Repotting library

When & how to repot 200 of the most-asked-about plants.

“When to repot”, “how to repot” and “what size pot” have a different answer for every plant. Pick a species for its real repotting frequency, the exact pot-size step, the right season, and the over-potting trap to avoid.

Start with the method, then size the pot.

The two questions every repot turns on are “does it actually need it?” and “how big a pot?”. These two guides answer both, and the calculator does the sizing for you:

How to repot a plant — the complete step-by-step method — the model technique, soil, depth and aftercare.
Pot size calculator — the right next pot size from the current pot and root spread.
Root-bound plant — how to spot and fix it — the signs that mean “repot now”.

Plants that like being pot-bound

Snake plant, peace lily, hoya, clivia and many aroids flower and grow best when slightly crowded. Over-potting these into a big pot is the single most common way to rot them — repot only every few years, and only one snug size up.

Snake plant

Dracaena trifasciata

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Peace lily

Spathiphyllum wallisii

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Aloe vera

Aloe barbadensis

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Spider plant

Chlorophytum comosum

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Bird of paradise

Strelitzia reginae

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Hoya

Hoya carnosa

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Anthurium

Anthurium andraeanum

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Bromeliad

Bromeliaceae (various genera)

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Christmas cactus

Schlumbergera bridgesii

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

African violet

Saintpaulia ionantha

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Rex begonia

Begonia rex

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Chinese money plant

Pilea peperomioides

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Rose

Rosa

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Hibiscus

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Clivia

Clivia miniata

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Guzmania

Guzmania lingulata

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Sweetheart plant

Hoya kerrii

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Wax plant

Hoya carnosa

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

White bird of paradise

Strelitzia nicolai

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Vriesea

Vriesea splendens

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Salvia

Salvia splendens

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Lupine

Lupinus polyphyllus

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Forget-me-not

Myosotis sylvatica

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Hellebore

Helleborus orientalis

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Primrose

Primula vulgaris

Only every 2–4 years, when genuinely crowded

Likes being pot-bound — repot rarely

Fast growers — pot up roughly every year

Vigorous vines and leafy growers like pothos, philodendron and spider plants fill a pot in a season. Step them up one size each spring before the roots strangle themselves.

Pothos

Epipremnum aureum

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

Philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

Chinese evergreen

Aglaonema commutatum

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

Alocasia

Alocasia macrorrhiza

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

English ivy

Hedera helix

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

Wandering dude

Tradescantia zebrina

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

Elephant ear

Colocasia esculenta

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

Lucky bamboo

Dracaena sanderiana

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

Geranium (pelargonium)

Pelargonium × hortorum

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

Arrowhead plant

Syngonium podophyllum

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

Golden pothos

Epipremnum aureum 'Golden'

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

Marble queen pothos

Epipremnum aureum 'Marble Queen'

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

Neon pothos

Epipremnum aureum 'Neon'

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

Silver pothos

Scindapsus pictus

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

Swiss cheese vine

Monstera adansonii

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

Philodendron Brasil

Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil'

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

Heartleaf philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

Philodendron micans

Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

Coleus

Coleus scutellarioides

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

Flowering coleus

Plectranthus scutellarioides

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast

Fast grower — pot up yearly

Slow growers — repot every few years

ZZ plant, cast iron plant and parlour palm build roots so slowly that a yearly repot is wasted effort. Leave them be for two to four years.

ZZ plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Every 2–4 years — it is in no hurry

Slow grower — repot every few years

Cast iron plant

Aspidistra elatior

Every 2–4 years — it is in no hurry

Slow grower — repot every few years

Parlor palm

Chamaedorea elegans

Every 2–4 years — it is in no hurry

Slow grower — repot every few years

Ponytail palm

Beaucarnea recurvata

Every 2–4 years — it is in no hurry

Slow grower — repot every few years

Norfolk Island pine

Araucaria heterophylla

Every 2–4 years — it is in no hurry

Slow grower — repot every few years

Sage

Salvia officinalis

Every 2–4 years — it is in no hurry

Slow grower — repot every few years

Sago palm

Cycas revoluta

Every 2–4 years — it is in no hurry

Slow grower — repot every few years

Lady palm

Rhapis excelsa

Every 2–4 years — it is in no hurry

Slow grower — repot every few years

Lemon verbena

Aloysia citrodora

Every 2–4 years — it is in no hurry

Slow grower — repot every few years

Bay laurel

Laurus nobilis

Every 2–4 years — it is in no hurry

Slow grower — repot every few years

Winter savory

Satureja montana

Every 2–4 years — it is in no hurry

Slow grower — repot every few years

Large specimens — top-dress more than repot

A fiddle leaf fig, rubber plant or mature palm is heavy and sulks when moved. Refresh the top few centimetres of soil yearly and only fully repot every two to three years.

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Fiddle leaf fig

Ficus lyrata

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Dracaena

Dracaena fragrans / marginata

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Rubber plant

Ficus elastica

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Schefflera

Schefflera arboricola

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Croton

Codiaeum variegatum

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia seguine

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Yucca

Yucca elephantipes

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Areca palm

Dypsis lutescens

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Money tree

Pachira aquatica

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Peony

Paeonia

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Lemon tree

Citrus limon

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Weeping fig

Ficus benjamina

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Dragon tree

Dracaena marginata

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Corn plant

Dracaena fragrans

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Cordyline

Cordyline fruticosa

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Kentia palm

Howea forsteriana

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Majesty palm

Ravenea rivularis

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Fishtail palm

Caryota mitis

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Ming aralia

Polyscias fruticosa

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Tree philodendron

Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Ficus Audrey

Ficus benghalensis

Every 2–3 years; top-dress in the in-between years

Large specimen — top-dress, repot rarely

Succulents & cacti — minimal, bone-dry repotting

Jade, echeveria, haworthia and cacti want a tight pot, gritty mix and absolutely no watering for a week after repotting. Less is more.

Peperomia

Peperomia obtusifolia

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix

Succulent — minimal, dry repotting

Jade plant

Crassula ovata

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix

Succulent — minimal, dry repotting

Herb garden

mixed culinary herbs

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix

Succulent — minimal, dry repotting

String of pearls

Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio rowleyanus)

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix

Succulent — minimal, dry repotting

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix

Succulent — minimal, dry repotting

Air plant

Tillandsia

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix

Succulent — minimal, dry repotting

Cacti (general care)

Cactaceae

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix

Succulent — minimal, dry repotting

Echeveria

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix

Succulent — minimal, dry repotting

Sedum

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix

Succulent — minimal, dry repotting

Haworthia

Haworthiopsis attenuata

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix

Succulent — minimal, dry repotting

Lithops

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix

Succulent — minimal, dry repotting

Rosemary

Salvia rosmarinus

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix

Succulent — minimal, dry repotting

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix

Succulent — minimal, dry repotting

String of hearts

Ceropegia woodii

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix

Succulent — minimal, dry repotting

String of bananas

Senecio radicans

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix

Succulent — minimal, dry repotting

String of dolphins

Senecio peregrinus

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix

Succulent — minimal, dry repotting

Burro's tail

Sedum morganianum

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix

Succulent — minimal, dry repotting

Sensitive roots — disturb as little as possible

Ferns, calathea, prayer plant and fittonia resent root disturbance and sulk for weeks if you tease the rootball apart. Pot up gently, in small steps, only when truly needed.

Prayer plant

Maranta leuconeura

Every 1–2 years, disturbing the roots as little as possible

Sensitive roots — disturb as little as possible

Calathea

Calathea (Goeppertia) spp.

Every 1–2 years, disturbing the roots as little as possible

Sensitive roots — disturb as little as possible

Boston fern

Nephrolepis exaltata

Every 1–2 years, disturbing the roots as little as possible

Sensitive roots — disturb as little as possible

Maidenhair fern

Adiantum raddianum

Every 1–2 years, disturbing the roots as little as possible

Sensitive roots — disturb as little as possible

Staghorn fern

Platycerium bifurcatum

Every 1–2 years, disturbing the roots as little as possible

Sensitive roots — disturb as little as possible

Fittonia

Fittonia albivenis

Every 1–2 years, disturbing the roots as little as possible

Sensitive roots — disturb as little as possible

Polka dot plant

Hypoestes phyllostachya

Every 1–2 years, disturbing the roots as little as possible

Sensitive roots — disturb as little as possible

Lemon button fern

Nephrolepis cordifolia

Every 1–2 years, disturbing the roots as little as possible

Sensitive roots — disturb as little as possible

Asparagus fern

Asparagus aethiopicus

Every 1–2 years, disturbing the roots as little as possible

Sensitive roots — disturb as little as possible

Button fern

Pellaea rotundifolia

Every 1–2 years, disturbing the roots as little as possible

Sensitive roots — disturb as little as possible

Kimberly queen fern

Nephrolepis obliterata

Every 1–2 years, disturbing the roots as little as possible

Sensitive roots — disturb as little as possible

Crocodile fern

Microsorum musifolium

Every 1–2 years, disturbing the roots as little as possible

Sensitive roots — disturb as little as possible

Orchids — repot to renew the bark, not for size

A moth orchid is repotted because its bark medium has broken down and gone soggy, not because it has outgrown the pot. Do it just after flowering.

Orchid

Phalaenopsis spp.

Every 1–2 years, when the bark breaks down

Orchid — repot to refresh the bark

Cattleya orchid

Cattleya

Every 1–2 years, when the bark breaks down

Orchid — repot to refresh the bark

Dendrobium orchid

Dendrobium

Every 1–2 years, when the bark breaks down

Orchid — repot to refresh the bark

Bulbs & tubers — lift and divide at dormancy

Tulips, daffodils, dahlias and caladium are not "repotted" in the houseplant sense — they are lifted, divided and replanted at the right depth once the foliage dies back.

Garlic

Allium sativum

Lift and divide every 3–4 years once clumps congest

Bulb or tuber — lift & divide at dormancy

Onions

Allium cepa

Lift and divide every 3–4 years once clumps congest

Bulb or tuber — lift & divide at dormancy

Potato

Solanum tuberosum

Lift and divide every 3–4 years once clumps congest

Bulb or tuber — lift & divide at dormancy

Tulip

Tulipa

Lift and divide every 3–4 years once clumps congest

Bulb or tuber — lift & divide at dormancy

Daffodil

Narcissus

Lift and divide every 3–4 years once clumps congest

Bulb or tuber — lift & divide at dormancy

Dahlia

Dahlia pinnata

Lift and divide every 3–4 years once clumps congest

Bulb or tuber — lift & divide at dormancy

Caladium

Caladium bicolor

Lift and divide every 3–4 years once clumps congest

Bulb or tuber — lift & divide at dormancy

False shamrock

Oxalis triangularis

Lift and divide every 3–4 years once clumps congest

Bulb or tuber — lift & divide at dormancy

Sweet potato

Ipomoea batatas

Lift and divide every 3–4 years once clumps congest

Bulb or tuber — lift & divide at dormancy

Chives

Allium schoenoprasum

Lift and divide every 3–4 years once clumps congest

Bulb or tuber — lift & divide at dormancy

Iris

Iris germanica

Lift and divide every 3–4 years once clumps congest

Bulb or tuber — lift & divide at dormancy

Crocus

Crocus vernus

Lift and divide every 3–4 years once clumps congest

Bulb or tuber — lift & divide at dormancy

Hyacinth

Hyacinthus orientalis

Lift and divide every 3–4 years once clumps congest

Bulb or tuber — lift & divide at dormancy

Lily of the valley

Convallaria majalis

Lift and divide every 3–4 years once clumps congest

Bulb or tuber — lift & divide at dormancy

Seasonal crops — pot on as they grow

Tomatoes, peppers and most annual vegetables and soft herbs are potted on through one growing season, never circling-root-bound, then composted or overwintered.