Repotting a plant is often seen as a tedious task that is forgotten by many plant-parents. But occasionally repotting can bring many benefits, as it gives your plants more room to grow and helps prevent root suffocation.  Giving your plants fresh soil can also make them healthier and it decreases their susceptibility to many diseases. There are two situations where you will want to repot your plant:

Scenario.1–repotting new plants

When ordering a plant with a Plantsome ornamental pot, the pot will get delivered with a cultivation pot inside it. In this case, repotting is not necessary as you can place your plant, cultivation pot and all, inside the ornamental one. But in other cases where the cultivation pot may not fit or look good inside the ornamental one, repotting is necessary.

Scenario. 2– repotting older plants

If you've had a plant for some time and its roots are above the ground or below its pot, that's a sign that its time for repotting. It is also a good idea to repot plants that have been sick, as replacing your plant's potting soil gets rid of any remaining diseases. While the growth rate of a plant determines how quickly it needs to be repotted, plants that you've had for some time usually like to be put in a larger pot with fresh soil every one or two years. For more information about when to repot your plant, see its specific care page.

Steps for repotting:

1. Before replanting: water your plant and let it drain. Make sure the roots and soil are nicely moistened before replanting.
2. If your new pot has no drainage hole, get a base layer going of some pebbles, wood chips, or even gravel. Something that allows for water to flow into it.
3. Add enough soil to the new pot so that when transferred, the base of the plant is about 1 cm below the rim of the pot. Leave some room in the middle for your plant.
4. Remove the plant from the old pot. When you do this be sure not to pull on the plant (ouch!). Instead, tip the plant upside down and gently loosen the pot, then pull it upwards.
5. Place the plant in their new home. Centre the plant and ensure that the base of the plant is at least 1 cm below the rim of the pot.
6. Add more soil around the sides of the plant. With your fingers, gently pack down the soil on all sides until the plant is firmly positioned.
7. Water your plant one more time.
8. Voila! Your plant is in their new home! Perhaps a housewarming gift is in order? We were thinking a Potluck? Ha!

Final tips and tricks!

• Try to avoid repotting your plants in the winter but if you do, ensure you are extra careful with your plant's roots
• The best time to repot your plants is in the spring, as this will give your plant lot's of time to grow in its new pot
• 95% of plants are fine with normal potting soil, which you can buy in any garden centre
• Keep the root ball of your plant about 1-2cm below the top of the pot