Time to Repot? Here's How to Tell (and What to Do)

Time to Repot? Here's How to Tell (and What to Do)

By Lydia Bryant
July 18, 2025

0 comments

One of the most frequently asked questions we get at Scrims is "How do I know when it's time to repot my plant?"

Plants may not speak, but they communicate their needs in their ways. Keep your eyes peeled for these clear clues that your green friend is ready for a new home:

Plants are drying out faster between waterings
Roots are emerging from the bottom or the top of the plant
Your plant is top-heavy and unstable
Salt and mineral buildup at the top of the soil
New growth is coming in smaller and stunted

If your plants aren't showing these signs but have been in the same pot for over 2 years, you can keep them in their same pot, but change out some of the old soil for new, nutritious soil.

When is the best time to repot your plant?

Ideally, repots are done at the beginning of their growing season. This would usually be around spring to early summer. This allows plants to recover from the shock of a repot and gear up for their growing season so they can comfortably fill in their new home. It is strongly recommended to resist the urge to repot in the winter months due to the slow growth season, making it harder for plants to recover.

Not all plants are the same.

Some plants prefer a snug pot. The general rule:

If your plant enjoys drying out completely (like succulents or snake plants), repot less often and only go up 1–2 inches in pot size at a time. This will reduce the chance of root rot and lead to a happier plant.

How to repot (step by step)

What you'll need:

Sharp and clean pruners
Grow pot (with drainage)
Fresh soil
Trowel (optional)

Step 1) Prepare your space

Gather all your materials and leave them within a reachable distance.

Pro Tip: I find it easiest to moisten the soil before I repot, which helps pack the soil in easier and makes the plant stable in its new home. To start, pour the required amount of soil into a bucket. Add water gradually until the soil clumps together so that when you squeeze it with your hands, it holds its shape without any excess water oozing out.

Step 2) Remove the plant from its old grow pot.

If it doesn't pop right out, you can squeeze around the pot to loosen the plant. In more dire situations, you may have to cut the plant out, avoiding the roots as much as possible. If you have too much root coming out of the bottom, you can cut away a small proportion of the root to help remove the plant.

Step 3) Evaluate the roots.

Check to see the plant's health through the exposed roots.

Are they strong and white? They are healthy! Are they mushy and soggy? This would be the result of overwatering and potential root rot. Ensure you trim these soggy roots using sanitized pruners. Are they airy and brittle? This would be the result of frequent underwatering. Remove the damaged roots using the same process as the previous method. If you notice the roots are rootbound (roots are growing in a tight circular direction around the shape of the pot, often with very little soil around). It is best to detangle roots. Don't worry, some roots will have to be cut to do this. Using your hands, try your best to loosen up some of the major roots. This will help the roots grow downwards in their new pot.

Step 4) Remove some of the old soil from your plant.

This allows more space for new soil, which will replenish the nutrients in the plant's soil. It isn't necessary to remove all the old soil; too much removal can shock the plant. Aim for about 1/3 of the soil.

Step 5) Add fresh soil to the base of the new grow pot.

Pro tip: try to pick a new grow pot that is only 2-3” larger than the current size your plant is in. When you upgrade too big or too frequently, the roots have too much unoccupied space in their pot. Excess soil WILL lead to root rot.