POTTING · 2 MIN READ · VATIKA
Does your plant need a bigger pot?
What to check before repotting—and when it is better to leave a settled plant alone.
Look for more than one clue
Roots at a drainage hole are worth checking, but one visible root does not always mean a plant needs repotting. Other clues include tightly circling roots, a top-heavy plant, or a mix that dries much faster than it used to in the same conditions.
Inspect gently
Support the plant at its base and slide out the root ball if it comes away easily. A dense mat of roots with little mix left suggests it may need more room. Avoid pulling on leaves or forcing a plant out of a tight pot.
Choose the next suitable size
A large volume of wet mix around a small root system can cause problems. Go up gradually, keep the original planting depth and use a growing medium suited to the plant. If the roots have room and drainage works, repotting can wait.
Further reading: RHS: How to repot a plant
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