a close up of potting mi for indoor houseplants

How to Repot Tropical Houseplants: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Repot Tropical Houseplants: A Step-by-Step Guide from Urbane Eight

Repotting is an essential part of plant care, especially for tropical houseplants. Whether you're dealing with rootbound roots or just want to freshen up your plant's soil, doing it right can keep your greenery thriving. In this tropical indoor plant repotting guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, with tips specific to tropical plants. We'll also cover soil types, fertilizer basics, and hygiene to help you avoid pests and diseases. At Urbane Eight, we’ve got everything you need to make the process smooth—from Molly’s Mix to BIOS Yucca Extract, Maya’s Growing Mediums, Thrive fertilizers, Dirt’n’Grow Evolve products, and more.

Why Repotting Tropical Plants Matters

Repotting is more than just giving your plant a bigger home. It's about:

  • Refreshing depleted soil

  • Preventing root rot or rootbound conditions

  • Encouraging new growth

  • Inspecting root health

Most tropical plants benefit from being repotted every 12–18 months. Every plant is different and every environment will impact the growth habits, so make sure you are researching your plant and keeping an eye on its root growth. 

How to Repot a Tropical Houseplant: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose the Right Pot Size

Size matters. When repotting, only size up 1–2 inches in diameter (MAX) from the current pot. Too big, and the excess soil can hold too much moisture, leading to root rot—a common killer of tropical houseplants.

Step 2: Prepare Your Repotting Station

Before anything touches your plant, sanitize everything: pots, shears, and even your hands. Dirty tools can harbor pests, bacteria, or fungus. Wipe down surfaces with a gentle disinfectant (99% alcohol)  and make sure everything’s dry before use.

Step 3: Create the Base Layer

Fill the bottom of the new pot with a well-draining, well-aerated soil mix like Molly’s Mix or Maya’s Growing Mediums.These mixes are designed to support tropical roots with the perfect blend of drainage and moisture retention. This is the best soil mix for tropical houseplants.

Step 4: Remove the Plant and Loosen Roots

Gently remove your plant from its current pot. You might need to squeeze or tap the sides if it’s rootbound. Once out:

  • Massage the root ball gently, loosening compacted soil.

  • Don’t break the roots; be patient and delicate.

  • Remove any dead or mushy roots if needed.

This step allows the roots to grow into the fresh soil instead of circling around themselves.

Step 5: Position the Plant

Nestle your plant into the center of the new pot, setting it atop the fresh mix you added earlier. The plant’s crown (where the stem meets the soil) should sit just below the pot’s rim—not too high or low. If you are needing a moss pole this would be a good time to place the moss pole in the plant to ensure proper support. Our Mossify Moss Poles are great for climbing plants and will provide them with the necessary support without falling over because of their heavy stone base. 

Step 6: Backfill and Pack

Add more mix around the root ball, pressing it down lightly (Do not pack it down, remember aroids likes light airy mix and you don't want to put too much pressure down, just lightly press it down into place) . You want the plant to feel snug and supported, but not so tight that the roots can’t breathe or grow. Tap the pot occasionally to help soil settle into air pockets.

Top off with a final layer of soil and repeat the light packing technique.

Step 7: Watering & BIOS Yucca Extract

Finish by top watering your plant with water that includes Thrive BOOST , BIOS Yucca Extract or Dirt’n’Grow Evolve Liquid. These natural surfactants help water soak evenly into the soil and support root absorption. They’re especially helpful after repotting, when roots are adjusting to their new environment.

Special Soil for Special Plants

Soil choice matters just as much as light and water when it comes to keeping your plants happy. Different plants thrive in different potting mediums, which is why we carry a variety of specialized mixes. For example, our Molly’s Aroid Mixand Maya Aroid Growing Mediums are designed with chunky, airy ingredients to give tropical aroids like monstera and philodendrons the drainage and airflow they crave. For everyday houseplants, our general mixes are balanced to provide both structure and nutrients, making them a great go-to option.

And if you’re working with cacti or succulents, skip the tropical blends altogether. These dry-climate plants need a gritty, fast-draining soil with ingredients like sand, pumice, or perlite to prevent rot and mimic their natural environment.

Curious about which soil will benefit your plant the most? [Click here to dive deeper into our soil and potting mix guide.]

Root Health: What to Look For

Repotting is the perfect time to check your plant’s root health:

  • Healthy roots are white or tan and firm.

  • Rotting roots are dark, mushy, and may smell—trim these away.

  • Rootbound plants will have roots circling the pot—loosen these so they can expand into the new soil.

Do You Need Fertilizer After Repotting?

Not right away. Fresh potting mix like Molly’s Mix or Maya’s Growing Mediums often contains nutrients. Although, the exception to this is the BOOST fertilizer as it can help with transplant shock. Wait 4–6 weeks before adding fertilizer to avoid burning stressed roots. After that, use a gentle, balanced fertilizer like Thrive or My Soil during the growing season to support foliage and root growth.

Final Tips for Repotting Success

  • Repot during spring or summer when tropical plants are actively growing.

  • Avoid repotting sick or flowering plants unless absolutely necessary.

  • Watch for signs of transplant shock: drooping, yellowing, or slowed growth. Most bounce back within a week or two.

Everything You Need in One Place

At Urbane Eight, we carry everything you need to repot your tropical houseplants with confidence:

Whether you're a seasoned plant collector or just getting started, repotting the right way can make all the difference. Let us help you give your plants the fresh start they deserve.

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