When is the best time to repot indoor plants?

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Indoor plants bring a touch of nature into our homes, adding beauty and improving the air quality of your indoor spaces. As responsible plant planters, we know that proper care is essential for their well-being and one crucial aspect of this is repotting, which involves transferring them to larger containers when they outgrow their curent pots. However, repotting should be timed correctly to ensure the health and growth of our leafy companions. ByNature is happy to share with you some essential tips to ensure a successful repotting process!

Signs that your indoor plant needs repotting

Before diving into the ideal repotting time, let’s try to identify when your indoor plants actually need it:

root overcrowding: when the roots start to fill the entire pot and emerge from the drainage holes, it’s a clear sign that your plant needs more space.
stunted growth: if you plant’s growth has slowed down despite your care, it may indicate that it has exhausted its current pot’s nutrients and space.
watering issues: frequent wilting or water running straight through the pot without being absorbed are signs that the potting mix has deteriorated and repotting is necessary.

The best time to repot indoor plants

The ideal time to repot indoor plants largely depends on the type of plant you have. However, in general, the best time for repotting is during the plant’s active growth phase, which is usually in the spring or early summer.

spring: as the days lengthen and the temperatures rise, indoor plants naturally enter their active growing season. Repotting during this time allows plants to recover more quickly from the transplanting’s stress, and they can take advantage of the warmer weather to establish their root systems.
early summer: if you missed the spring window, early summer is the next best option. By this time, the plants should have sufficient time to recover before the colder months arrive, and they might continue to grow actively.

Need help with the maintenance of your plants?

When repotting can't wait

Spring ad early summer are the best time to repot, but sometimes, waiting is not possible!

root-bound plants: if you notice severe root-bound conditions, with roots tightly circling the pot, waiting for the ideal season may harm the plant. In such cases, repotting is necessary immediately, regardless of the time of the year.
sick or struggling plants: if your indoor plant is showing signs of distress or suffering from pests or diseases, repotting might be necessary to save its life. In emergencies, repotting can be carried out irrespective of the season.

Repotting indoor plants is an essential part of their care routine, promoting healthy growth and longevity. While the best time to repot is during the active growing season, the needs of the plant should also be taken into account. By understanding the signs of when a plant requires repotting and following the essential tips for successful transplanting, you can ensure your indoor plants to thrive and continue to bring joy to your living spaces!

BY AURÉLIEN

Aurélien grew up in gardens. From his family garden and seasons spent harvesting grapes in southern France, to working with some of France’s inspiring and notable botanical gardens and Vancouver’s premier landscapers, his adventures and experiences have led him to ByNature.