Plant Care

Repotting Pothos: When and How (Beginner-Friendly)

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Learn when and how to repot your pothos with this beginner-friendly guide. Step-by-step instructions, timing tips, and troubleshooting help included.

JJessica Chen

October 30, 2025

Hands carefully removing pothos plant from old pot showing tangled roots ready for repotting — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Repot pothos every 1-2 years when roots circle the drainage holes or growth slows significantly. Use a pot 1-2 inches larger with drainage holes.

TL;DR

Repot your pothos every 1-2 years when roots circle the drainage holes or growth slows significantly. Choose a pot 1-2 inches larger with drainage holes, use standard potting mix, and handle roots gently. Water lightly after repotting and expect temporary drooping for 1-2 weeks as the plant adjusts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I repot my pothos?

Repot your pothos every 1-2 years, typically in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Fast-growing varieties like golden pothos may need annual repotting, while slower varieties can go 18-24 months. Watch for signs like roots growing through drainage holes or water running straight through the pot.

What size pot should I use when repotting pothos?

Choose a pot only 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) larger in diameter than the current pot. Jumping to a much larger pot causes soil to stay wet too long, leading to root rot. Always select pots with drainage holes for healthy root development.

Can I use regular potting soil for repotting pothos?

Yes, standard indoor potting mix works perfectly for pothos repotting. Avoid garden soil, outdoor potting mix, or cactus soil. Look for well-draining indoor formulas that contain perlite for drainage while retaining appropriate moisture levels.

Is it normal for pothos to droop after repotting?

Yes, temporary drooping for 1-2 weeks after repotting is completely normal. The plant is adjusting to its new environment and reestablishing roots. Provide bright, indirect light and water sparingly during recovery. New growth should appear within 3-4 weeks.

Should I water my pothos immediately after repotting?

Water lightly after repotting—just enough to settle the soil around roots. Avoid heavy watering, which can damage disturbed roots. The soil should already be slightly moist from the original pot. Resume normal watering schedule after 1-2 weeks when roots have adjusted.

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Written By

Jessica Chen

Jessica transformed her small Brooklyn balcony into a thriving container garden after moving to New York City. What started as a pandemic hobby turned into a plant care consulting business serving urban apartment dwellers across the city. She specializes in small-space gardening, indoor plant troubleshooting, and helping clients keep houseplants alive in less-than-ideal conditions (dim light, dry heat, tiny spaces). Jessica completed a home gardening certificate program and shares her plant wins and failures on her modest Instagram following. Her partner, Maya, jokes that their apartment is now 40% plants, 60% living space. Jessica's passionate about making plant care accessible to renters who think they don't have room to garden.