Repot Your Plants Before Winter Dormancy

As the golden leaves of autumn fall and temperatures begin to drop across Australia, your indoor plants are quietly entering a new phase: winter dormancy. This natural slowdown in growth is part of their seasonal rhythm — but it also means your window for making major changes like repotting is closing fast.

In fact, May is your last best chance to repot before winter sets in.

Here’s why, and how to make the most of it.

What Is Plant Dormancy?

Plant dormancy is like hibernation for your green friends. As daylight hours shorten and temperatures cool, most indoor plants respond by slowing down or pausing their growth entirely. You’ll notice fewer new leaves, longer gaps between waterings, and a general “rest mode” vibe.

This period allows plants to conserve energy and prepare for a new growth cycle in spring. It’s a completely natural part of the plant's lifecycle — and a cue for us plant lovers to adjust our care routines accordingly.

Why Repotting During Dormancy Can Be Risky

Repotting a plant puts stress on its root system. When a plant is actively growing (in spring and summer), it can bounce back quickly. But in winter, when energy levels are low and growth is minimal, a repotted plant may struggle to recover. The roots won’t have the same capacity to expand into fresh soil or adjust to a new pot.

That’s why May — at the tail end of Australia’s growing season — is your final call for repotting before the cold really sets in.

Signs Your Plant Needs Repotting (Now!)

Not sure if your plant needs a new home before winter? Here are the tell-tale signs:

🌱 Roots are circling the bottom of the pot or growing out of drainage holes
🌿 Water is running straight through the soil without absorbing
🪴 Soil looks compacted or is pulling away from the sides
🍂 Growth has slowed even though the plant has plenty of light and water
🧾 It’s been more than 12 months since the last repot

If any of these apply, it’s time to act before June arrives.

How to Repot Your Plant Before Winter

Choose a pot that’s 2–4 cm wider than the current one. Don’t size up too much — excess soil can lead to waterlogging.
Use a high-quality potting mix suitable for your plant type (indoor, succulent, tropical, etc.).
Gently loosen the roots, especially if they’re tightly bound.
Water lightly after repotting, then allow your plant to settle in a bright spot away from cold drafts.
Hold off on fertilising until spring — your plant won’t need it while it rests.

Support Your Plant Through the Cooler Months

Once repotting is done, shift your focus to winter care essentials:

Reduce watering – let soil dry out more between drinks
Maximise light exposure – move plants closer to windows
Maintain humidity – especially for tropical plants
Watch for pests – cooler weather can send bugs indoors
Avoid fertilising – resume in spring when growth restarts

Final Thought: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

May is the final month where your plants are still responsive and resilient enough for a successful repot. Come June, they’ll be well into dormancy — and any major disruption could do more harm than good.

So take advantage of these last few weeks of autumn warmth. Refresh their soil, give them a little room to breathe, and let your indoor jungle rest easy all winter long. 🌿