See how to repot a Goldfish plant. Repotting is a good way to get Goldfish plant to bloom in your indoor garden. Find out how to choose the ideal pot size and what potting mix to use.
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Today, we’re going to repot a goldfish plant. I get a lot of questions about how to get these plants to bloom—it’s a little tricky. I’ll likely do another video just about blooming tips. One important factor that encourages blooming is regular repotting.
This plant may or may not have outgrown its pot—we’ll find out once we inspect the roots. As I always say, look at both the root mass and the foliage to determine the right pot size. I’ve chosen two potential pots. It’ll likely go into the smaller one, but let’s see.
The plant isn’t in bad shape, but it did stop blooming, even with fertilization. That tells me the potting soil is likely spent and it needs a refresh. I’ve already prepared moistened soil. I also have a full repotting series where I go over everything, from choosing a pot to actually repotting. But today’s video focuses on this goldfish plant.
The plant came out of the pot easily. It’s not root bound, which you can usually identify when roots are circling tightly. I have another video explaining the difference between root bound and pot bound. This pot wasn’t necessarily too small—the soil just needs to be replenished.
As I repot, I’m also adding Green Gourmet Houseplant Food to help it recover. If this plant had been root bound, I would’ve cut or scored the roots, but in this case, just breaking them up slightly is enough to encourage new growth.
The root mass is best suited for the smaller pot. Remember the 2/3 root to 1/3 new soil ratio I recommend to avoid root rot. I’ll line the pot with drywall tape (more cost-effective than screens), then begin filling with soil.
I’m using Pro-Mix BX, my favorite soil. I’ll also be doing a video soon on how to mix your own soil. I’m adding worm compost for extra micronutrients and more Green Gourmet fertilizer. The soil was pre-moistened, which is important because dry soil will collapse when watered, leaving the plant too low.
I’m adding about 3 inches of soil to the bottom. You should never fill the bottom of a pot with too much soil—anything over 3 inches is generally too much. After positioning the plant, I fill in soil around the sides. Worm compost is a favorite of mine because it’s gentle and rich in nutrients.
Although this new pot may look small, it’s actually about one pot size up. That’s all you need. Going too big too quickly can cause root rot and hinder plant growth. Some plants may stop growing entirely or die off when potted into overly large containers.
Once the plant is in place, I gently but firmly press down the soil to eliminate air pockets. Air pockets can dry out roots and cause damage. You want about a ¼-inch space at the top to prevent water overflow.
After that, I water the plant using warm water, which helps settle the soil. Water until it drains out the bottom—this indicates the soil is thoroughly moistened.
Finally, I’ll place the plant in medium bright light, its preferred condition. The plant has already been fertilized through the soil amendments. It may take some time to acclimate and resume growth. You’ll know it’s settled when you see new growth—and ideally, blooms!
To track progress, take photos after repotting and compare after a few weeks. Once the plant fills out this pot, I can size up again. Here’s a picture of a blooming goldfish plant—gorgeous, aren’t they?
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Goldfish Plant Repotting FAQs
How often should I repot a goldfish plant?
Goldfish plants should be repotted every 1-2 years or when they stop blooming and the soil becomes depleted of nutrients.
What type of soil is best for goldfish plants?
A well-draining soil like Pro-Mix BX is ideal. You can also mix your own soil and add worm compost for extra nutrients.
What size pot should I use when repotting?
Use a pot that’s only one size up from the current one. Avoid going several sizes larger to prevent root rot.
Should I fertilize my goldfish plant while repotting?
Yes, mixing a balanced houseplant fertilizer like Green Gourmet into the new soil will help support blooming and root growth.
How do I water a goldfish plant after repotting?
Use lukewarm water and water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. This ensures the new soil is fully hydrated.
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