How to Repot Houseplants in Winter (Yes, It’s the Perfect Time)

fdp Studio Shop plants queuing up for winter repotting

If you’re anything like us, the seed catalogs have already started arriving in the mail. It’s genius marketing—because right in the depths of winter, we’re suddenly longing for the earthy scent of the garden and the grounding feeling of having our hands in the dirt. Before we know it, we’re ordering far more seeds than will ever realistically make it into the ground come spring.

A more productive—and much less expensive—way to fantasize about warm, sunny days is to repot your houseplants. Winter is actually one of the best times of year to do it. Most indoor plants are resting or growing slowly, which makes the process less stressful for them. And the smell of fresh potting soil mixed with newly trimmed greenery? It’s a small but powerful sensory escape straight into summer.

Here are five things to know about repotting houseplants in winter.

1. Dormant Plants Handle Repotting Well

Many houseplants slow down during winter, which means they’re less likely to react dramatically to repotting. As long as you’re gentle, this quiet season is ideal for refreshing roots without forcing new growth.

2. Choose a Slightly Larger Pot

When repotting indoor plants, bigger isn’t better. Move up just one to two inches in diameter. Oversized pots hold extra moisture, which can lead to root rot—especially during winter months.

3. Fresh Soil Makes the Biggest Difference

Old soil becomes compacted and depleted over time. Even if you keep the same pot, replacing tired soil with a fresh, well-draining mix improves airflow and nutrients, giving your plant a real reset.

4. Prune While You’re There

Winter repotting is a great moment to remove dead leaves, leggy growth, or damaged roots. Light pruning helps plants conserve energy and encourages healthier growth when spring returns.

5. Go Easy on Water and Fertilizer

After repotting, water thoroughly once, then scale back. Winter houseplant care is all about restraint—most plants need less water and no fertilizer until they show new growth in spring.

Repotting houseplants in winter is one of those small, grounding rituals that make the season feel gentler. It satisfies the urge to garden, keeps your plants healthy, and fills your home with the scent of soil and green life.

If you need a beautiful new pot to complete the transformation, check out our online selection of spring gardening goods.