Deciding whether a plant needs repotting or just better light

My rubber plant has roots showing near the drainage holes, but the leaves are also leaning toward the window and new growth has slowed. I can't tell whether it needs a bigger pot or simply better light. The soil dries in about a week, and I don't see signs of root rot. I'm tempted to move it closer to the bright window for a month before disturbing the roots. What would convince you repotting is actually necessary?

  • houseplants
  • plant
  • needs
  • repotting
29

5 replies · Sort: Best

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  1. CC
    concetta.10
    6 points

    1 reply

    What would convince me is if it starts drying out very fast, or you see roots circling the surface when you lift it. A little root showing a...

    61 reply

    What would convince me is if it starts drying out very fast, or you see roots circling the surface when you lift it. A little root showing at the holes is pretty common on rubber plants.

    6
    1. SH
      simone96
      2 points

      This. I wouldn’t repot just because of one or two visible roots. I’d wait for the pot to feel crowded and the watering to become awkward.

      2
  2. SM
    greenthumb_susan
    5 points

    0 replies

    I’d also check whether the window is actually bright enough from there. Sometimes the plant is not asking for a bigger pot, just less distan...

    5

    I’d also check whether the window is actually bright enough from there. Sometimes the plant is not asking for a bigger pot, just less distance from the glass.

    5
  3. AP
    azad_75
    4 points

    1 reply

    Roots at the drainage holes by themselves don’t force a repot. If the plant is still drying in a normal time and the leaves are otherwise he...

    41 reply

    Roots at the drainage holes by themselves don’t force a repot. If the plant is still drying in a normal time and the leaves are otherwise healthy, light could be the bigger issue.

    4
    1. GA
      barba-g
      3 points

      I’d move it closer to the window first, like you said. Leaning toward light is often just the plant telling you where it wants to sit.

      3