How To Repot A Tropical Plant

A beautiful Fittonia 'red,' or nerve plant, ready to be repotted at Tula Plants & Design.

  • Only repot when your tropical plant truly needs more space.

  • With a little preparation, repotting is quick, clean, and easy for plant care beginners.

  • The right technique protects roots and ensures your plant thrives in its new home.

Pairing a plant with a new pot is one of the most fun parts of being a plant owner. It’s a milestone for your plant, representing its chance to grow bigger, healthier roots and leaves!

Here is the Tula House guide to how to transplant a tropical plant safely and carefully into a new pot.

Before you Begin

First, we have four tips to make the process easier.

1. Ask a Key Question

Don’t jump the gun on repotting; it’s not always best for your plant. Ask yourself, “Am I certain this is what the plant needs?”

To answer that question, check these Tula House signs a plant needs repotting.

2. Choose the Right Pot

If you’ve read our guide on how to repot a cactus, this concept is the same: don’t repot in a container that’s too large or too small. Picking the right size is one of the most important steps in how to repot a tropical plant, or any plant, successfully.

When repotting, it’s best to choose a pot one size up from the pot the plant is currently in. A new pot that is about an inch deeper and wider on either side is usually perfect. And of course, always steer toward pots with drainage.

3. Let the Plant Dry Out a Little

While following a regular watering schedule is important, repotting a plant with dry soil will make it much easier to remove from the old pot. It also reduces the possibility of damaging the roots. Plan your repotting right before normal watering time.

4. Prep Your Space

When you’re learning how to transplant a tropical plant, it’s easy to focus on the concepts and forget the practicalities. Being prepared is crucial to ensure the repotting runs smoothly.

  • Lay out some paper bags or newspaper for easy clean-up.

  • Assemble your materials, including the plant and the new pot.

  • Make sure you have enough soil to fill the new container.

Soil Tip: Your soil should match the composition of the plant’s current soil mix. Most tropical plants do great in an all-purpose potting soil.

Step-By-Step Guide for Repotting Tropical Plants

It’s time to dive in! For a visual guide to all of the important aspects of how to repot a tropical plant, watch the video above from Tula House founder Christan Summers.

1. Prep the New Pot

Place a small layer of dirt on the bottom of the new pot. This will create a nest that the plant can sit on and provide new organic material into which root growth can spread.

2. Remove the Plant From Its Old Pot

Plants are naturally looser in their pots when they aren’t too moist, so don’t skip the step of letting them dry out a bit.

  • Start by massaging the sides of the pot to release the soil from the edges.

  • Tilt the plant over the new pot, allowing it to slide out of the plastic pot.

  • Avoid pulling too much on the plant, as it can damage the roots and stalk.

Loosening Tip: If you are repotting a plant that is in a clay or other solid pot, use a chopstick or butter knife to loosen the soil from the inner wall of the pot.

3. Tease Apart the Plant’s Roots 

Gently massage the plant's root ball while holding it above the destination pot. Massaging, but not tearing, will gently shake soil from the roots, loosen them, and encourage new growth in a pattern that doesn’t match the mold of the old pot.

4. Place the Plant in the New Pot

Set the plant on top of the nest created in step one. The top of the root ball should be level with the rim of the pot. If it’s higher, remove the plant and scoop some soil out of the nest. Add more soil if it is lower.

The result should be the plant sitting level on a bed of soil beneath it, with space between it and the inner wall of the pot. Step back if you need to, and make sure the plant is standing up straight.

5. Fill the Pot With Fresh Soil

Hold the plant securely and straight with one hand while you fill in the soil with the other. Keep an eye on the plant when you do this so it remains centered in the pot.

Evenly pack the soil around the plant, filling in any air pockets. The soil should be structured enough to hold the plant up, but not so dense that it can’t allow air or water in easily. Light and airy is the key.

Finishing Touches

Just a few more things to do, and you’ve mastered how to repot a tropical plant.

  • Tap the sides of the pot so the soil shakes and levels out.

  • Use an old paintbrush or a damp paper towel to remove any dirt from the plant leaves.

  • Water the plant well (as long as it was dry before you started).

Now you’re ready to enjoy watching your plant thrive in its new home!

For more plant care tips, check the Tula House Plant Reads. Or, if you’re pressed for time or worried about getting repotting right, we offer in-store service for healthy plants at our Greenpoint, Brooklyn, plant shop. Stop by today!