you!

4. Settling the Soil in the Pot

After adding soil around your newly positioned plant, there's an important step that many people overlook, which is properly settling the soil to eliminate air pockets. Air pockets around roots can cause drying and damage, so I always take time for this important finishing touch.

My technique is simple but effective: I gently tap the pot on a flat surface a few times to help the soil settle naturally. Then, using my fingers, I lightly press the soil around the plant, being careful not to compact it too firmly. We want it stable but still airy enough for roots to breathe and grow.

Next comes the first watering, which further helps settle the soil. I water thoroughly until I see it flowing from the drainage holes, which confirms that water is reaching all parts of the pot. This initial watering is important for helping the roots establish contact with the new soil.

After repotting, I place my plants in a shaded area for a day or two. This recovery period helps them adjust to their new home without the added stress of direct sunlight. Even the most carefully repotted plants can experience some transplant shock, and this rest period helps minimise that stress.

5. Plant Propagation During Repotting

Repotting time is the perfect opportunity to multiply your plant family through propagation! This has become one of my favorite aspects of plant care – there's something magical about creating new plants from existing ones.

When I'm repotting plants like money plants, spider plants, or snake plants, which are all extremely popular in our Indian homes due to their air-purifying properties and ease of care, I look for opportunities to divide or take cuttings. For plants that produce offsets or "pups" (like aloe vera or snake plants), repotting is the ideal time to separate these babies and pot them individually.

For plants that can be propagated through stem cuttings, I sometimes take a few healthy cuttings before repotting the mother plant. These can be rooted in water or directly in soil, depending on the plant type. 

One of the joys of plant propagation during repotting is that it allows you to share the plant love with friends and family – a beautiful way to spread greenery and positivity! 

FAQs About Repotting Plants

1. How often should I repot my indoor plants?

Most houseplants benefit from repotting every 1-2 years, but this varies by plant type and growth rate. Fast-growing plants like money plants might need annual repotting, while slower-growing varieties can go longer. Signs that it's time to repot include roots growing out of drainage holes, water sitting on top of soil without absorbing, slowed growth despite regular feeding, or the plant becoming top-heavy and unstable.

2. Can I reuse old potting soil when repotting?

Yes, you can reuse old potting soil, especially if the plants grown in it were healthy! I recommend refreshing it by mixing with equal parts new potting mix and adding some slow-release fertilizer. Old potting soil is also excellent for your compost pile or garden beds. If the previous plant was diseased, however, it's best to discard that soil to prevent spreading problems to new plants.

3. When is the best time to repot plants in India?

The ideal time for repotting in most parts of India is during early spring (February-March) when plants are entering their active growing season. This gives them time to establish in their new pots before the intense summer heat. Avoid repotting during peak summer if possible, as the heat stress combined with repotting stress can be too much for some plants. If you must repot during summer, provide extra shade and monitoring during the recovery period.

4. My plant looks droopy after repotting – is it dying?

Don't worry if this happens, as some degree of transplant shock is normal! After repotting, plants often need time to adjust to their new environment. Keep your newly repotted plant in a shaded location away from direct sunlight for a few days. Maintain moisture but avoid overwatering, which can compound stress. If the plant hasn't perked up after a week, check that it isn't planted too deeply and that the soil isn't compacted. Most plants bounce back within 1-2 weeks with proper care.