How can you tell when a houseplant needs a bigger pot?

You can usually tell it is time to repot a houseplant by looking for these common signs:

• Roots growing out of the drainage holes: This is the clearest indicator that the plant has run out of space.
• Roots circling the top of the soil: If you see a dense mat of roots visible on the surface, the plant has likely become "root-bound."
• Slow growth or wilting: If the plant is getting enough light and water but suddenly stops growing or wilts very quickly after being watered, it may be because there is more root than soil, leaving no room for moisture to stay in the pot.
• Frequent watering: If you find yourself having to water the plant much more often than you used to, it’s often because the root mass is taking up so much space that there isn't enough soil left to hold onto water.
• The plant is top-heavy: If your plant keeps tipping over, the pot may no longer be heavy or large enough to provide a stable base.

When you do repot, it is best to choose a new pot only one or two inches wider in diameter than the current one. Moving to a pot that is too large can sometimes lead to waterlogged soil, which can harm the roots.