Plants usually tell you when they’re cramped. One clear sign is roots growing out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Another is when the plant dries out extremely quickly – you water it thoroughly, and within a day or two the soil feels bone dry again. That often means there’s more root than soil.
You might also notice the plant looking top-heavy or unstable, with a lot of growth above and a small pot below. Sometimes the soil pulls away from the pot edges and water runs straight down the sides instead of soaking in. That’s another repot hint.
If you gently slide the plant out of its pot and see a tight mass of roots circling around with very little loose soil, it’s time to move up one size. Don’t jump to a giant pot; going just one or two sizes bigger is usually enough. Too much extra soil can stay wet and cause root rot.
Repotting gives the plant fresh nutrients, more breathing room and a chance to keep growing happily.
