Potting Mix, Containers & Repotting
Choose a draining container, estimate potting mix volume, match a substrate to the plant, and investigate salt crust or persistent wetness.
Repot to solve a clear root or substrate problem. The largest container is rarely the most useful next container for a small root system.
Decide whether a repot is needed
Inspect the roots and medium before choosing a new pot. A root-bound plant, degraded substrate, persistent salt buildup and active root damage are different triggers. They do not all call for the same increase in pot size. Fit the container to the healthy roots that will remain.
A decorative cover can hide a practical draining nursery pot. Check that runoff does not collect against its base. A layer of stones is not a replacement for drainage holes. Measure inside dimensions and leave headspace for watering when estimating mix volume.
Match the mix to the root environment
Chunkier orchid and aroid mixes, fine seed media and gritty succulent blends serve different purposes. Choose a recipe for the plant and your conditions, then scale the ingredients with a volume calculator. More aeration does not remove the need to check moisture.
After repotting, record the container, mix and root observations. Let the plant settle and judge new growth over subsequent checks. Avoid feeding automatically when a fresh mix already contains fertilizer, and investigate a white crust before adding another dose.
Practical guides for this topic
When (and When Not) to Repot Your Plants
Repotting stress kills more plants than small pots ever could. Learn the signs that say 'repot me' versus 'leave me alone.'
How to Repot a Root-Bound Plant: The Step-by-Step Method
The exact steps to repot a root-bound houseplant without shock: when to act, how to loosen the root ball, pot size rules, and aftercare that prevents wilting.
How to Choose the Right Pot for Your Plant
Too big, too small, no drainage, wrong material — the pot you choose matters more than you think. Here's what to consider before repotting your houseplants.
DIY Potting Mixes: Simple Recipes for Every Plant Type
Four simple recipes — standard houseplant, aroid, succulent, and orchid — from three or four cheap ingredients, and why drainage decides everything.
White Crust on Potting Soil: Salts or Fuzzy Mold?
A hard white crust is different from fuzzy growth. Check mineral and fertilizer residue, drainage, and whether flushing or fresh mix is appropriate.
LECA and Semi-Hydroponics for Beginners: Soilless Growing That Forgives
Clay pebbles, a reservoir, and no more overwatering anxiety. The beginner's setup for LECA semi-hydroponics — which plants, how to convert, and the mistakes to skip.
Tools to put the advice into practice
Pot Size Calculator – The Right Pot for Your Plant
Enter your current pot diameter and plant type — get the right next pot size plus how much soil to buy.
Potting Soil Volume Calculator
Calculate liters and US quarts of mix for round or tapered pots. Enter inside dimensions, subtract root-ball space, and plan multiple pots.
Soil Mix Calculator – Exact Ratios for Any Potting Mix
Pick a recipe and batch size — get exact ingredient volumes for aroid, succulent, orchid, standard, and seed mixes.
Fertilizer Dilution Calculator – Never Burn Your Roots
Convert any fertilizer label dose to the exact ml for your watering can — at half, full, or quarter strength.
Browse relevant plant collections
Orchids
9 care records in the encyclopedia.
Succulents
47 care records in the encyclopedia.
Tropical Foliage Plants
111 care records in the encyclopedia.