Don't Repot Your Plants Yet (Seriously!)
Why you should wait to repot this winter.
Your plants will thank you.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know how to survive the long winter by cozying up and enjoying the slower pace. Your tropical houseplants need a little winter hibernation too!
Why Wait to Repot?
Stressful Times: Repotting during the short, dark days can shock your already stressed plants. They're likely struggling with less light, colder temperatures, or wet soil.
Root Rot Risk: With less sunlight, plants have less energy for root growth. This means water may stay in the soil longer, increasing the risk of root rot.
Size Matters: Over-potting is a common mistake. Only increase your pot size by about an inch to prevent waterlogging. This goes for propagated cuttings too – start small and gradually increase as roots mature.
Drainage = holes: When rehabbing customer plants we see many creative ways to “add drainage.” Skip adding pebbles or overly chunky soil mixes and opt for nursery pots with holes. Super simple and it works. See our cache potting blog for more details.
The Mother's Day Miracle:
A good rule of thumb for repotting in Portland is to wait until Mother's Day. This usually marks a shift in weather with more sunlight and great growth, like budding leaves.
Visit Our Shop!
For more plant care tips and expert advice, stop by our neighborhood plant shop in SE Portland. Potted In Portland offers a wide selection of healthy plants, high-quality potting soil, and all the tools you need for successful repotting.
