How to Repot Pothos: A Simple Step-By-Step Guide

How to repot pothos is one of the first potting questions I answer for new plant parents. Pothos are forgiving, vigorous climbers, but they still benefit from fresh soil and a slightly bigger home now and then. I’ll walk you through when to repot, what supplies you need, a clear step-by-step process, and the aftercare tips that actually make a difference.

When Should You Repot Your Pothos?

There’s no exact calendar date, but there are clear signs to watch for. You should consider repotting when your pothos shows one or more of these:

Roots visibly growing out of the drainage holes or circling the pot surface.
Water runs straight through the pot and doesn’t soak in — a sign the soil is compacted or hydrophobic.
The plant dries out extremely quickly after watering.
Growth has slowed despite proper light and feeding, or the pot tips over because the rootball is large and heavy.

I usually repot young pothos every 12–18 months and mature plants every 18–24 months. Spring or early summer is best because the plant is actively growing and recovers faster.

What You’ll Need

Gather everything before you start so the process is smooth.

New pot — choose one 2–5 cm larger in diameter than the current pot.
Fresh potting mix — I favour a light, well-draining mix. A standard houseplant compost blended with perlite or orchid bark works well.
Clean shears or scissors
Gloves (optional)
Watering can or jug
Newspaper or tray to catch soil

At Jungle Houseplants we sell a ready-to-use aroid mix that’s perfect for pothos — it’s airy, drains well and retains enough moisture for steady growth. If you’re local, our repotting service is handy if you’d rather leave the heavy lifting to us.

Step-by-Step: How to Repot Pothos

Prepare the new pot: Place a small layer of fresh mix in the base so the rootball will sit roughly at the same depth as before. You don’t want to bury the stem deeper than it was.
Remove the pothos from its pot: Tip the pot on its side, cup the stem cluster with one hand, and gently pull. If the plant is stuck, tap the pot sides or run a knife around the inside to loosen it.
Inspect the roots: Healthy roots are white or cream-coloured. If you see black, mushy roots, trim them away with clean scissors. If the roots are tightly circling the pot (root-bound), use your fingers to tease them apart gently or make a few vertical cuts in the rootball to encourage outward growth.
Position the plant: Place the rootball onto the fresh soil in the new pot. Hold the plant upright while you add soil around the sides, firming lightly to remove air pockets. Don’t pack the soil too tightly — pothos like some aeration.
Water in: Water thoroughly until excess drains away. This helps settle the soil around the roots. If the soil level drops, add a little more mix.
Final placement: Keep the pothos out of harsh direct sun for a week while it recovers, and avoid fertilising for about four weeks to prevent burn.

How Big Should the New Pot Be?

Less is more here. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one — too big a pot retains excess water and can cause root rot. An increase of roughly 2–5 cm in diameter is ideal for most pothos.

Aftercare: Watering, Light and Feeding

Watering: After the initial deep water, let the top 2–3 cm of soil dry before watering again. Over-watering after repotting is the most common mistake.
Light: Bright, indirect light is best. Variegated pothos tolerate brighter spots but not scorching sun.
Feeding: Resume a balanced houseplant feed after four weeks. I use a diluted liquid feed through the growing season for steady, healthy growth.
Support: If your pothos is a climber, add a moss pole or trellis — it responds well to vertical support and looks magnificent climbing.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

If leaves yellow after repotting, check two things: over-watering and root damage. Yellowing due to shock is normal but should settle in a couple of weeks. If the plant gets limp and soggy, gently lift it out and inspect for rotten roots.

If your pothos refuses to grow or drops leaves, make sure it’s not sitting in low light or too-cool conditions. Pothos like warmth and consistent light to put energy into new roots.

Why I Recommend the Right Soil Mix

A good mix matters more than fanciful pots. Pothos need a balance: moisture retention plus aeration. I recommend adding perlite or orchid bark to standard peat-based compost. For busy people who prefer ready-made options, Jungle Houseplants’ bespoke mixes remove the guesswork — they come blended for drainage and nutrient retention, perfect for repotting day.

Summary

Knowing how to repot pothos gives you a fast win — happier growth, healthier roots and fewer watering headaches. Repot in spring, use a pot slightly larger than the old one, work with a well-draining mix, and take care not to over-water afterwards. If you’re local and want a hand, Jungle Houseplants offers both premium soils and repotting help so your pothos gets the best start in its new pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I repot my pothos?

Young plants: roughly every 12–18 months. Mature plants: every 18–24 months. Repot sooner if roots are visibly escaping the pot or the soil is compacted.

Can I repot pothos into a much larger pot?

It’s better to increase pot size gradually. A much larger pot can hold excess moisture and lead to root rot. Aim for a pot 2–5 cm larger in diameter.

Should I cut back foliage when repotting?

You don’t need to, but trimming a few long vines reduces stress and encourages bushier growth. Remove any dead or yellow leaves while you’re at it.

Is it OK to repot during winter?

Winter is riskier because growth is slow and plants recover more slowly. If possible, wait until spring or early summer for the best results.