When to Repot Your Plant: Signs, Seasons & Simple Steps

There comes a moment in every plant's life when its roots whisper for more room to breathe, stretch, and grow. Just as we outgrow homes, routines, and old rhythms, plants too reach a stage where their current vessel no longer serves them. Repotting is not just a chore - it’s a chance to give your green companion a fresh start.

So, How Do You Know It’s Time?

The Subtle Signs Your Plant is Ready for a New Home

Your plant may not speak, but it will always show you when it’s ready for change. Here are a few signs that it might be time to repot:

• Roots are spilling out of drainage holes or circling tightly inside the pot

• Water drains too quickly, barely soaking into the soil

• Growth has slowed or stopped altogether, especially during the warmer months

• Leaves are drooping, yellowing, or showing signs of distress despite proper care

• Soil looks compacted, dry, or depleted of nutrients

Think of repotting as a gentle reset - a way to replenish what’s been lost and offer your plant room to evolve.

The Best Time to Repot

Timing is everything in the garden. While some houseplants are more forgiving, spring and early summer are generally the best times to repot. These seasons coincide with a plant’s natural growth cycle, meaning it will bounce back faster from the transition and settle into its new space with energy and ease.

Avoid repotting in winter unless absolutely necessary. During the cooler months, most plants enter a dormant phase and won’t respond well to the disruption.

How to Choose a New Pot

Bigger isn’t always better. Choose a pot that’s just one size larger than the current one - around 2–4 cm wider in diameter. Too large, and the plant may struggle to fill out the space, sitting in damp soil that can lead to root rot.

Ensure your new pot has proper drainage to prevent water from pooling at the bottom. All of The Balcony Garden’s pots feature pre-drilled holes (typically 1–3 depending on size) so your plant can drink what it needs and discard the rest.

A Simple Repotting Ritual

Repotting doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Water your plant a day before repotting - hydrated roots are more resilient.

2. Carefully remove the plant from its current pot, supporting the root ball.

3. Loosen the roots if they’re tightly wound. Trim any that look dead or mushy.

4. Add fresh potting mix to the base of the new pot. Position the plant so it sits at the same height as before.

5. Fill in with soil, pressing gently around the sides.

6. Water thoroughly, and let the excess drain away.

7. Place your newly potted plant in a softly lit spot for a few days to recover from the move.

Whether your leafy companion lives on a sunny balcony or in a cosy corner indoors, trust its signals. And when the time feels right, offer it a fresh start.

Because sometimes, the smallest change - a new pot, a bit more room and some fresh soil - can lead to the most beautiful growth.

Need the Perfect New Pot for Your Plant’s Next Chapter?

Explore our curated collection of handcrafted planters - designed with form, function, and beauty in mind.