The Basics of Uppotting: When & How to Move Your Plant to a Bigger Pot 🪴🌱

Uppotting (also called potting up) is the process of moving a plant to a slightly larger container to allow for continued growth without overwhelming the root system. Unlike repotting (which usually involves changing the soil or fixing root issues), uppotting is about giving your plant a little more room to grow.

🌿 When Should You Uppot a Plant?

✅ Roots are coming out of the drainage holes—a sign it’s becoming root-bound.

✅ Water runs straight through the pot because the roots are taking up too much space.

✅ Growth has slowed down significantly, even with proper care.

✅ The plant keeps tipping over because it’s outgrowing its pot.

✅ You notice the soil drying out too quickly (within a day or two after watering).

🪴 How to Uppot a Plant (Step by Step)

1. Choose the Right Pot

✔ Go up just one size—usually 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot.

✔ Make sure it has drainage holes to prevent root rot.

✔ Avoid going too big! A pot that’s too large holds excess moisture, which can lead to overwatering issues.

2. Prep the New Pot & Soil

✔ If reusing an old pot, clean it well to remove any pests or bacteria.

✔ Use fresh, well-draining soil—match the plant’s needs (e.g., cactus mix for succulents, airy mix for aroids).

✔ Add a thin layer of fresh soil at the bottom before placing the plant.

3. Remove the Plant from Its Old Pot

✔ Water the plant a day before uppotting—this helps loosen the roots.

✔ Gently tilt the pot and tap the sides to ease the plant out.

✔ Check the roots: If they’re tightly wound (root-bound), gently loosen them with your fingers. If necessary, trim off any dead or mushy roots.

4. Place the Plant in the New Pot

✔ Position it in the center and adjust the height—the top of the root ball should sit slightly below the rim of the new pot.

✔ Fill in the sides with fresh soil, pressing gently to eliminate air pockets (but don’t compact it too much).

✔ Leave some space at the top for easy watering.

5. Water & Adjust

✔ Give it a light watering to help the soil settle around the roots.

✔ Avoid overwatering—wait until the top inch of soil dries before watering again.

✔ Place the plant back in its usual spot, avoiding direct sun for a few days to prevent shock.

🚨 Common Uppotting Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Going too big too soon → This can lead to root rot because the plant can’t absorb all the excess moisture.

❌ Packing the soil too tightly → This reduces airflow to the roots, leading to suffocation.

❌ Not loosening root-bound plants → If roots stay tightly wrapped, they may struggle to absorb water in their new pot.

❌ Overwatering right after uppotting → Give the plant time to adjust before watering heavily.

Final Tips for a Successful Uppotting

✔ Only uppot during active growth seasons (spring & summer) for best results.

✔ Match the soil mix to the plant type (airy for aroids, well-draining for succulents).

✔ If the plant is stressed, give it a few days in indirect light before resuming normal care.

Now that you know the basics, do you have a specific plant you're thinking of uppotting? 😊🌿