Spring Repotting 

When & How to Give Your Plants a Fresh Start

April 01, 2025

As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, spring is the perfect time to refresh your indoor and outdoor plants with a new home! Repotting provides fresh nutrients, encourages healthy growth, and gives plants the space they need to thrive. Spring is the best time for repotting because it aligns with most plants' natural growth cycles. As temperatures warm and daylight increases, plants enter an active growth phase, making it easier for them to recover from transplant stress and establish new roots in fresh soil. Here’s everything you need to know about spring repotting.

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Signs Your Plant Needs Repotting

Not sure if your plant is ready for a new pot? Look out for these signs: 

Roots are growing out of the drainage holes.

-This means the plant has outgrown its pot and needs more space. 

Soil dries out too quickly 

– If water runs right through the soil and your plant dries out fast, the pot may be too small, or the soil depleted. 

Slow or stunted growth 

 – If your plant isn’t thriving despite proper care, or the new leaves stay small instead of growing, it might need fresh nutrients from new soil. 

Yellowing leaves or dropping foliage 

– Root crowding can lead to nutrient deficiencies, affecting leaf health. 

Salt or mineral buildup 

– White crusty deposits on the soil surface indicate depleted soil that needs replacing.

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Choosing the Right Pot for Your Plant

Different plants thrive in different types of pots, so selecting the right one is important:

Terracotta Pots – Ideal for plants that prefer drier conditions, like succulents and cacti, because they allow moisture to evaporate more quickly.

Ceramic Pots – Retain moisture better than terracotta and are great for houseplants that like evenly moist soil, such as ferns and peace lilies.
Plastic Pots – Lightweight and versatile, plastic pots hold moisture well and work for plants that need consistent watering, like herbs and tropical plants.
Wooden Planters – Best for outdoor use, wooden planters help insulate roots from temperature changes but may degrade over time if not treated.
Self-Watering Pots – Useful for plants that require consistent moisture, such as African violets and some vegetables.

*Drainage Matters! 

Pots with drainage holes help prevent standing water, reducing the risk of root rot. If you love the look of a decorative ceramic pot without drainage, you can place your plant in a nursery pot inside the cover pot. This way, excess water can drain out properly while keeping your plant display stylish.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Repotting

Step 1: Choose the Right Pot

Pick a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Ensure it has proper drainage to prevent root rot.

Step 2: Prepare Fresh Soil

Use a high-quality potting mix suitable for your plant type. For example:
•    Succulents & cacti – Well-draining cactus mix.
•    Houseplants – All-purpose potting soil with good aeration.
•    Orchids – Bark-based mix for airflow.

Step 3: Remove the Plant

Gently loosen the plant from its old pot. If the roots are compacted, lightly tease them apart to encourage growth.

Step 4: Repot with Fresh Soil

Place a layer of new soil in the bottom of the pot, position your plant, and fill in the sides with more soil. Leave a small gap at the top to allow for watering.

Step 5: Water & Adjust

Give your plant a good drink to settle the soil. Avoid overwatering—plants may take time to adjust to their new pot.

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Common Repotting Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Choosing a pot that’s too big – A pot that’s too large can hold excess moisture, leading to root rot. 


🚫 Overwatering after repotting – Newly repotted plants need time to adjust before resuming regular watering schedules. 


🚫 Not loosening root-bound plants – If roots are tightly packed, gently untangle them so they can spread out. 


🚫 Skipping drainage – Always use a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.

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Give Your Plants a Fresh Start!

Repotting in spring ensures your plants have the nutrients and space they need to thrive for the growing season ahead. Visit Scott’s Nursery for all your potting needs, from quality soils to beautiful planters. Happy repotting!

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