How to Repot Your Plants Without Killing Them

How to repot a plant requires a potted plant, empty pot, and bag of potting mix.How to repot a plant requires a potted plant, empty pot, and bag of potting mix.

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The Sill's mission is to empower all people to be plant people. So we're kicking off a new series committed to growing your green thumb. Check out all the gardening tips, hacks, and inspo you need. Happy planting!

Knowing how to repot a plant correctly can keep your houseplants and flowers looking great all year long. Repotting plants doesn't necessarily mean changing a plant's pot: It can mean changing its soil or potting mix. Fresh soil means new nutrients for your indoor garden! (Great news if you love your current planter, but if you're looking for a new one, that's fine too!)

If you are changing planters, try to keep the size increase to less than 3 inches in diameter for tabletop planters and less than 6 inches in diameter for floor planters. The size is important here. Typically when you move your plants to a larger pot, you're inclined to water more. Small plant + oversized planter + lots of soil + overwatering = killing with kindness. (And probably root rot.)

Signs That It's Time to Repot Your Plant

  • Roots are growing through the drainage hole at the bottom of the planter
  • Roots are pushing the plant up, out of the planter
  • Plant is growing slower than normal (different than winter dormancy)
  • Plant is extremely top-heavy and falls over easily
  • Plant dries out more quickly than usual, requiring more frequent waterings
  • Noticeable salt and mineral buildup on the plant or planter

Knowing when to repot a plant is important and plants typically need to be repotted every 12 to 18 months, but some slow growers (succulents, which tend to have smaller root systems than most common tropical houseplants, are a great example) can call the same pot home for years.

Early spring, before the start of the growth season, is generally the best time to repot your houseplants.


10 Simple Steps to Repot:

1. Gather all of your potting materials.

Repotting Toolbox:

  • Your houseplant, of course!
  • Newspaper for easy cleanup
  • Fresh potting mix
  • A watering can, spray bottle, or water bottle
  • Scissors or pruners
  • Your planter, new or old

2. Pour and pack your potting mix.

Pour a layer of fresh, pre-moistened mix in the planter you're potting into, and pack it down.

3. Remove the plant from the current pot.

Now take your plant, turn it sideways, holding it gently by the stems, and tap the bottom of its current container until the plant slides out. You can give it a bit of help with a couple of gentle tugs on the base of the stems.

4. Loosen and prune the roots. 

With your hands, loosen the roots and prune any that are dead or extra-long.

5. Gently unbind any loose roots.

If your plant is root-bound — with roots growing in tight circles around the base of the plant — unbind them as best you can and give them a little trim. You may find yourself tearing them a little if you cannot finesse them apart. Be as gentle as possible.

6. Remove about ⅓ of the old potting mix.

Remove about 1/3 of the old potting mix from around the plant's roots.

7. Set plant in new planter.

Set plant on top of the fresh layer of mix in the planter.

8. Add mix.

Add new potting mix around the plant until it is secure (sitting upright). Be sure not to pack too much soil into the planter, as you want the roots to breathe. Leave some space below the lip of the planter, about an inch or so for larger planters. Avoid piling soil all the way up to the top of the pot. You will not be able to water it properly, as water will rush off the sides of the pot without ever soaking in.

9. Even it out.

Even out the potting soil on top, making sure to leave the soil line an inch or so from the top. Water well and let it drain.

10. You’re all set!

And ta-da! You've potted your plant.

P.S. Shop plants, planters, and potted plants here.

Now that you know how to repot a plant correctly, we want to know what houseplants you're using in your home this season! Let us know @BritandCo, join our newsletter, and check out our all-about-gardening episode of Teach Me Something New with Lettuce Grow's Zooey Deschanel!

This post has been updated.

Jeremiah Brent has an amazing knack for making spaces feel luxe but also totally livable. His modern-vintage aesthetic creates really timeless, soulful spaces I love. One of my favorite reality shows, Queer Eye, is lucky to have him as their newest member and interior designer. I chatted with Jeremiah this week about all things design, reality TV, his life with partner Nate Berkus (plus a few lovely wedding design tips), and his pantry organization hacks.

Also, you can score a pantry makeover with Jeremiah, thanks to Almond Breeze. Find the sweepstakes details below!

Here's what Jeremiah Brent shared with us about decor, Queer Eye, and life with Nate Berkus in an exclusive interview!

Jeremiah Brent

Your aesthetic is known for being sophisticated yet warm. What’s your best piece of advice for someone looking to make their home feel more personal?

Jeremiah: Theresa, that's my life mission with design. It’s become super-prescriptive design. The most memorable rooms and homes I've ever been in had nothing to do with how much money they spent or if it was from Architectural Digest, it just looked like them.

My biggest piece of advice would be: Really think about the moments in your day that matter most to you. Are you an early morning person who needs coffee? Are you an evening person who wants to lie down and watch TV, or are you somebody who's very ceremonial?

Do you have a spot to read a book and have a glass of wine at night? If you start creating your space for your moments instead of for other people, it just changes the way you move through your own house.

Nate & Jeremiah by Design gave viewers a glimpse into your life with Nate and your family — what was it like working so closely with your partner on screen?

Jeremiah: He's my favorite person in the world. I mean, it's not easy to work with a spouse. It can really make or break you, but my husband has always believed in my talent and my perspective creatively and we have a lot of respect for each other. What it represented was us being able to show a family like ours to the world that maybe they didn't have access to, and it was really important and I'm really proud of it. It's also this beautiful timeline of the first 10 years of our lives as a family.

Netflix

Now you’re joining Queer Eye. What’s something about working on reality TV home makeovers that people might not realize?

Jeremiah: This is going to be a weird thing to say, but I don't think people realize how real Queer Eye is. I've worked on a lot of reality television, which is aging me tremendously. [laughs] Queer Eye is different. I mean, I sat there every week watching people walk into new versions of themselves. It's an interesting thing when you see somebody the way they want to be seen and then you watch them change the way they see themselves. I got to watch my dearest friends do what they do and it was just wild. You can't produce that kind of energy.

What's one of your favorite moments on the show?

Jeremiah: There was a woman named Jen'ya who is a single mother and I was raised by a single mother, and it was particularly impactful for me because it's everything you wish you could have done for your mother growing up. To be able to have that full circle moment and say, "I know exactly what you're going through" and every chance you just can't seem to get, that felt really good.

Netflix

Let’s talk weddings. What’s one design element from Say I Do that you’d love to see more couples incorporate into their own celebrations?

Jeremiah: The people that they love, which is a weird thing to say, but I think so much about weddings becomes about the conventional, like flowers and this and that. That personalized component makes it just this really beautiful, holistic, important thing. In our wedding we tried to incorporate the people that were really part of the fabric of our lives because we wouldn't have been there without them.

What are some ways that you and Nate incorporated your closest people?

Jeremiah: My mother's recipes for our desserts, certain flowers from my grandparents, certain smells. We incorporated photos in different areas. My sister sang at our wedding, which was super special. Tons of different little things, like little nods to people we love.

What’s one design trend that makes you cringe?

Jeremiah: Acrylic furniture because of fingerprints and dust. But I support people who have it, it’s just not for me.

Enter To Win A Pantry Makeover From Jeremiah!

Jeremiah Brent

  • About Sweeps:Almond Breeze is teaming up with Jeremiah Brent to highlight the brand’s shelf-stable Almondmilk varieties as pantry staples, Unsweetened Vanilla and Unsweetened Original. The brand is offering a pantry makeover with Jeremiah for one lucky winner!
  • Entry Period: The sweepstakes kicks off on 2/18/25 and ends on 2/25/25.
  • How To Enter: You can enter the sweeps by visiting: https://enterpromo.com/almondbreeze. Simply fill out your name, email, phone, home address and DOB, and you’re in the running to win!
  • Terms & Conditions: Must be 18 or older to enter. Must be U.S.-based, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.

Given this sweepstakes, what are your best organizational hacks for the pantry?

Jeremiah: I think the pantry becomes kind of a catch-all for everything. And the next thing you know, half of it's expired. It kind of becomes like a pit where things go to die. In our own house, I'm constantly editing, even if it's just changing where things are spatially in the pantry, moving them around a little bit forces you to go through things and reassess them. And lighting. Buy simple, really inexpensive LED strip lighting that you can attach to the top of your pantry inside and light. It makes a world of a difference.

Netflix

Why you decided to partner with Almond Breeze. Do you have a go-to recipe or favorite beverage?

Jeremiah: We're really aligned for a lot of different reasons. They are crafted obviously from the best Blue Diamond almonds. They're all about sustainability. The fact that it's this wholesome plant-based almondmilk. We use it in smoothies, cereals, Poppy [my daughter] just used it in her cereal this morning. You know, life is crazy and busy and I'm traveling all the time and I love that I don't have to worry in two weeks if I need to get rid of it because it’s shelf stable. It's just a matter of aligning with a company that their priorities are in the same place as mine, as a father and as a husband.

Do you like to cook?

Jeremiah: Love to cook. It's my favorite. I love the ceremony of it, preparing something and then people coming together and then watching them eat it. It's the best.

What's your go-to recipe that's not a beverage?

Jeremiah: I'll give you two. I make a weeknight bolognese, but I actually think the recipe is from Ina Garten because I'm obsessed with her. And then I do a jalapeño pomegranate glazed ham for the holidays, which sounds like a lot of flavor and very fancy, but it's really easy and it's so good.

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It's out with the old, in with the new at Walt Disney World this year! After expanding EPCOT to include Remy's Ratatouille Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, as well as adding Tiana's Bayou Adventure to the Magic Kingdom, the next park to get a refresh is Animal Kingdom.

The last time Disney's Animal Kingdom got an exciting refresh was with the addition of Pandora, AKA the world of Avatar, in 2017. So, let's find out what's leaving — and what's coming next — at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom in 2025!

Scroll to find out which Walt Disney World attraction is closing in March 2025!

Walt Disney World

"It's Tough to Be a Bug!" will officially close "permanently" on March 17, 2025, according to Walt Disney World. The iconic attraction is leaving after nearly three decades and is set to be replaced by a new 3D show, "Zootopia: Better Zoogether!" in the winter.

Situated in the Tree of Life Theater, located in Animal Kingdom, "It's Tough to Be a Bug!" first opened on April 22, 1998. Inspired by A Bug's Life, the animated Pixar film, this attraction is a 4D experience that has received mixed reviews.

One TripAdvisor review says, "Not really worth the wait for how short the show is. A little scary, but some cute effects with the steam and water. A couple kids were crying." However, another review called the attraction "brilliant" with "totally unexpected laughs."

Parkgoers wear bug-eye glasses and watch as Flik navigates bug life in 4D. You'll sense creepy crawlies on the ground, you'll smell a stink bug, and watch as the bugs prove how tough it is to be — you guessed it — a bug!

Looking for more travel news? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a thing!

Dining rooms today are becoming less formal and more flexible, often doubling as workspaces, reading nooks, or casual lounges. The old fussy interior design rules no longer apply — it’s a space where you can experiment and play with aesthetic ideas like vintage charm with a modern twist or rustic warmth with a bit of minimalist sleekness. From moody, art-filled spaces to light and airy rooms with organic elements, the key is to creating a space that feels cozy and inviting for hosting and everyday use.

Here are 10 stunning dining room ideas to totally reinvent your space!

1. Banquette Seating

Michael P.H. Clifford

Built-in banquettes helps maximize space and create a cozy environment for dining, kind of like living room meets dining area. Kirsten Blazek of a1000xbetter, used her magic to turn a gloomy galley kitchen into a bright and airy space for dining in. "We were able to provide not just a beautiful kitchen, but one that was much more functional as well," says Kirsten.

Serena & Lily

You don't have to splurge on a custom built-in banquette either. Find a stand-alone one from places like Interior Define and West Elm. A sweet loveseat like this one from Serena & Lily also makes guests feel like they can stay a while.

2. Marble Tables

Anthropologie

Marble is making a statement across walls, tables, and accessories, giving dining rooms a regal touch. Paired with this sculptural wavy banquette, the classic stone takes on a fresh, modern edge with the Anthropologie Kanta Square Marble Dining Table.

3. Striped Wallpaper

Alice Palmer & Co.

Stripes are making a bold impact across walls, tablescapes, and even upholstered chairs, adding a cute and carefree vibe. This classic pattern from Alice Palmer & Co keeps the space effortlessly stylish and inviting too.

4. Toile Wallpaper

Pottery Barn

Classic patterns like toile are making a comeback, giving dining rooms a timeless, storybook charm. I love this option from Pottery Barn!

5. Velvet Seating

CB2

CB2 Hank Tufted Light Blue Velvet Dining Chair

Velvet is another way designers are warming up the dining space, while still keeping them elegant. This velvet dining chair designed by Caleb Zipperer takes cues from classic Italian designs of the 1960s and 1970s, upholstered in a stunning soft blue velvet.

6. Vintage Furniture

James & James

Antique hutches, sideboards, and dining tables are making a comeback, adding a layer of history and character to modern dining rooms. I especially love round pedestal tables to create a warm, intimate setting where everyone feels included in the conversation.

7. Color Mixing

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Winton Lacquered Dining Table

Neutrals will always exude a timeless elegance, but a colorful dining room brings an undeniable energy and warmth. From bold-painted walls to colorful chairs and tables — like this table from Anthropologie — and statement artwork, color can transform the space into a lively, inviting hub for gathering and chit-chat.

8. Organic Materials & Shapes

Lulu & Georgia

Playing with sculptural minimalism, organic shapes and subtle hues can transform a dining space into a work of art —where form dominates over bold color. Look for curvy silhouettes, fluid lines, and natural textures to get the look. These Sarah Sherman Samuel Whit Dining Chairs are perfect for that!

9. Bold & Moody Walls 

@sbcreative_ via Farrow & Ball Paint

Deep hues in greens (like this one from Farrow & Ball!), blues, and reds create a cozy and eye-catching dining space you'll love too.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more home decor ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

1923 season 2 premieres on Paramount+ February 23, and Michelle Randolph (who plays Elizabeth Dutton in the cast) is "so excited" for you to watch the new episodes — and she's been keeping up with all your fan theories!

"There are some crazy ones. I feel like the biggest fan theory thing is the family tree," she tells Brit + Co exclusively. "I've seen many different family trees and so it's like, 'OK, which one's accurate?' I actually drew my own at one point."

Here's what Michelle Randolph had to say about 1923 season 2, and the Dutton family tree, in Brit + Co's exclusive 1923 interview.

Michelle Randolph teases '1923' season 2 finally gives us answers to the Dutton family tree.

By the end of season 2, Michelle Randolph says "we might be able to fill in some blanks" in the Dutton family tree, which is a very hot topic for internet users! "I had to make my own [family tree] because all of the ones I saw on the internet were like — every single one was different. I was like 'I'm confused.'"

The Dutton family is made up of incredible cast members like Brandon Sklenar, Harrison Ford, and Helen Mirren, and Michelle reveals that the cast are just as close as their characters.

"There's a giant group chat called Giddy Up, which started during cowboy camp of season one," she says. "A cute little name, and I think I mean we all were on location in Montana and all in the same hotel, and we would get dinners after [filming], so I think even though our characters are very different and in different story lines like we all really did bond, which was really helpful to have each other throughout the chaos of of shooting a show."

The actress also says Elizabeth would connect with her 'Landman' character Ainsley.

Emerson Miller/Paramount+

And if you're a tried and true Taylor Sheridan fan, you've probably picked up on the fact that Michelle isn't just in 1923 — she also has a starring role as Ainsley Norris in Landman! But would Elizabeth and Ainsley get along if they met in an alternate universe?

"That would be a fun thing to witness. I think they would," she says. "They're very different, but the similarities between them is they're both young women who are finding their place in this world and I think that they both actually look at the world through very bright eyes and have a lot of hope, which is an interesting correlation between the two of them. I think Elizabeth has gone through so much more than Ainsley obviously, so there might be a difference there, but I think they would get along."

Check out the 8 Compelling Historical Fiction Books To Read While You Wait For 1923 Season 2 and read our interview with Julia Schlaepfer where she teases the Spencer and Alex's future.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

You could be secretly — an unintentionally — self-sabotaging in your day-to-day life in more ways than you know. From your job to your friendships, there are probably a few ways that you're counting yourself out and putting yourself last when you don't have to. And that kind of self-sabotaging behavior? It's seriously bringing you down.

Rest assured that this isn't another article meant to make you feel bad about yourself though. It's more of a friendly nudge for all of us to stop being so mean to ourselves because self-sabotaging isn't exactly rooted in self-love. It's like setting small parts of ourselves on fire...then complaining about how much it hurts. That doesn't sound fun, does it?

If you're vigorously nodding your head, let's make a vow to do things a little differently. But first, we have to face the subtle signs of self-sabotaging we just can't seem to stop doing.

Buckle up because we're exposing 10 signs you're actually self-sabotaging!

Mikhail Nilov

1. Treating Procrastination Like It's The Love Of Your Life

We see you snickering to yourself, but it's time to evaluate your relationship with procrastination. Whenever you do it, does it make you feel better about yourself or do you rush to complete whatever you were supposed to do? If you've noticed your habit is a daily part of your life, chances are other people know about it too.

One study found that "1 in 4 Americans say their friends expect them to procrastinate on takes" while "1 in 12 say even their employer expects" late tasks. It may elicit a few jokes, but we wouldn't be surprised if you told us people are starting to rely on you less because you're not starting things when you said you would.

We know it's familiar to reach for procrastination, but it's not helping you in the long run.

Polina Tankilevitch

2. Critiquing Your Appearance Like You Have A Built-In Bully In Your Ear

We couldn't decide if this should be the first self-sabotaging thing we covered, but we know it's serious enough to talk about early on. The Florida House Experience discovered almost 50% of women begin questioning their body as they age which is scary to think about. But what if you're doing that now?

It's easy; we know. Still, there's no reason to repeat negative things about yourself like you're an annoying internet bully who likes to pick fights with everyone. It's soul-crushing and puts you in a position to find new things to critique no matter how many times you swear you'll stop.

Find ways to counter whatever negative thing you're thinking. Here's a few of our tips:

  1. Instead of saying "My body doesn't look like the girls on social media," say "My body's been keeping me healthy so far and I love it for that."
  2. Instead of saying "My face is terrible because I have so much acne," say "My face is doing it's best to signal that I need to take care of something."
  3. Instead of saying, "I hate that I have to wear glasses," say "How cool is it that I get to wear something stylish that also helps me see?"

Anastasia Shuraeva

3. Treating Yourself Because "You Can't Spend It When You're Gone"

We're not financial experts whatsoever, and we honestly don't believe in restricting yourself to the point you can't ever enjoy your money. It's just you shouldn't carry recurring debt so you can have the fun you want. You could be an emotional shopper or have a huge FOMO; two things we know a lot about. Usually we'd say it doesn't matter, but your underlying why absolutely does.

The only person who can get to the root of what's causing you to spend excessively is you, though we'd also argue that a therapist and financial expert can help you even more.

cottonbro studio

4. Not Cleaning Up After Yourself Regularly

The thing about cleaning is that you don't have to love it to do it. It's more about making sure you respect and value the space you're in more than making sure your inner child is appeasing your parents. Leave them and anyone else out of the equation for once.

Wash your dirty dishes with old food stuck to them because you want to have something clean to put your new meals on. Wash, dry, and put away your clothes because not seeing a huge pile makes you less anxious. Put your shoes in a safe space so that you stop spraining your pinky toe.

See how that works?

Liza Summer

5. Being Scared To Set Boundaries Because You Don't Want To Be "Mean"

People pleasers to the front! You're still putting everyone else's needs and emotions before your own, aren't you? We see you and think you have a beautiful heart. We also think it's time for you to stop willingly allowing yourself to shrink or feel uncomfortable because you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings.

A hard fact it's time to understand is that you're never going to please everyone nor should you willingly accept toxic behavior. Your best friend or sister doesn't get a pass for making passive-aggressive comments if you wouldn't let a stranger do it.

Mikhail Nilov

6. Ignoring What You've Accomplished Because You Think You Can Do Better

What are you in a rush to prove Ms. Perfectionist? That you can make your boss regret passing you over for a promotion? Maybe you think you can make your ex regret mistreating you because you've gone on to accomplish everything they said you wouldn't.

Whatever your reason for chasing the next thing is, we want you slow down and look around you. If you're able to afford your rent or mortgage, have a car to get you from point A to B, or have received work accolades, you're not failing. You are doing so much better than you give yourself credit for and it's time to recognize that.

Every time you feel like you have to chase the next big thing, you're signaling to yourself that what you have done is insignificant and it's not. The fact you get up every day to try counts so it's time to give yourself more credit!

cottonbro studio

7. Pushing Your Partner Away Because You're Afraid Of Being Hurt

Eh, we're calling ourselves out big time here. Sadly, we're guilty of being mean to our partners because we've kissed a few snakes in the past and found ourselves nursing broken hearts after getting wounded. Unfortunately, this made us carry fear from past situations into our current relationships.

If this tune sounds familiar then you're probably guilty of starting drama with your partner before they can even think about playing with your feelings. But, what if they're a genuine person who cares about you and you're just being mean? Does that seem fair? Chances are you don't even realize you're doing it which makes this one of the trickier self-sabotaging things you've been doing.

We're not here to berate you for it though because —like we said — we've been there. If you want a shot at having the healthy relationship you want, you have to put down your proverbial fists though — trust us.

Christina Morillo

8. Being Afraid To Speak Up Work Because You Think Your Ideas Are "Stupid"

Hey, Ms. "I Want A Successful Career!" You're not going to get there if you bite your tongue whenever your boss asks if anyone has fresh ideas to share. We're guilty of sitting on things too because we've been overlooked in the past, but all jobs aren't like that.

If you work with a collaborative team where people genuinely care about your input, don't be afraid to speak up. Even if all your ideas don't come to fruition, it still helps when you actively bounce ideas off your co-workers.

This is the only time you'll hear us say this, but teamwork really does make the dream work.

Vlada Karpovich

9. Turning Down Event Invites Because You're Nervous To Be Yourself

Who made you feel like you have to hide from the world when you have so much greatness inside of you? Point them out so we can have a word with them. Just kidding, sort of.

Really, we're more concerned about how many opportunities you're letting pass by because it means you'll have to actually talk to people and let them see you. It's obvious someone wants to see you if you're receiving invitations to pop-up shops, NYFW shows, and even just a friend's birthday dinner!

If you've been dreaming about rubbing shoulders with certain people in the industry you work in, put your best foot forward and show up! You've been doing the work to get to this point so don't hold back.

We promise you've got this!

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