Q&A: Healthy Houseplants

Many houseplants become pot-bound so that their roots no longer have enough room to grow. The winter is a great time to prepare plants for the new growing season by repotting them in slightly larger containers.

Here's how to repot a plant correctly:

1. Pour a layer of commercial potting soil in the bottom of the pot.

2. Tear up the roots a bit and remove old roots at the bottom of the plant. This won't hurt the plant--it will stimulate new growth.

3. Place the plant in the pot so it is about the same depth as it was in its previous container.

4. Put soil around the edges and pack it firmly. Thoroughly water the plant.

--Jeff Cox, Host