Repotting a Rootbound Dieffenbachia: Step‑by‑Step

A newly purchased Dieffenbachia in a 4″ pot with roots circling the bottom is “nicely rootbound.” It can stay there if you water every 2–3 days, but a 5–6″ pot gives more buffer.

Repotting Procedure

1. Choose a 5″ or 6″ pot with drainage holes.
2. Use a damp, peat‑based soilless mix.
3. Gently loosen the outer rootball surface—don’t tear large roots.
4. Add 1″ of mix to the new pot; set rootball so its top sits ½″ below the rim.
5. Fill around sides, tamp lightly. Do NOT add soil on top of the original rootball.
6. Water thoroughly; top off if mix settles.

Stability Tip

If the plastic pot tips, double‑pot it inside a heavier ceramic cachepot.