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How to Repot a Money Plant: A Thriving Guide

So, your money plant is looking a little cramped, its vibrant green starting to fade, or perhaps its roots are peeking out of the drainage holes? Time for a transplant! Repotting a money plant, scientifically known as Epipremnum aureum, isn’t just about giving it a bigger pot; it’s about providing fresh nutrients, better drainage, and more room to flourish. Here’s the definitive guide on how to successfully repot your money plant, ensuring its continued prosperity and good fortune.

Repotting a money plant involves carefully removing it from its current container, inspecting the root system, and placing it in a new pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. This process revitalizes the plant, promoting healthy growth and preventing root-bound issues.

The Repotting Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Gathering Your Supplies

Before you even think about touching your plant, assemble your arsenal. You’ll need:

A new pot: Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Make sure it has adequate drainage holes. Terracotta or plastic pots are both suitable.
Well-draining potting mix: This is crucial. A mix formulated for indoor plants or even better, one specifically designed for aroids (plants like pothos and philodendrons, which share similar needs) is ideal. You can amend a regular potting mix with perlite or orchid bark for added drainage.
Gloves: To protect your hands and keep things tidy.
Watering can or spray bottle: For watering your plant after repotting.
Optional: A small trowel or gardening knife, pruning shears.

2. Preparing the New Pot

Add a layer of the fresh potting mix to the bottom of the new pot. This provides a base for the root ball to rest on and ensures good drainage. Don’t pack it down too much, as you want the roots to be able to easily penetrate the soil. The amount of soil you add will depend on the height of your old pot versus the new one. Make sure that, when transplanted, your money plant will sit at the same soil level as it did in the original pot.

3. Removing the Money Plant

This is the trickiest part, requiring a gentle touch.

Water the plant thoroughly a day or two before repotting. This will help to loosen the soil and make it easier to remove the plant.
Gently loosen the soil around the edges of the pot.
Turn the pot on its side, holding the plant stem near the base.
Gently tap or squeeze the pot to loosen the root ball. You might need to use a trowel or knife to carefully separate the soil from the pot’s edges.
Slowly slide the plant out of the pot. Avoid pulling on the stem, as this can damage the plant.

4. Inspecting and Preparing the Root Ball

Once you’ve removed the money plant, take a good look at the root system.

Gently loosen the outer roots with your fingers. This helps to encourage new root growth in the new pot.
Trim any dead, damaged, or overly crowded roots with clean pruning shears. This is an excellent opportunity to remove any signs of root rot (soft, brown, or mushy roots).
If the plant is severely root-bound (the roots are tightly circling the root ball), you can carefully make a few vertical cuts along the sides of the root ball to encourage the roots to spread out.

5. Planting in the New Pot

Now comes the moment of truth.

Center the money plant in the new pot, ensuring that the top of the root ball is at the same level as the surrounding soil.
Fill in the space around the root ball with the fresh potting mix. Gently press down on the soil to remove any air pockets.
Leave about an inch of space between the top of the soil and the rim of the pot to allow for watering.

6. Watering and Aftercare

Water the plant thoroughly after repotting, until water drains out of the drainage holes. This helps to settle the soil and hydrate the roots.
Place the repotted money plant in a bright, indirect light location. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Monitor the plant closely for the first few weeks after repotting. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Avoid fertilizing for at least a month after repotting, as the fresh potting mix will already contain nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Repotting Money Plants

1. How often should I repot my money plant?

Generally, you should repot your money plant every 1-2 years. Signs that your plant needs repotting include roots circling the pot, slow growth, and the soil drying out quickly.

2. What is the best time of year to repot a money plant?

The best time to repot is during the spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. This allows it to recover quickly from the stress of repotting.

3. Can I repot a money plant that is already very large?

Yes, you can. For particularly large money plants, you can opt for “potting up” rather than completely repotting. This involves moving the plant to a slightly larger pot without disturbing the root ball too much.

4. What type of pot is best for a money plant?

A pot with good drainage is essential. Terracotta pots are great for their breathability, but plastic pots are lighter and retain moisture longer. Choose what best suits your watering habits.

5. What kind of soil should I use for my money plant?

Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for indoor plants or aroids. Avoid using garden soil, as it can be too heavy and retain too much moisture.

6. My money plant’s leaves are turning yellow after repotting. What’s happening?

Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering or underwatering, or even transplant shock. Ensure proper drainage, adjust your watering schedule, and provide bright, indirect light. Give it some time to adjust.

7. Can I propagate my money plant while repotting?

Absolutely! Repotting is a great time to take stem cuttings and propagate new plants. Simply cut a stem below a node (where a leaf grows from the stem) and place it in water or directly into soil.

8. How do I deal with a root-bound money plant?

Gently loosen the roots as much as possible. If they are tightly circling, make a few vertical cuts along the sides of the root ball to encourage them to spread out.

9. My money plant has root rot. Can I still save it by repotting?

Yes, but you need to address the root rot first. Carefully remove all affected roots with clean pruning shears. Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil and avoid overwatering in the future.

10. Do I need to fertilize my money plant after repotting?

Wait at least a month before fertilizing, as the fresh potting mix will already contain nutrients. After that, fertilize sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

11. Can I put my money plant in a self-watering pot?

Yes, you can use a self-watering pot, but be cautious about overwatering. Money plants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings.

12. How do I train my money plant to climb after repotting?

Provide a moss pole or trellis for your money plant to climb. Gently attach the stems to the support using plant ties or clips. As the plant grows, it will naturally start to climb and attach itself.

By following these steps and addressing these common questions, you can successfully repot your money plant and ensure its continued health and prosperity for years to come. Happy gardening!