As The Garden People, we get a lot of questions about gardening. Some of the most frequent are around how to repot a plant. It's a simple process that's vital to your plant's ongoing health and happiness, so it's important to get it right from the start. Whether you're potting up a new seedling or cutting, transplanting an established plant from your garden or repotting a potted plant you've had for years, here's your quick guide on how to pot up a plant, whether indoors or outdoors.

How to repot a plant in 6 steps

Repotting step 1: Pick the perfect pot.

Whether you're potting up a brand new plant or repotting one you've had for a while, it's vital to choose the right pot for your plant. Select a black plastic nursery pot in the next size up (we'll explain why in Step 2!) and proportional to the size of your plant, plus a decorative planter that will accommodate the new pot's rim. It may feel counterintuitive, but it's better to go for a more conservatively-sized pot and then upsize again when needed, rather than going too big in hopes the plant will "grow into it".  A too-large pot means too much wet potting mix around your plant's roots, which could lead to rot.

Another important aspect of pot selection, particularly when dealing with larger outdoor plants, is the shape of the pot. Plants that are out of proportion with their pot - for example, a particularly tall plant in a very shallow pot, or a top-heavy plant in a slim pot - are more likely to become unstable and tip over.

Looking for the perfect pot? Flower Power stocks Sydney's biggest range. Click here to shop them all, from tiny indoor planters to hanging baskets and massive outdoor pots.

Repotting step 2: Nail the drainage.

Something often forgotten when potting up plants is ensuring there's enough drainage to stop your plants sitting in water. Most decorative pots, especially for indoors, are actually designed without drainage holes to avoid liquid dripping onto your surfaces. Plastic nursery pots are designed for superior drainage, which is why we recommend planting directly into them. You can then slip that plastic pot inside your decorative pot with a matching plastic saucer. It's easy to pop your nursery pot in and out of the decorative pot to water and drain. Aside from providing great drainage, this also offers you flexibility if you want to switch your pots and plants around.

If your decorative pot is oversized or an odd shape, placing props such as an upturned nursery pot, a brick or some styrofoam blocks in its base will help to take up space and keep your nursery pot sitting at the right height.

For large outdoor feature pots which are intended as your plant's new home for years to come, you might consider adding a layer of blue metal to the base of the pot before adding your plant and potting mix. This will help ensure excess water isn't pooling around your plant's roots.

Repotting step 3: Nourish to flourish.

It's time to add some potting mix to the base of your new pot. Not all growing mediums are created equally - which means it's important that you choose the right potting mix for your plant when you pot it up. We always recommend using a premium mix  enhanced with slow-release fertiliser to feed your plant for months. Supersoil Professional Potting Mix is a great all-purpose formula, or you can choose a specialty mix to suit the needs of your plants, whether they're indoor plants, natives, roses or acid-loving camellias.

Don't forget, once the fertiliser in the potting mix is used up, you'll need to fertilise again with a slow-release product. Refer to your potting mix package for a guideline on when to feed, and follow the instructions on your chosen fertiliser.

Repotting step 4: Don't bury the stem!

Create a hole in the centre of your new pot big enough for the root ball of your plant to sit in. Grab your plant and pop it out of its current container, teasing the roots a little to get some air in there. If it was root-bound in its previous container, or the roots are matted or broken, you may need to trim off any damaged bits first. You should also use this opportunity to check your plant over for signs of pests and disease, removing damage as you spot it.

Once you're happy with how your plant is looking, place its root ball inside the hole you created. Ensure that you're not burying the stem any deeper than it was in its previous location - this can lead to collar rot. Once you've got your plant in position, gently backfill with a little extra mix and firm everything down so it stays in place.

Repotting step 5: Water it in.

Once you've got your plant into its new nursery pot, help it establish strong roots by watering it in generously. Adding some Seasol to your watering can at this point will go a long way to ensuring your plant's long-term happiness in its new home! Seaweed concentrate is not a fertiliser, but a plant health tonic - and as repotting or transplanting can be stressful for plants, a fortnightly application for 6 weeks or so after moving your plant to its new pot will help keep it nice and lush. Click here to learn more about seaweed concentrates and why they're important for plant health.

Repotting step 6: Perfect placement!

Once you've let your new nursery pot drain, it's time to put everything together. Place your decorative planter in the spot you'd like your plant to live. Pop the plastic saucer inside the base of the planter, then slip your plant, in its new nursery pot, inside the planter. Voila! You've just repotted your plant and can look forward to plenty of lush, healthy new growth.

How do I know when to repot my plants?

Not sure if your potted plant has outgrown its home? Never fear! Your plant will tell you when it needs repotting. Click here for all the signs to look out for.

So, now that you know how to repot a plant - go forth and do it with confidence as regularly as needed! Your plants will reward you with plenty of lush new growth.