So you've had your new plant for a couple weeks now, it seems to be doing well in your space, and you'd like to move it into a pot that matches your perfectly curated aesthetic? It's time to get dirty!
Selecting the Right Pot
These days pots come in countless shapes, colors, materials, and finishes to match any décor. We find that classic clay or terra cotta pots are best for plants that like to dry out more quickly, while ceramic or plastic pots are better for moisture-loving plants like ferns and Calathea.
Regardless of the material, always choose a pot with at least one drainage hole to allow excess water to escape. There are ways to create drainage layers in containers without holes, but these methods can be tricky—especially for new plant parents. We also recommend selecting a pot that's only one size larger than the current nursery pot, typically about 1–2 inches wider.
Prepare
Before you begin, gather everything you'll need in one place. We find it's helpful to portion out the soil you'll need and pre-moisten it slightly, especially if you make your own soil blends. Whenever possible, use a well-draining potting mix that's appropriate for your plant.
Lay out your pot, soil, water, and any supplies before getting started. Having the right gardening hand tools nearby can make repotting much easier, especially when working with larger or root-bound plants. You can also browse our Plant Care Essentials collection for everything you need to keep your plants thriving.
De-potting Your Plant
If you bought your plant from us—or from most nurseries and plant shops—it likely arrived in a plastic nursery pot. These lightweight containers have plenty of drainage holes to promote healthy roots and are designed to make removing plants easy.
Give the sides of the nursery pot a firm squeeze to loosen the soil, then gently tug at the base of the plant. It should slide out fairly easily. If it seems stuck, don't be afraid to gently wiggle the plant. Most healthy plants can handle it. If the root system is especially stubborn, use a sturdy pair of scissors to carefully cut sections of the nursery pot away until the plant comes free.
Time for a Check-Up
Once your plant is free from its pot, take a close look at the roots. You may find that it's become root bound, meaning the roots have run out of room and begun circling around the inside of the pot.
If this happens, gently loosen the roots so they can grow outward into their fresh soil. It can take a little patience to untangle a dense root ball, and it's perfectly normal if a few roots break during the process.
Repotting Your Plant
Add a layer of your pre-moistened soil to the bottom of the new pot. While holding the plant upright with one hand, begin filling in around the roots with fresh potting mix.
As you work, gently shake the pot to help the soil settle naturally around the roots without compacting it too tightly. Continue adding soil until the roots are completely covered and the plant feels secure in its new container.
Water and Let It Settle In
Give your newly repotted plant a thorough watering over a basin or one of our Planter Saucers & Drip Trays to catch excess water. As the soil settles, you may notice low spots that need a little more potting mix.
Make sure water drains freely from the bottom of the pot, then place your plant in a bright location with good air circulation. Over the next several days, allow it time to adjust to its new home. Avoid moving it around too much or overwatering while it acclimates.
With a little patience, your plant will soon begin establishing itself in its fresh soil and new container.
Need supplies for your next repot? Shop our Plant Care Essentials collection at Ed's Plant Shop for premium soils, gardening tools, watering supplies, pots, saucers, and everything you need to help your houseplants thrive.
