In winter, most houseplants grow slowly. Disturbed roots take longer to recover, and fresh soil stays wet for a long time, which is a recipe for root rot.
Make a note for spring if you see:
- roots coming out of the drainage hole or circling the pot,
- water running straight through without soaking in,
- soil drying out in a day or two,
- a plant so top-heavy it tips over.
When the time comes, go up only 1 to 2 inches in pot size. A much bigger pot holds more water than the roots can use.
The exceptions: root rot, a broken pot or pests in the soil. Those can't wait.
