The short answer
Look for crowded, circling roots. Deteriorated or sunken mix may need refreshing. A struggling plant does not automatically need a much larger pot.
See the sourceIn this guide
Check your situation
- This guide covers established plants; use the seedling guide for young plants.
- Inspect the rootball and mix instead of judging from leaves alone.
What to do now
- Prepare suitable fresh growing mix. Choose a slightly larger pot only if the roots need more room; otherwise check whether refreshing the mix in the current pot is suitable for this plant.
- Keep the stem or crown clear of piled mix.
- Fill around the rootball and water through to the drainage holes.
- Use plant-specific guidance for timing and aftercare.
What not to do
- Do not jump straight from a small pot to a very large one.
- Do not apply one UK spring month to every climate.
Do you need to buy anything?
If the pot is still suitable, refreshing the mix may be enough. Check the plant’s requirements before buying a replacement.
Keep going
Sources behind this page
- RHS: How to repot a plantUnited Kingdom. Established plants; use separate seedling and crop-specific advice where appropriate.Source checked 7 October 2026
We summarise published guidance. We have not independently tested these methods or the products discussed.
AI-assisted editorial check: 7 October 2026. This is a source and clarity check, not a review by a horticultural expert.