Should I repot my plant in winter or wait for spring?

Author: Christina Bode  |  Last update: Monday, October 16, 2023

The best time to repot a plant is in the spring so that actively growing roots will have enough time to grow into newly added potting mix. There are several signs that houseplants can exhibit when they are pot-bound.

Is it OK to repot plants in the winter?

Yes, you can repot your indoor plants over the winter months. There are probably better times of the year to be doing it, but if you can't wait until early Spring and your plant desperately needs a larger pot, go for it.

Why not repot plants in winter?

All of our growing conditions are different, but for many of us, Winter is typically a bad time to repot because: Less light will reduce plant growth (unless you're using a grow light) Cooler temperatures reduce plant growth.

What is the best time of year to repot plants?

The growing season, early spring through late summer, is usually the best time to repot your plants. Because your plants are actively growing during this time, they'll get the most out of additional space and fresh nutrients!

Is it OK to repot houseplants in the fall?

Fall is also a good time for transplanting, but try to do it at least three to four weeks before you bring the plant indoors for the winter. You want your plant to acclimate to its new container while it's still on summer vacation. Gently remove the plant from the pot and check its roots.

6 Mistakes to Avoid when Repotting Your Plants!

What month is best to repot houseplants?

The best time to repot a plant is in the spring so that actively growing roots will have enough time to grow into newly added potting mix. There are several signs that houseplants can exhibit when they are pot-bound. First check the frequency you are watering the houseplant.

Should you remove old soil when repotting?

Do You Keep Old Soil When Repotting?
  1. You're changing your growing medium and want to move on to hydroponic growing. ...
  2. If your soil and plant have previously struggled with diseases, fungi, and pests, removing old soil from your roots is better to prevent an outbreak.

What happens if you repot in winter?

Good News for Gardeners: You Can Repot Most Houseplants in the Winter. Most plants really don't care if you repot them in winter, as long as you take good care of them afterwards.

When should you not repot plants?

However, if you've had your plant for less than a year, more than likely, you do not need to repot it yet. Some plants can go 18 months and others even longer before they need a new pot. Repotting too often can stress out the plant, leading to browning at the leaf tips, wilting, and shed leaves.

Should I soak houseplants before repotting?

Water the plant thoroughly

Before you take the plant out of its old pot, give it a good watering a few days before. This will help the plant stay healthy and it'll keep the root ball together too - making it much easier to pull out and place in the new pot.

How do I keep my indoor plants alive during winter?

Keep your plants alive during winter by reducing your watering and using warm water for plants in winter. Even though your plants are inside, the majority of houseplants go 'dormant' in the fall and winter months. Less light means less growth, and less growth means they need less water and fertilizer.

Do all houseplants go dormant in winter?

“Houseplants don't actually go dormant like a lot of people think,” he says. They do, however, react to the climatic changes in your home.

What is the best way to winterize potted plants?

One way or another, when a warm spell during winter is forecast to be followed by a cold snap, make sure to protect not only the pot and the roots but also the top of the plant. Cover plants with plastic film, burlap, blankets or other cloth material at night.

Do you water potted plants in winter?

With adequate rainfall, established plant species appropriate for our climate typically need little to no supplemental irrigation during the winter. Exceptions to this rule include newly planted trees and shrubs, plants in containers, and periods of unusually dry winter weather.

Should I wait until my plant is dry to repot?

Water your plant thoroughly a day or two before you plan to re-pot. This will make it easier to get your plant out of its pot, and ensure that it is hydrated, which reduces the risk of shock.

How do you repot a plant without killing it?

How to Repot Your Plants, Step by Step
  1. Remove the plant from its old planter. You have to be gentle during this process. ...
  2. Loosen the plant's roots. ...
  3. Get rid of old potting mix. ...
  4. Add new potting mix. ...
  5. Add your plant.

Do plants get stressed when repotting?

Plants can get stressed, just like us. Whether it happens overnight after being repotted in your cute new pot or over the course of several days after their environment drastically changes, they are great at communicating their stress with us.

Do plants grow faster after repotting?

Pot Size Is Linked to Growth

Potting up (moving a plant to a larger pot) tends to encourage it to grow faster and become larger. It's the sort of thing you do to a younger plant, sometimes more than once a year.

Should I leave soil in pots over winter?

If you leave the soil in your containers and moisture gets in the soil, the soil can freeze and expand, damaging your pots. Even resin (plastic) pots can get freeze damage and crack open. I learned this the hard way when one of my resin flowerpots cracked down the side, like a man splitting his pants. Oops.

Can I leave potting soil in pots over winter?

Because the soil will expand and contract greatly over a harsh winter, those who grow where the ground freezes hard should empty out plastic, ceramic and clay pots to protect them from cracking. Or you can just bring the whole schmageggie inside to a place that will remain above freezing.

What weather is best for repotting?

During the warm months is the best time to make the transition since the plants are actively growing. You can also wait until fall, but don't wait too long—the colder weather will stifle the growth of your houseplants and weaken their transplant success.

Should you break up roots when repotting?

Loosening the root ball when repotting is only essential when the plant has become completely root bound. In cases where they are not completely rootbound, you may be able to plant directly into the next pot. If the roots are not wrapped tightly around each other, there is no need to cut and disturb them.

How do I know if my potting soil is still good?

You can determine if your potting soil has gone bad by checking for:
  1. Compaction. Compaction refers to soil that's heavy or tightly packed. ...
  2. Foul Odor. A foul, rotten eggs odor indicates that your potting soil bag has gone bad. ...
  3. Mold. Your soil is bad if it has mold growing on it. ...
  4. Insects.

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