Are you wondering if you should plant in the same size pot or move into a bigger size pot? It’s important not to repot houseplants into too big of a pot. Discover how to determine if you should pot up to a bigger size pot or repot in the same pot. It’s important to re-soil your houseplants on a regular basis–even if you don’t use a bigger size pot.
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Today’s topic is: Should you plant a plant in the same pot it’s growing in when repotting?
Often, when you go to repot, it may not require a new, larger pot. Instead, you may simply need to resoil—which means replacing the old soil with fresh soil in the same pot. Even if your plant doesn’t need a bigger pot, it likely needs fresh soil because over time soil accumulates salts from fertilizer and minerals like fluoride and chlorine from tap water, which can be harmful.
Some plants may only need repotting every two years. I’ve done several videos on repotting—check out my repotting playlist for more info.
Now, many people assume they should pot up when repotting. That’s not always a good idea. If you use a pot that’s too big, your plant ends up sitting in too much moist soil, which can lead to root rot. I also have a root rot playlist for reference.
Let’s look at an example. I’m repotting an arrowhead plant that hasn’t been repotted in a while. After removing it from its pot carefully, I check the root ball. It’s not very large. That means it doesn’t need a bigger pot.
When repotting, aim for two-thirds root mass to one-third soil. If the plant doesn’t fill enough of the pot with roots, the extra soil holds too much water. Based on this ratio, the current pot is ideal, and I may even consider a slightly smaller one.
If you’ve purchased a beautiful pot but your plant isn’t ready for it yet, you can either wait until the plant grows into it or use that decorative pot for a different plant in the meantime.
To sum up, if your plant’s root ball is small, stay with the same size pot when resoiling. This helps avoid overwatering issues and keeps your plant healthy.
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FAQ: Repotting in the Same Pot
Can I repot a plant into the same pot?
Yes, you can repot a plant into the same pot if the root ball hasn’t outgrown the current container. This process is called resoiling and involves replacing the old soil with fresh potting mix.
How do I know if my plant needs a bigger pot?
Check the root ball after removing the plant. If roots fill most of the pot and are circling the edges, it’s time to size up. If there’s still room, keep the same pot.
What is the recommended root-to-soil ratio when repotting?
A good rule of thumb is two-thirds root mass to one-third soil. This helps prevent excess moisture retention that can lead to root rot.
Why is it important to replace old soil?
Old soil can accumulate salts from fertilizers and harmful minerals like fluoride and chlorine from water. Replacing the soil keeps your plant healthier.
What happens if I pot up into a container that’s too large?
Using a pot that’s too big can cause the soil to hold too much water, which may lead to root rot due to poor drainage and overexposure to moisture.
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