How to Change Houseplant Pots

Houseplants are a perfect way to beautify a room and bring much-needed oxygen into the house. But don't forget to show your plants a little love and transfer them to bigger pots if they get too big. A good way to see if your houseplant is outgrowing its space is to see if the roots grow in a circle. If so, your houseplant is ready for a change.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Purchase a pot that is no more than twice the size in diameter as the pot from which you're switching. For instance, if the pot your houseplant is currently in is a 4-inch diameter pot, purchase an 8-inch diameter pot. However, if the plant has reached its full size, there's no need to change the pot size drastically.

2. Remove the plant gently from the old pot. You may need a knife to help loosen the plant from the sides of the pot. Tip the plant upside-down, holding the stem firmly. Shake loose some of the old potting soil stuck to the root-ball. Trim off any damaged roots, being careful not to damage any of the healthy roots.

3. Fill the new pot about halfway full with potting soil. When placed in the pot, the plant should sit at its original height. Center the houseplant, and fill the remainder of the pot with more soil.

4. Water the newly potted plant thoroughly. Water should run out the drainage holes slightly. Place it in the sun for the first week or so, as long as it's a houseplant that needs constant sunlight.

Tips & Warnings

• Whether you purchase a clay pot or a plastic pot depends on the houseplant you want to transfer. Plastic pots work well for plants that need moist soil. Clay pots work better for plants that need drier soil.
• All pots should have drainage holes in the bottom to help release excess water. Make sure to place something underneath the holes to catch the water runoff.
• Don't change the houseplant into a bigger pot if it's just a seedling. Let it grow and solidify its roots before transferring.