The Pothos (botanical name *Epipremnum aureum*) is pretty much the definition of a low-maintenance plant. But even though it’s easy-going, you can’t just leave it in the same pot forever. When its “shoes” get too tight, your Pothos won’t be happy. To keep those gorgeous trailing vines thriving, you’ll need to move it into a bigger home every once in a while.
Why It’s Time to Repot
Just like any other houseplant, a Pothos grows underground just as much as it does above. Eventually, it’s going to run out of legroom. There’s no set schedule for when you should repot—it all depends on how fast your specific plant is growing—but there are a few dead giveaways that it’s feeling cramped:
- The soil is completely packed with roots.
- Water just sits on top because there’s no soil left to absorb it.
- You see roots poking out of the drainage holes at the bottom.
The Best Timing
If you’re looking at the calendar, spring is the absolute best time to repot. As the growing season kicks off, your Pothos has a burst of energy that helps it bounce back from “moving day” stress. Plus, the days are getting longer, which means more of that sweet natural light. You *could* do it in the summer, but the extra heat can sometimes make the transition a little tougher on the plant, so spring is usually your safest bet.
How to Repot Like a Pro
Choosing a New Pot
When picking out a new home for your plant, make sure it has at least one drainage hole so excess water can escape. You don’t want to go too big, either—aim for a pot that’s only about an inch or two wider in diameter than the old one.
The Right Soil
If your Pothos has been happy in its current soil, stick with what works! No need for wild experiments. If you do feel like a change is needed, a standard high-quality potting mix for foliage plants works perfectly.
Step-by-Step
- Gently slide the Pothos out of its old pot.
- Shake off any loose, old soil.
- Use your fingers to gently loosen up the root ball.
- Snip off any dried-out or shriveled roots.
- Create a drainage layer at the bottom of the new pot using gravel or broken terracotta pieces.
- Add a layer of fresh soil on top of that.
- Center your plant in the pot.
- Fill in the gaps with more soil.
- Give the soil a light press to settle it.
- Give it a good drink of water.
- Put your Pothos back in its favorite spot.
Aftercare
To help your Pothos get settled in its new shoes, keep up with your regular watering routine. You can actually skip the fertilizer for the first few months after repotting; fresh potting soil is usually packed with enough nutrients to keep your plant fed for a while.
