Top Signs Your Plant Needs Repotting

Repotting is one of the most important parts of keeping indoor plants healthy but most people don’t realize their plant needs it until it’s already struggling. The good news? Your plant almost always sends clear signs when it’s time for a bigger home.

In this guide, we break down the top signs your plant needs repotting, how to check the roots, and what to do next.

1. Roots Are Growing Out of the Drainage Holes

This is the clearest sign your plant is root-bound. When roots start poking through the bottom of the pot, it means they’ve run out of space and are circling the inside of the container.

Why it matters:
Root-bound plants struggle to absorb water and nutrients, which slows growth and dries them out faster.

What to do:
Move up 1–2 inches in pot size, loosen the roots, and refresh the soil.

If you need a simple, well-draining pot upgrade, here’s a great option:
→Indoor Pot with Drainage

For more on keeping roots healthy year-round, check out my Indoor Plant Care Guide for LA.

2. Your Plant Dries Out Very Quickly

If your plant used to stay hydrated for a week but now dries out after a day or two, the soil is likely compacted with roots.

If you’re not sure how dry your soil truly is, a moisture meter makes it easy to check before watering:
→This is the Moisture Meter I recommend for starting out

If you love low-maintenance plants or want ones that don’t dry out as quickly, check out my list of Best Low-Maintenance Plants for Apartments in LA.

3. The Soil Looks Hard, Hydrophobic, or Crumbly

Old soil breaks down over time, losing nutrients and becoming water-repellent.

Signs of unhealthy soil:
• Water pools on top and won’t absorb
• Soil looks pale or dusty
• Soil pulls away from the pot edges

Repotting with fresh, nutrient-rich soil restores proper hydration and airflow.

Fresh soil makes all the difference — here are the mix components I use:
→Indoor potting mix
→Perlite
→Orchid bark

4. There’s Significant Yellowing or Dropping Leaves

Plants can drop leaves for many reasons but if watering, lighting, and pests are all ruled out, the root system may be stressed.

Root-bound stress looks like:
• Lower leaves turning yellow
• Sudden leaf drop
• Slowed or stunted new growth
• Limp or droopy foliage despite proper watering

If you’re unsure whether lighting is contributing, this light meter helps you measure your home’s actual light levels:
→Light meter

5. Your Plant Has Outgrown Its Pot Physically

A plant that looks top-heavy, leans, or easily tips over likely needs more room to stabilize.

This is especially common with:
Rubber trees
Monstera
Dracaena
Fiddle leaf figs
Snake plants

If the plant’s size is disproportionate to the pot, give it a larger base.

For tall, heavy, or top-heavy plants, this weighted ceramic pot adds stability and prevents tipping:
→Weighted ceramic pot

6. You Notice Salt or Mineral Buildup on the Soil or Pot

A white, powdery substance on the soil surface or the pot rim is a sign of mineral accumulation.

Why it’s happening:
Over time, fertilizers and tap water leave behind salts that can burn roots.

Repotting fixes this by giving fresh, uncompacted soil and healthier drainage.

A long-spout watering can helps you water more evenly:
→Watering can

7. Your Plant Hasn’t Been Repotted in 1–2 Years

Even if it looks okay, most indoor plants benefit from a repot every couple of years.

Why:
• Soil becomes depleted
• Organic matter breaks down
• Roots get tighter
• Nutrients are used up

A routine repot helps maintain long-term health and strong growth.

This repotting tool kit includes shears, scoops, and everything you need for quick, clean repotting:
→Repotting tool kit

How to Check If Your Plant Really Needs Repotting

Do a quick root check:

• Gently squeeze the pot (if plastic).
• Tip the plant on its side and slide it out.
• Look at the root ball.

Signs it’s time:
• Roots circling the pot
• Dense, tangled roots with little soil
• Brown, mushy roots (rot) — repot immediately

If roots look healthy and there’s still soil structure, a simple soil refresh on top may be enough.

These gardening gloves help keep your hands clean and protected while you check the roots:
→Gardening gloves

How to Repot Your Plant Safely

Repotting doesn’t have to be intimidating:

1. Choose the Right Pot Size

Go 1–2 inches larger (not too big — that can cause root rot).

2. Use the Right Soil

Use a high-quality indoor potting mix. For a more advanced mix, add:

Perlite, orchid bark, and coconut coir.

For the perfect DIY soil blend, you can mix these together:
→Potting mix
→Perlite
→Orchid bark

3. Loosen the Root Ball

Gently tease apart tangled roots so they can grow outward.

4. Pot, Water, and Place in Indirect Light

After repotting, water thoroughly and give your plant a few days in soft, indirect light to reduce stress.

When Not to Repot

Don’t repot if your plant is:

• In active shock (transport, major pruning, or severe pest infestation)
• Blooming (flowers may drop)
• Dormant (winter repotting can slow growth)

Only repot in spring or early summer for best results.

What This Means for Your Plant

Plants are great communicators and once you know the signs, it becomes easy to keep them healthy for years. If you notice roots peeking out, droopy leaves, compacted soil, or fast drying times, your plant is telling you it’s ready for a new home.

If you’d rather have a professional handle it, St Clair Plant Care offers repotting, soil refreshes, plant sourcing, and full plant care services across Los Angeles and Long Beach.

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