You may think your favorite plant has seen better days, but it's probably just experiencing growing pains. If it wilts between waterings, has long roots that are growing out of the bottom of the pot, or has lower leaves that are turning brown, transfer it to a larger pot with more wiggle room. Some fast-growing plants, like heart-leaf philodendron, may require annual repotting, while others, such as peace lily, need a new home every few years. Either way, it's best to repot in early spring, when plants are actively growing.

Picking a New Pot

Select a pot that's one to two inches deeper and wider than the original pot. Create a drainage layer by covering the bottom with stones or old pottery shards. Water the plant the night before you repot it to make it easier to remove.

Removing the Plant

Gently pull the plant from the pot by gripping the stems between your second and third fingers, inverting the pot, and lightly tapping it on the edge of a table or counter to loosen the root ball. If the plant is stuck because the roots are growing out the drainage hole, trim the outgrowth. If thick roots are circling around the root ball, unravel them and trim the excess.

Replanting

Slightly dampen the potting soil or growing medium and fill the bottom two inches of the new pot. Put the empty old pot in the new pot, fill the sides with soil, and then remove the old pot to form a customized space for the root ball. Place the plant in the hole and gently firm the soil around it, adding a half inch of soil on the top. (Don't pack it.) Water the pot and, if necessary, add more soil to bring the level up to an inch or so below the edge.

Maintaining the Plant

Keep your newly repotted plant slightly moist at all times for the first few weeks by watering every other day. After that, allow the soil to dry to the touch before watering thoroughly. Fertilize the plant about a month after repotting with a water-soluble fertilizer (follow the label directions), unless the potting medium you chose uses a time-release fertilizer.