Is your plant ready for a new pot? Or are you unsure if it's time to repot? It might seem like a big step, but with the right approach, repotting is easy and essential for a healthy plant. This blog post explains when and how to repot plants, which pot and soil to choose, and which mistakes to avoid.
Why do you need to repot plants?
Plants grow. Not just above ground, but also underground. Over time, the potting soil becomes exhausted and the roots outgrow the pot. By repotting, you give your plant:
- More room to grow
- Fresh food and airy soil
- Better drainage, which prevents root rot
When is it time to repot a plant?
There are a few clear signs:
- The roots grow from the bottom or top of the pot
- Water flows directly through it without being absorbed
- The plant is barely growing anymore or looks lifeless
- The pot is top-heavy or crooked
De best time of the year The best time to repot is spring (March – May), when plants start to grow actively.
How often should you repot plants?
As a general rule:
- Fast growing plants like the Monstera or Pilea: every year
- Slow growers such as Sansevieria or ZZ plant: every 2-3 years
- Cacti and succulents: every 3 years or only when there are clear signals
Which pot do you choose for repotting?
A new pot must:
- approximately 10-20% larger are than the previous
- Preferably a hole in the bottom have for good drainage
- For a decorative pot without a hole: use an insert pot or hydro grains at the bottom
What kind of potting soil do you use?
Not every plant likes the same soil. Choose a soil type that suits the plant species:
- Cactus and succulent: airy, well-draining soil
- Orchid: use orchid food and a bark mix
- Tropical plants: universal potting soil with extra coconut fiber or perlite
- Bonsai: using bonsai food after repotting
- Palms: choose an airy potting soil and palm nutrition
- Mediterranean plants: give after repotting specific liquid nutrition
For houseplants a light boost is ideal with Pokon food powder.
If necessary, use hydro granules at the bottom of the pot for extra drainage, or compact coconut soil as a light base.
How to repot a plant in 8 simple steps
- Water the plant a day in advance (makes it easier to loosen)
- Carefully remove the plant from the pot
- Remove old potting soil from around the roots
- Inspect the roots: cut away any dead or rotten parts
- Fill the new pot with a layer of soil or hydro grains
- Place the plant in the middle
- Fill in the potting soil and press lightly
- Water moderately and allow the plant to recover slowly
What should you do after repotting?
After repotting, it is normal for your plant to take a few days to get used to the weather:
- Place it in a bright spot, out of direct sunlight
- Do not overwater during the first week
- Expect some yellow leaves, but this is temporary
For a long lasting effect you can using food cones that slowly release nutrition.
Common repotting mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- ❌ Using a pot that is too large → the plant will stop growing
- ❌ No drainage → root rot
- ❌ Wrong potting soil → stress or growth stagnation
- ❌ Repotting in winter or flowering period → extra vulnerable
Are you working in the garden and want to tackle weeds at the same time? Then consider Pokon weed concentrate.
Not every plant wants to be repotted
Some plants don't like change, such as:
- Sansevieria (mother-in-law's tongue)
- Zamioculcas (ZZ plant)
- Cacti
These can stay in the same pot for years. Tip: replace only the top layer of potting soil for some extra nutrition, or use a specific fertilizer such as Pokon fruit tree fertilizer for slow feeders.
Handy tools & products
Do not forget:
- Hydro granules
- Custom potting soil (coconut)
- Hand trowel & gloves
- New pots in the right size
Time to get started?
Now that you know why, when, and how to repot plants, there's no excuse. Give your green friends some extra love, and they'll reward you with growth and new leaves.
👉 Ready to give your plants a boost?
View all our liquid plant food and more useful accessories.
