If you need to repot a plant, there are a few important things to keep in mind so that the process is the least disturbing possible for the plant. If you do it carefully, you'll be rewarded by healthy growth from nutrients and knowing you got rid of salts.
Step 1
Water the plant a couple of days before you will repot the plant so that the soil is moist when you repot.
Step 2
To remove the plant, slip your hand over the pot and hold the plant's stem, then turn the pot upside down. Tap the pot against a hard surface, then slowly pull the pot away from the plant. After several tries, if the plant still doesn't come out, use a knife to cut around the edge of the soil. If that doesn't work, you can break the pot. Don't break the roots apart or dig out old soil, so that you can keep the root ball intact, although if there are thick roots around the plant, cut away a thin layer of the roots.
Step 3
Remove about one-third of the soil.
Step 4
Put a few inches of potting soil in the bottom of the new pot, put the plant into the pot, and see if the soil level is high enough. The plant should be about 1" below the top of the pot. If it's too low, add more soil below the root ball.
Step 5
Fill in around the root ball with soil, tapping it down lightly with fingers.
Step 6
Water the plant moderately, not too soaking wet.
